The Coptic Museum
We pass vibrant markets and quiet back streets as we enter the heart of Coptic Cairo. Our first stop here is the recently reopened Coptic museum, which sits in an open courtyard behind the huge Read More …
The great pyramids of Giza, Egypt
You can see the pyramids for a long time before you actually reach them, which makes for some odd contrasts along the way. As we approach, I begin to realize how immense they really are. Read More …
Magic carpets for sale in Egypt
Back in the bus, we quickly leave the desert sand for the lush green land irrigated by the Nile. (The ancient Egyptians realized both the value of their limited agricultural land and the drying power Read More …
Saqqara, Egypt
The route to Saqqara takes us out of Cairo; past the substantial, but rather squalid-looking squatter cities sprouting along the city’s green edge; and then into a lush agricultural area watered by the Nile via Read More …
A planner roams in California
In 2005 I visited California to attend a friend’s wedding and took a bit of time to explore a bit. I use links to improve your experience using this website. Some may be affiliate links Read More …
Saint Mark in Egypt
I am relieved to step out into the cool night air. Alas, I am not yet headed back to the hotel and my little perch high above the Nile. Instead, we are lead to a Read More …
Wandering Al-Azhar Park, Cairo, Egypt
As a bit of a treat, Romani has decided to bring us back to Al-Azhar Park (where we had dinner the night we arrived in Egypt) so we can see it and the surrounding skyline Read More …
The Muhammad Ali Mosque in the Cairo Citadel
Although the Citadel is just down the street, it actually takes a longish bus ride to get to the spot where we enter the complex. Of course, the fortified walls of the Citadel extend for Read More …
Sultan Hassan Mosque, Cairo, Egypt
Our first stop is the 14th century Sultan Hassan Mosque, which sits just below the Citadel. Even though we are not required to wear a headscarf here, it seems like the respectful to do. I’m Read More …
Traveling through the Sinai Peninsula
We make our fist stop practically within sight of the monastery at the visitor’s center for the Saint Catherine’s Protectorate. This consists of a series of small vernacular buildings perched on a low hillside at Read More …