Image from FHM (published online and in the October print issue):
12.17.2009
Nothing much
It's been just over a month since I posted last and I guess I haven't had much to blog about. I'm just working and have had a lot of projects from portrait sittings to model portfolio, and of course, the dreaded Christmas themed imagery. I had several glamour images printed of my model friend Wendi Handley in the October issue of FHM magazine (Philippines). That was cool. And supposedly, I have an image in Maxim online December issue but I've yet to find it and haven't been provided a link. Hmmm.
11.12.2009
Time flies
It's been just over a month since I returned from my trip and I've had so much going on. I was sick for a little while and apparently brought a bug back with me, had neck and back problems from carrying my backpack all over but probably more so from the bus squishing me in Cairo, and I've been busy with shoots. It's been a long month but I'm feeling better. I was in LA last weekend shooting and had two excellent photo sessions. I scheduled five shoots and three were cancelled hours before. Oh well, it was upsetting but I'll keep rolling. With the extra time I had I went to my favorite massage place--Pho Siam Thai Spa rocks, hung out in little Tokyo, and because people bailed on me I just had time to relax which I needed anyway.
I have to mention my model friend, XiXi Yang, who I've had the opportunity to work with in LA a couple times now. Last Sunday was my second shoot with her and we've captured some awesome images together. She's wonderful and such a pleasure to work with. Check her blog out at www.xixiyang.com. Fun stuff!
10.16.2009
This time last week
Last Friday I was sitting at JFK waiting on my return flight to San Diego, exhausted from my trip and ready to get home. It's amazing how quickly time passes. I look back and think how wonderful but short the trip was and I am having a bit of travel withdraw. I find myself thinking of new locations to run off to now and Tokyo or Hong Kong may be next on my list. I've caught a bug and it wants to travel.
10.10.2009
I'm home
It was a long day of travel yesterday, 27 hours. I made it back last night around 8pm, San Diego time. I talked with my friend Kim, who apartment sat for me, and after I unpacked and took a shower I was out. It's noon now and I'm just getting started with my day. The trip already seems so distant. I was talking with a neighbor who has traveled extensively and he said he felt bad for me because he knows I'll be going through what he called, "travel withdraw"; thinking about the trip and and still wanting to be traveling. I think that's true as I already feel I would like to have had a few more days. SO much I didn't do and didn't see but what I experienced was amazing.
Pictures coming soon!
Pictures coming soon!
Final leg
October 8th - 4:45pm, somewhere over the Midwest
I'm on the last leg of my trip in the air somewhere over the Midwest. I had a ten hour layover at JFK today... got on my flight at 4pm, easy coast time, and have been in the air now for a little over an hour. It's strange that I look back on the last two weeks and it went so quick, and now feels so distant. I had a wonderf time and an adventure that will last in my memories for the rest of my life. I took so many images and I guess this is one thing that slowed me down in terms of getting more in. I've been talking with people on the phone today and really my only regreat is not getting in more. When you travel alone though I think it becomes more dificult to navigate through things. I set everything up myself and had a lot of trials. Some days were challanging and as I told a friend there were a couple days where I just didn't want to go out and explore but I pushed myself and worked through fears, difficulties, and some deep lonlyness. There was one point where I encountered a bus that could have ended very badly but with all that you push yourself and you move forward and continue to experience life.
The trip was rewarding to say the least. I fulfilled childhood dreams and really what more could you ask for. The opportunity to see things that you dreamed of and the chance to touch and walk on ground that holds so much history was amazing. I would do it all again and I hope to one day go back and see and experiance more. I've been to Egypt.
I'm on the last leg of my trip in the air somewhere over the Midwest. I had a ten hour layover at JFK today... got on my flight at 4pm, easy coast time, and have been in the air now for a little over an hour. It's strange that I look back on the last two weeks and it went so quick, and now feels so distant. I had a wonderf time and an adventure that will last in my memories for the rest of my life. I took so many images and I guess this is one thing that slowed me down in terms of getting more in. I've been talking with people on the phone today and really my only regreat is not getting in more. When you travel alone though I think it becomes more dificult to navigate through things. I set everything up myself and had a lot of trials. Some days were challanging and as I told a friend there were a couple days where I just didn't want to go out and explore but I pushed myself and worked through fears, difficulties, and some deep lonlyness. There was one point where I encountered a bus that could have ended very badly but with all that you push yourself and you move forward and continue to experience life.
