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Sunday is a working day in Egypt (Fri/Sat is the weekend) and with that the traffic is even heavier than before. At least the sky is blue this morning with a light breeze helping to blow the smoke haze away. If the breeze blows too hard, it brings in the sand from the desert whch covers the city in a sandy layer. The forecast temp today is 32 degrees and this is almost the beginning of winter! Our bus driver Hassam picks us up after a hearty breakfast along with our security guard. We have a security guard with us every time we go out, a practice that has been in place since the 90s. It is kind of reassuring to have him there even though he looks like a cross beteween one of the Blues Brothers and James Bond in his dark suit and black sunnies. He carries the obligatory weapon concealed under his jacket but in the breeze it isn't concealed all that well. Perhaps it's meant to be that way. As well as our own guard, tourism police in their crisp white uniforms are very obvious at all touristic sites.
This morning's program takes in a Cairo city tour with a visit to the Citadel and the Mohamed Ali Mosque followed by a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Tarek, our guide is an extremely well informed Egyptologist. His knowledge of Egyptian history is mind blowing and his ability to make it all very interesting is a tribute to him. For once I actually enjoy going to a museum! The Mohamed Ali Mosque is similar to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and was built in the first half of the 19th centure in memory of Tusun Pasha, Muhammad Ali's oldest son. Tarek explains to us a lot about the mysteries of Islam and will hold a Q&A forum with us later in the week. Should be interesting!
In the late afternoon we visit the famous Egyptian bazaar, Khan el Khalili Souk and wander around the old part of Cairo. We are bombarded with sellers of just about everything offering us the best deals in the world for their postcards, books, clothes, fiigurines etc. The crowds are down compared to usual numbers at this normally peak time, so the sellers are very anxious to make a sale. But we see nothing that interests us at all. In fact we are both somewhat disappointed with the bazaar which doesn't even come close to the Grand Bazaar in Turkey. Dinner is at a restaurant which serves a traditional Egyptian meal of a wonderful selections of breads and dips followed by a mixed grill, all very tasty. Dessert is creme caramel and then I had a cup of Turkish tea - very strong. Hope it doesn't keep me awake.
We have a very early start tomorrow with our flight to Luxor departing at 7:30 am meaning luggage outside the door at 4:30 am and departure at 5:10am ...... one of the downsides of an organised tour.
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