A day at the Pyramids

Here in Cairo, Ramadan is in full swing - it is the third day of the 30 day celebration / religious observance. 95% of the populace in Egypt is fasting away from sunrise to sunset, with no food, water, and - seemingly the most worrisome relinquishment for some - smoking. At the exact point of sundown, we can see the streets empty, as far as the eye can see (this is very rare in such a monstrosity of a city), as families gather together for the breaking of the fast. Afterward, people stream onto the streets to set off firecrackers, mingle with their friends, and just plain enjoy the gift of life. It must be a struggle for many, especially in the heat, humidity, and poor air conditions of the city to go without food and water for so long. That is why it is so important for us Westerners to flaunt it when we have it! Please excuse my sarcasm.

Today, the group of MESPers and I descended, just as fine tourists, to the grand Pyramids of Giza. Up until the recent silly internet vote to determine the "new" Seven Wonders of the Worlds, these Pyramids, built over 3,800 years ago stood as the lasting accomplishments of those strange ancient Egyptians. Unfortunately, that's all the historical context I can provide, for I have do not know anything more, to be honest, beyond the utter awe I felt standing in front of these giant wonderful structures. Ancient history is definitely not my forte!

I find no better way to describe it all than to show pictures, so here they are:

Below is one of the better shots I got of the Great Sphinx with a pyramid in the background:



Showing off the pyramid, I am!


One of the neatest things of the day was riding horses in the desert. Here is a shot from a distance of the three pyramids - all shaded by the lovely smog:


At the base of a pyramid:


Me struggling to survive on a horse (with the beautiful pyramids in the background):
It is worthy to note that I got tossed off a horse today. Well not really. The real story is that the horse that I had called Frank slowly slung me off the side and proceeded to roll half his body on me, as I was in a half-blurred, half-shocked, and half-scared-out-of-my-mind state. I know that equals three halves, but it was worthy of a three-halves description, darn it! Anyways, after one of the guides came up and saw me rolling around in the desert sand, likewise as my lovely Frankie, he presented me with a new trophy horse. He went by the name of Mustafa or something like that. Mustafa and I had a blast, trotting and cantering through the wild Arabian desert.

On a more serious note, I would suggest to those who have time (and those who do not) to peruse a recent post from my fiance, Courtney, who is studying / ministering / building things in Sighisoara, Romania. She discusses and reveals the real faces who have been burdened by the utmost poverty and destitution in a rather profound and personal way. Please check it out: http://many-miles-from-home.blogspot.com/2007/09/without.html

Salaam,

Tony