The trip was rewarding to say the least. I fulfilled childhood dreams and really what more could you ask for. The opportunity to see things that you dreamed of and the chance to touch and walk on ground that holds so much history was amazing. I would do it all again and I hope to one day go back and see and experiance more. I've been to Egypt.
6:19am, wheels on the ground at JFK
October 9th - 9:00am, east coast time
We landed at JFK at 6:19am and the cabin broke into aplause. We didn't have a rough flight or anything, people were just happy to be on the ground in the US. It was a long flight though, elleven and a half hours. After I got off the plane I went through passport control and security, it was good to be back. The last two weeks have been adventurous to say the least.
We landed at JFK at 6:19am and the cabin broke into aplause. We didn't have a rough flight or anything, people were just happy to be on the ground in the US. It was a long flight though, elleven and a half hours. After I got off the plane I went through passport control and security, it was good to be back. The last two weeks have been adventurous to say the least.
10.08.2009
Cairo airport
October 8th - 11pm
Just went through security which took about 45 minutes. Seriously, I went through several stations. I'm sitting at the gate now and have about an hour before boarding. I hired a driver from the hotel and Ali was awesome. It was like driving with a madman, and he was so nice to talk with. I think he got me here in record time. It's a good thing too because the airport is packed. Anyway, I'll be in New York tomorrow morning, 6:30am. Cool,... I was just getting comfortable with traveling though but I'm happy to get back to the states.
Updated 10.10.2009
I didn't want to type this when I was at the airport in Cairo because I wanted to get on my flight and I was using the free wifi. I went through two x-ray scans, had two body searches (pat downs), had a 10 minutes conversation about my travel in Egypt at one check point, and then passport control where I answered a few more questions. The process took about an hour and by the time I got to the waiting area I only sat for 15 minutes or so until the bus arrived to take passengers to the plane. It's strange, they don't have skyport type walkways like in the US. You are taken to the plane on the bus and board through either the front or rear doors of the plane by stairs.
Just went through security which took about 45 minutes. Seriously, I went through several stations. I'm sitting at the gate now and have about an hour before boarding. I hired a driver from the hotel and Ali was awesome. It was like driving with a madman, and he was so nice to talk with. I think he got me here in record time. It's a good thing too because the airport is packed. Anyway, I'll be in New York tomorrow morning, 6:30am. Cool,... I was just getting comfortable with traveling though but I'm happy to get back to the states.
Updated 10.10.2009
I didn't want to type this when I was at the airport in Cairo because I wanted to get on my flight and I was using the free wifi. I went through two x-ray scans, had two body searches (pat downs), had a 10 minutes conversation about my travel in Egypt at one check point, and then passport control where I answered a few more questions. The process took about an hour and by the time I got to the waiting area I only sat for 15 minutes or so until the bus arrived to take passengers to the plane. It's strange, they don't have skyport type walkways like in the US. You are taken to the plane on the bus and board through either the front or rear doors of the plane by stairs.
All is good
October 8th - 3:00am
I can't sleep so I thought I would explain why in my last post I think Egypt is trying to kill me. I was kidding but yesterday was a bit tough. It started good and I slept a little late, got up and had breakfast at the hotel,... cheese, bread, olives, and cucumbers. I packed my bag, checked out, and headded for the train station. It was about a 20 to 25 minute walk. I asked one of the police officers where the ticket window was when I arrived and was directed down platform 1. Next, I had to figure out which window, the first one was not it and I was told be the laddy behind the glass to go in another line, she didn't say which one. So, I get in another line and was able to ask someone before I waisted a lot of time again. This line was good. I get to the window and find that first class is sold out, I get a second class ticket which is pretty cheap, EL 19.00. The first class ticket is either EL 35.00 or EL 55.00, depending on the time you pick to leave. I have my ticket and I'm not really sure about traveling second class but I leave the station to find the Roman amphitheater ruins. It's easy enough to find, just one block over from the train station. I have several hours before I need to get back and I spend most of my time walking around the ruins at the theater. I was going to walk to another sight but had run into a person I meant on the plane. She and her husband are in Egypt for a conferance and are from the UTC neighborhood of San Diego. We talked for 15 minutes or so and then her tour group started boarding the bus. After talking with her about the location I wanted to visit I decided not to walk there and instead walk around Alexandria with no destination.
