Cairo and the Pyramids, 12/2

Sounds like you are having fun. Things are busy here. Mike was sideswiped in the Suburban with all the little kids when they went to get the Christmas tree. Lots of damage to the car...no one hurt. Other driver fled the scene. Now the mess to clean up with insurance and get repairs done as well. Sigh! Also, Benjamin's meeting for his IEP is on 12/11, the same day as Mike goes before the county for zoning approval for the new property. Prayers for success with both endeavors would be greatly appreciated. As you see...we are NOT relaxing as much as you two but doing our best to keep up with the Christmas spirit and have the peace of Christ during challenging times. Love, Kim ><>

We landed in Alexandria, Egypt at about 7 AM. We were off the ship within a half hour and driving on a motor coach (fancy bus) through the city on our way to the Pyramids. The city was a mixture of tall buildings, cars (mostly old) donkeys pulling carts and the realization that we were in Africa for the first time! Driving through the countryside it was greener than expected but we were not far from the Nile and its water irrigating the land. The farther we went the more remote - more carts, donkeys, oxen and no signs that were translated into English. We knew it would be difficult to travel here without knowing the language. There were herds of camels every once in a while out in the sand. I think I felt as far from what I know as I ever have in my life (Gram speaking). Then we were further and further into the desert although there was green here and there. 2 1/2 hrs later we were standing in front of the Pyramids taking pictures fast and furious and not believing we were really there. They are as large as you have ever dreamed they are and we were awe struck from the history we were seeing. We then drove over to the Sphinx (we could have walked) and it to was as remarkable as we had always imagined. We continued to not believe we were really there. I guess one of the most interesting things is that the city of Giza is right there in the shadows of the Pyramids and Sphinx. So you felt not entirely in the desert. There us so much more to say and we'll tell you when we get home. We then drove to a very lovely country club and piled into a 4X4 with our friends that we eat with at night - Beverly (80) and her daughters. We were sitting on two sideways seats in the back. We drove out into the desert, steep hills and so much sand (very fine sand). The driver started driving fast and zipping over like a roller coaster. We were being thrown all over the back and Beverly (the 80 year old) was being a true trooper. Her daughter yelled and we all were yelling and that made him drive even faster. After 20-30 minutes we looked out over a hill and saw more camels than we had every seen - dozens, may be over 100 with drivers. They were all dressed up (fancy saddles) sitting waiting for us. Granddaddy and I got two drivers whose camels got along well and we put our foot in the stirrup on the left side and threw out right leg over. Our right foot into another stirrup. After being instructed to hold on tight with both hands and lean back all of a sudden the rear legs came up (remember Aric and Tammy?) and then the front. After I found a good spot to settle in the saddle and looked over Granddaddy was all settled. We started our 30 minute journey back to our starting point. When we got use to the feel of the ride, exaggerated feeling of riding a horse) I started to smile and we rode together through the desert. You could see the pyramids not far off. We have some great pictures and tomorrow in Crete we'll try and find an internet cafe to download some for you. When we came to the end we held on tight and leaned back - all of a sudden the front went down and then the back. Getting off was a breeze. Then we had lunch of typical Egyptian food (very good). Off to the Zoser Pyramid (the step pyramid which was one of the first) and an even older one next to it (looking like a pile of rocks). Then we went into the tomb of a prince which was fascinating) from the year 2300BC. The color and sophistication of the pictures was very fascinating (couldn't take pictures but you'll get post cards). Then off to the Papyrus Institute to see how the papyrus paper is made (very fascinating too). Also bought some souvenirs. We then boarded the coaches and went 2 1/2 hrs back to the ship in the dark - as the sun had set after 12 hr of touring. An amazing day. We'll send pics as soon as we can. We are fine, recovering well from our adventure. We both enjoyed the experience and laughed the day away, admiring our friend Beverly who kept up with all the entire days. Miss you all and we are not quite half through our trip!

Wow- incredible imagery Gram... That really sounds truely magnificent, i cannot wait to see your pictures upon return!