January 3, 2002 — Mudeif Productions

Today is our last full day in Egypt, meaning we've got to get at least one thing in: the pyramids! We may have missed Snow City, but we won't miss the pyramids of Giza. Giza lies on the outskirts of Cairo, a subway ride away. We rode out with our friend and his son to see these ancient architectural wonders. Most everywhere you go in the area, you will be approached by official and unofficial guides, as well as by men offering cheap rides on camels and donkeys, not to mention the latest postcards and ceramic figurines.

The pyramids are quite staggering, especially in their size and geometric precision. What they once were has been lost, since the limestone coating that once covered them has been all but chipped away to provide for castles and mosques. We entered one of the larger pyramids by way of its narrow staircase, making our way to what was once a pharaonic tomb. Calvin for his part was particularly unimpressed with what he saw - the rocks within his reach were far more astounding.

*A real photo - just reversed for the logo to be readable.*

We did give into one of the camel rides, on a ship named "Columbus". We seemed to enjoy that more than Calvin did, too. Even Columbus put in his two cents. The contrast of the ancient pyramids with modern Cairo is quite evident in the town of Giza itself, whose KFC and Pizza Hut stand not far from the park's entrance.

From there, we headed back to Coptic Cairo and the Coptic Museum there. After spending a day in the Egypt Museum, it is difficult to spend time in another museum, lest you compare. The Coptic Museum has focused - but not exclusively - on Christian artifacts. Among the more interesting items were the early crosses which took the traditional Egyptian Ankh and transformed it into a Christian symbol. There was beautiful woodwork and iconography in addition to the exquisite stonework.

From there, we headed off towards the Seminary by way of Pope Shenudah's Cathedral nearby, then off to the Nile for a traditional falucca ride. The faluccas are ancient sail boats that have been used for thousands of years along the Nile. Ours had a motor, just in case the wind wasn't helping, but the breeze was more than adequate. The silhouettes cast by faluccas in the shadow of modern hotel buildings seemed to sum up Cairo quite well.