It was time to head back to the train station and find out what platform I needed to be on. One of the things I've done on this trip when traveling by train is to double check and ask a few people where I'm supposed to be. Yesterday, I had five differnet answers and one person just said not here and brushed me away with his hand. The consistant answer was platform 8. I went to platform 8, bought some drinks from a vendor and asked one more time where I should be, he told me I was in the right place. I sit and relaxas I have a half hour before departure. As I'm waiting I notice that after about fiftenn minutes no one else is on the platform. Everyone left. A train pulled in but it's on platform 6. The vendor yells over at me, "hey mister, that train." I get up and run over to the other platform. I get in my car, find the seat and all is good. Second class isn't bad. A little more run down than first class but it's good. By the end of the trip though, we've picked up so many people that they're standing and have packed the car. I am the only white boy on the train so everyone is looking at me like what's he doing here. We pull into Cairo around 6:30pm. I head for the subway and get a ticket. I'm off to Sadat square. I'm looking forward to getting to the hotel and relaxing but when I walk the mile and arrive I find that they gave my room to someone else. I get my EL 100 deposit back but now have to look for something. I spend a half hour online searching and making some phone calls. Nothing. I also find that a friend I had been talking to online for a couple of weeks is also in Cairo and she wants to meet at the hotel. I wait until 9 for her and have to leave for food. I walk back downtown because I know there's hostels close to the area. I eat find a hostel, the first one I walk into. By this time it's 10:30. My friend went to the other hostel but we were able to connect through msn. She grabbs a cab to Talaat Harb circle and comes to meet me. We spend a couple hours talking and I walk her back to her hostel around 1am. Daisy had some great story about her travels in Egypt and I shared mine. It was really cool to connect online with someone from another country (she's from China) and then meet up with them.
Speaking of China, there are so many Chinese, and Japanese, people touring Egypt. Lots of people from Europe too. I've seen very few Americans though. I think the largest American group I've seen is a tour group at the Roman aphitheater,... It was a retirement home let loose.
I can't sleep so I thought I would explain why in my last post I think Egypt is trying to kill me. I was kidding but yesterday was a bit tough. It started good and I slept a little late, got up and had breakfast at the hotel,... cheese, bread, olives, and cucumbers. I packed my bag, checked out, and headded for the train station. It was about a 20 to 25 minute walk. I asked one of the police officers where the ticket window was when I arrived and was directed down platform 1. Next, I had to figure out which window, the first one was not it and I was told be the laddy behind the glass to go in another line, she didn't say which one. So, I get in another line and was able to ask someone before I waisted a lot of time again. This line was good. I get to the window and find that first class is sold out, I get a second class ticket which is pretty cheap, EL 19.00. The first class ticket is either EL 35.00 or EL 55.00, depending on the time you pick to leave. I have my ticket and I'm not really sure about traveling second class but I leave the station to find the Roman amphitheater ruins. It's easy enough to find, just one block over from the train station. I have several hours before I need to get back and I spend most of my time walking around the ruins at the theater. I was going to walk to another sight but had run into a person I meant on the plane. She and her husband are in Egypt for a conferance and are from the UTC neighborhood of San Diego. We talked for 15 minutes or so and then her tour group started boarding the bus. After talking with her about the location I wanted to visit I decided not to walk there and instead walk around Alexandria with no destination.
It was time to head back to the train station and find out what platform I needed to be on. One of the things I've done on this trip when traveling by train is to double check and ask a few people where I'm supposed to be. Yesterday, I had five differnet answers and one person just said not here and brushed me away with his hand. The consistant answer was platform 8. I went to platform 8, bought some drinks from a vendor and asked one more time where I should be, he told me I was in the right place. I sit and relaxas I have a half hour before departure. As I'm waiting I notice that after about fiftenn minutes no one else is on the platform. Everyone left. A train pulled in but it's on platform 6. The vendor yells over at me, "hey mister, that train." I get up and run over to the other platform. I get in my car, find the seat and all is good. Second class isn't bad. A little more run down than first class but it's good. By the end of the trip though, we've picked up so many people that they're standing and have packed the car. I am the only white boy on the train so everyone is looking at me like what's he doing here. We pull into Cairo around 6:30pm. I head for the subway and get a ticket. I'm off to Sadat square. I'm looking forward to getting to the hotel and relaxing but when I walk the mile and arrive I find that they gave my room to someone else. I get my EL 100 deposit back but now have to look for something. I spend a half hour online searching and making some phone calls. Nothing. I also find that a friend I had been talking to online for a couple of weeks is also in Cairo and she wants to meet at the hotel. I wait until 9 for her and have to leave for food. I walk back downtown because I know there's hostels close to the area. I eat find a hostel, the first one I walk into. By this time it's 10:30. My friend went to the other hostel but we were able to connect through msn. She grabbs a cab to Talaat Harb circle and comes to meet me. We spend a couple hours talking and I walk her back to her hostel around 1am. Daisy had some great story about her travels in Egypt and I shared mine. It was really cool to connect online with someone from another country (she's from China) and then meet up with them.
Speaking of China, there are so many Chinese, and Japanese, people touring Egypt. Lots of people from Europe too. I've seen very few Americans though. I think the largest American group I've seen is a tour group at the Roman aphitheater,... It was a retirement home let loose.
10.07.2009
Egypt is trying to kill me
October 7th - 10:30pm
I just checked in to the Lialy hostel downtown in Talaat Harb circle. I got off the train around 6:30pm from Alexandria, took the subway to Sadat square, and then walked to the Juliana hostel in Garden City. I booked with them before checking out last week and paid an EL 100 deposit. I get there tonight and find that they gave my room to someone else. I get the deposit back but I had no place to stay so I got online and started looking. Everything was booked, no rooms or way to expensive, like in the 2 and 300 US dollar range. I walked to Talaat Harb circle because I knew there were hostels in the area. The first one I checked, the Lialy, had a room. Yes!
I just checked in to the Lialy hostel downtown in Talaat Harb circle. I got off the train around 6:30pm from Alexandria, took the subway to Sadat square, and then walked to the Juliana hostel in Garden City. I booked with them before checking out last week and paid an EL 100 deposit. I get there tonight and find that they gave my room to someone else. I get the deposit back but I had no place to stay so I got online and started looking. Everything was booked, no rooms or way to expensive, like in the 2 and 300 US dollar range. I walked to Talaat Harb circle because I knew there were hostels in the area. The first one I checked, the Lialy, had a room. Yes!
On my way to Cairo
October 7th - 11am
I just checked out of the hotel Egypt and I'm walking over to the train station to get a ticket back to Cairo. I hope to catch an afternoon train and miss the rush. I should get into Cairo by 6pm.
I just checked out of the hotel Egypt and I'm walking over to the train station to get a ticket back to Cairo. I hope to catch an afternoon train and miss the rush. I should get into Cairo by 6pm.
10.06.2009
Where's Alexandria
October 6th - 9:30pm
I've been walking around Alexandria all day. I just returned to relax, take a shower, then go to sleep. I started off my day by eating at Athenos resturant right around the corner from the hotel. I had a fish, mushroom, curry dish which was so good. Like really good. I've never had a curry dish with fish that tasted so good. And the fish... ahhh
I left the resturant in search of a bank to exchange some of my US dollars. I went to four banks and two were closed, the other two were the same branch but their computers went down. I decided to keep walking and about 20 minutes later I arrived at the Alexandria National Museum. I was shocked at how small it was. For a city to have as much history as Alexandria there's very little to show for it. I can't believe there was only a few rooms of antiquity on display. I have to be missing something. What was on display was wonderful though. After the museum I started walking again and probably walked a couple miles around the city just looking. I finally grabbed a cab and took a ride over to fort Qaitbey. I spent about an hour or so walking around the fort. I was late in getting there so I couldn't get in but I spent time on the boardwalk watching people and taking photographs. After that I walked the roughly two miles back to the hotel, took a half hour break, and headed out again to go shopping. I just got back and the only thing I picked up was a dress shirt, beverages, and stopped to get a yummy pastery topped with fruit, and a hot tea. I'm so tired from walking today and I've been walking so much on this trip. Along with that, it's been so hot that I've lost weight and my pants are starting to fall off. I'm going to have to buy a belt soon, like tomorrow.
So, tomorrow is my last day in Alexandria. I'm kind of sad because I like Alexandria. I would stay a bit longer but there's a few more things I want to see in Cairo. I'm off to the crayziness again. I mean really, Cairo is a bit of madness,... so many people, so much traffic, so much polution. I think if there's one thing I would have to say that's overwhelmingly sad about Egypt is that it's choking on it's trash. Egypt is a beautiful country but saddly it's loosing it's luster to polution. I think that was one of the shocking things for me when visiting Saqqara and Giza. The amount of trash on the ground at those locations was sad. And not only that, but the amount of people that visit are taking a toll on the locations. You can see bag marks (people with backpack or shoulder bags scrapping or rubbing the walls), oil from hands over years and years of touching, and vandalizim. The one place where some of this was an exception was Luxor. It was so clean in comparison. Anyway,... I forgot to mention that I was stopped on the street again by several people and spent several mimutes talking today. One guy came running up behind me and stopped me for a while just to ask questions. He is an accountant, has two kids, a wife, is 54 years old, has traveled to England and Switzerland, wants his brother to get him and his familly in the US (New Jersey), and smokes heavely. People are very friendly and open in Egypt.
I've been walking around Alexandria all day. I just returned to relax, take a shower, then go to sleep. I started off my day by eating at Athenos resturant right around the corner from the hotel. I had a fish, mushroom, curry dish which was so good. Like really good. I've never had a curry dish with fish that tasted so good. And the fish... ahhh
I left the resturant in search of a bank to exchange some of my US dollars. I went to four banks and two were closed, the other two were the same branch but their computers went down. I decided to keep walking and about 20 minutes later I arrived at the Alexandria National Museum. I was shocked at how small it was. For a city to have as much history as Alexandria there's very little to show for it. I can't believe there was only a few rooms of antiquity on display. I have to be missing something. What was on display was wonderful though. After the museum I started walking again and probably walked a couple miles around the city just looking. I finally grabbed a cab and took a ride over to fort Qaitbey. I spent about an hour or so walking around the fort. I was late in getting there so I couldn't get in but I spent time on the boardwalk watching people and taking photographs. After that I walked the roughly two miles back to the hotel, took a half hour break, and headed out again to go shopping. I just got back and the only thing I picked up was a dress shirt, beverages, and stopped to get a yummy pastery topped with fruit, and a hot tea. I'm so tired from walking today and I've been walking so much on this trip. Along with that, it's been so hot that I've lost weight and my pants are starting to fall off. I'm going to have to buy a belt soon, like tomorrow.
So, tomorrow is my last day in Alexandria. I'm kind of sad because I like Alexandria. I would stay a bit longer but there's a few more things I want to see in Cairo. I'm off to the crayziness again. I mean really, Cairo is a bit of madness,... so many people, so much traffic, so much polution. I think if there's one thing I would have to say that's overwhelmingly sad about Egypt is that it's choking on it's trash. Egypt is a beautiful country but saddly it's loosing it's luster to polution. I think that was one of the shocking things for me when visiting Saqqara and Giza. The amount of trash on the ground at those locations was sad. And not only that, but the amount of people that visit are taking a toll on the locations. You can see bag marks (people with backpack or shoulder bags scrapping or rubbing the walls), oil from hands over years and years of touching, and vandalizim. The one place where some of this was an exception was Luxor. It was so clean in comparison. Anyway,... I forgot to mention that I was stopped on the street again by several people and spent several mimutes talking today. One guy came running up behind me and stopped me for a while just to ask questions. He is an accountant, has two kids, a wife, is 54 years old, has traveled to England and Switzerland, wants his brother to get him and his familly in the US (New Jersey), and smokes heavely. People are very friendly and open in Egypt.
The Egypt hotel
October 6th - 11:30 am
I just checked into my new room at the Egypt hotel. As I type this I'm sitting on the corner of the bed looking out of the french doors at the bay and fort Qaitbey. The hotel is just one block over from the place I stayed last night (I paid $24.00 US but that was to much for that place). I'm on the third floor and overlooking the main street, and bay. Everything is booked around here so I wasn't sure I would get in this morning but someone cancelled and I picked up an awesome room for $58.00 US. I think I can sleep well tonight. And, it's clean. Sweet!
I'm off to get lunch and walk around Alexandria.
- Fort Qaitbey was built in 1480 and sits on the ground where the Pharos lighthouse once stood.
I just checked into my new room at the Egypt hotel. As I type this I'm sitting on the corner of the bed looking out of the french doors at the bay and fort Qaitbey. The hotel is just one block over from the place I stayed last night (I paid $24.00 US but that was to much for that place). I'm on the third floor and overlooking the main street, and bay. Everything is booked around here so I wasn't sure I would get in this morning but someone cancelled and I picked up an awesome room for $58.00 US. I think I can sleep well tonight. And, it's clean. Sweet!
I'm off to get lunch and walk around Alexandria.
- Fort Qaitbey was built in 1480 and sits on the ground where the Pharos lighthouse once stood.
10.05.2009
Cafe Trianon
October 5th - 11:40pm
I just finished dinner inside cafe Trianon. The margareta pizza was so good. I moved to the sidewalk outside to people watch and breath in exahust fumes and dust from the busy street right in front of me (just kidding, it's not really that bad). After several days in Luxor the breez is wonderful tonight. It's actually a little chilly but then the bay is just a 100 yards directly in front of me. It's crazy, it's Monday night and there are so many people out walking, shopping, or sitting on the sea wall. I guess it has calmed down a bit because there wasn't a place to sit on the sea wall about an hour ago. It's so strange seeing what has to be an old 1920s relic of a trolly roll down the street. A horse and carage just passed in front too but those are on pretty much any street corner around here. The car traffic has died down drastically because it was bumper to bumper a couple hours ago. Well, I think it's time for me to walk. I'll try to update again tomorrow.
I just finished dinner inside cafe Trianon. The margareta pizza was so good. I moved to the sidewalk outside to people watch and breath in exahust fumes and dust from the busy street right in front of me (just kidding, it's not really that bad). After several days in Luxor the breez is wonderful tonight. It's actually a little chilly but then the bay is just a 100 yards directly in front of me. It's crazy, it's Monday night and there are so many people out walking, shopping, or sitting on the sea wall. I guess it has calmed down a bit because there wasn't a place to sit on the sea wall about an hour ago. It's so strange seeing what has to be an old 1920s relic of a trolly roll down the street. A horse and carage just passed in front too but those are on pretty much any street corner around here. The car traffic has died down drastically because it was bumper to bumper a couple hours ago. Well, I think it's time for me to walk. I'll try to update again tomorrow.
In Alexandria
October 5th - 10:45 pm
I made it to Alexandria after a long 12 hour trip. It was two train rides, from Luxor to Cairo, and Cairo to Alexandrian. The first class compartment was comfortable and I was able to sleep a little. I arrived in Alexandria around 2pm and walked around the train station for a little while to figure out where things are when I come back and get my ticket for Cairo on Wednesday. I left the station and cuaght a cab out front. The driver took me to the hotel I booked through expedia the day before. It was pretty far from where I thought it would be. The map on expedia was off and when I got in the hotel to check in they didn't have my name in their log for a reservation. I was so frustraited because I booked two nights and I wasn't sure what to do. They were going to charge me a lesser rate which wasn't bad but the place was so far away from anything. It was right next to the ocean so I was impressed with that but I asked to see the room and I'm glad I did. I decided not to stay and walked out onto the street. I had been on the train so long I decided to walk back to the area I wanted to be in, closer to the bay. It was about a 7km walk and I was so sweaty by the time I made it down there. I started hitting hotels, looking at the Lonley Planet guide book and seeing if anyone had rooms available. I covered five hotels and nothing, I felt like I might be spending the night on the beach. I finally found one but it's kind of nasty. I don't even want to use the shower. The bathroom, Yuck! I'm looking for a new hotel tomorrow. I do have a pretty awesome view of the bay though. I'm on the fourth floor overlooking the main strip, Al-Cornichie. I slept a couple hours when I checked in but cought the sunset, it was beautiful.
I'm at cafe Trianon and my pizza just arrived... have to eat.
Okay, I've always heard the pizza in Europe is much better. I think it's true.
I made it to Alexandria after a long 12 hour trip. It was two train rides, from Luxor to Cairo, and Cairo to Alexandrian. The first class compartment was comfortable and I was able to sleep a little. I arrived in Alexandria around 2pm and walked around the train station for a little while to figure out where things are when I come back and get my ticket for Cairo on Wednesday. I left the station and cuaght a cab out front. The driver took me to the hotel I booked through expedia the day before. It was pretty far from where I thought it would be. The map on expedia was off and when I got in the hotel to check in they didn't have my name in their log for a reservation. I was so frustraited because I booked two nights and I wasn't sure what to do. They were going to charge me a lesser rate which wasn't bad but the place was so far away from anything. It was right next to the ocean so I was impressed with that but I asked to see the room and I'm glad I did. I decided not to stay and walked out onto the street. I had been on the train so long I decided to walk back to the area I wanted to be in, closer to the bay. It was about a 7km walk and I was so sweaty by the time I made it down there. I started hitting hotels, looking at the Lonley Planet guide book and seeing if anyone had rooms available. I covered five hotels and nothing, I felt like I might be spending the night on the beach. I finally found one but it's kind of nasty. I don't even want to use the shower. The bathroom, Yuck! I'm looking for a new hotel tomorrow. I do have a pretty awesome view of the bay though. I'm on the fourth floor overlooking the main strip, Al-Cornichie. I slept a couple hours when I checked in but cought the sunset, it was beautiful.
I'm at cafe Trianon and my pizza just arrived... have to eat.
Okay, I've always heard the pizza in Europe is much better. I think it's true.
On the train to Alexandria
October 5th - 11:10 am
Just boarded the 11:15 train to Alexandria. I arrived at the Cario station about an hour ago, purchased my ticket to Alexandria and spent the rest of the time wondering around the station. I didn't get much sleep again on the train ride up from Luxor. The car wasn't bad at first but in the middle of the night the airconditioning kicked in at it was freezing. I had to get extra clothing from my bag to keep warm. The girl next to me was shaking. I felt so bad for her and I offered one of my shirts but she wanted to suffer I guess. The train just moved, I'm on my way. It's funny, last night there was this confusion with seat numbers (they're in Arabic) and the couple got mixed up and I switched seats with them, then I got confused with their ticket and was in the wrong place. I moved to the correct seat and was asked to switch again so another couple could be together. That same couple is on the train with me to Alixandria and I just switched seats with them again. Too funny.
Just boarded the 11:15 train to Alexandria. I arrived at the Cario station about an hour ago, purchased my ticket to Alexandria and spent the rest of the time wondering around the station. I didn't get much sleep again on the train ride up from Luxor. The car wasn't bad at first but in the middle of the night the airconditioning kicked in at it was freezing. I had to get extra clothing from my bag to keep warm. The girl next to me was shaking. I felt so bad for her and I offered one of my shirts but she wanted to suffer I guess. The train just moved, I'm on my way. It's funny, last night there was this confusion with seat numbers (they're in Arabic) and the couple got mixed up and I switched seats with them, then I got confused with their ticket and was in the wrong place. I moved to the correct seat and was asked to switch again so another couple could be together. That same couple is on the train with me to Alixandria and I just switched seats with them again. Too funny.
On a deeper note
October 5th -12:15am
I've been listening to music on my iPod and looking out the window as distant street lights pass. This trip has been a tough one. Not because of the cultural differences, language barrier, or difficulties I've faced but because I've not had my companion to share in those experiances and be part of an amazing journey. It's been a trip mixed with wonder, amazment, excitment, challenges, tests of patiences, and deep sadness. It was probably the exact wrong thing to do after the past five months but maybe it's making me a stronger and better person. I can say that my emotional wound is very deep and it will take a long time heal. I guess there's nothing like taking a trip to the other side of the globe and away from everything that's familure to realize how much hurt you have. On a positive note, I just listened to Black Sabath's (Ozzy Ozborn), Iron Man. It keep me from being a sobbing mess while typing this... mostly. It's a good thing pretty much everyone is asleep around me. On a completly different note, the passanger next to me has a night mask on with googly eyes, i keep looking over and giggling. Time for sleep.
I've been listening to music on my iPod and looking out the window as distant street lights pass. This trip has been a tough one. Not because of the cultural differences, language barrier, or difficulties I've faced but because I've not had my companion to share in those experiances and be part of an amazing journey. It's been a trip mixed with wonder, amazment, excitment, challenges, tests of patiences, and deep sadness. It was probably the exact wrong thing to do after the past five months but maybe it's making me a stronger and better person. I can say that my emotional wound is very deep and it will take a long time heal. I guess there's nothing like taking a trip to the other side of the globe and away from everything that's familure to realize how much hurt you have. On a positive note, I just listened to Black Sabath's (Ozzy Ozborn), Iron Man. It keep me from being a sobbing mess while typing this... mostly. It's a good thing pretty much everyone is asleep around me. On a completly different note, the passanger next to me has a night mask on with googly eyes, i keep looking over and giggling. Time for sleep.
Moving on to Cairo
October 4th - 10:22pm
I'm on the train for Cairo. The car is much better than the one I came down in. I think the only smelly thing on it this time is me. I'm pretty rank after a day in the desert heat. Ahh, the swiming pool would be so good right now. Luxor has been incredable and I would come back again. I missed so much, just not enough time to do it all. I have to say that even with the constant badgering from the carage drivers, taxi drivers, felluca boat touts, and street vendors it's been relaxing and incredable. I'm looking forward to Alexandria but also sad to leave because I've missed so much.
Cool, I just looked out the window and realized you can actually see out of it. Nice!
I'm on the train for Cairo. The car is much better than the one I came down in. I think the only smelly thing on it this time is me. I'm pretty rank after a day in the desert heat. Ahh, the swiming pool would be so good right now. Luxor has been incredable and I would come back again. I missed so much, just not enough time to do it all. I have to say that even with the constant badgering from the carage drivers, taxi drivers, felluca boat touts, and street vendors it's been relaxing and incredable. I'm looking forward to Alexandria but also sad to leave because I've missed so much.
Cool, I just looked out the window and realized you can actually see out of it. Nice!
10.04.2009
Last day in Luxor
October 4th - 7:00pm
I'm sitting in El Hussien resturant waiting on my chicken dish, after finishing my walk through Karnak. I've had an interesting day. I was up early to get things together because check out was supposed to be at noon. The desk attendant let me stay until 3 which was cool. That gave me time to rest a little more and then head off to the train station to get my ticket for the 10:15pm train. I was hoping it would be quick but that wasn't the case. I stood in line for 10 minutes, got to the window and the guy walks away. I waited along with another person that was next to me thinking the guy would be right back. He went to lunch and we waited for 30 minutes. The crowd behind me started getting angry about 20 minutes into the wait. It was so hot I think I lost 5 ponds by sweating. And, because of the heat people were getting smelly,... OMG, I wont even go into how bad oral hygen is here. Finally, finally he comes back and I get my ticket.
On the way back to the hotel I stopped to talk to an older gentalmen. It turns out that he's a captain of a felluca and is up front with me about wanting my tourist dollars. He speaks english very well and we talk for 20 minutes or so before I agree to come back at 3 for a ride on his boat. I get back to the hotel, rest, get my board shorts on and head for the pool. It was soo good.
Food is here, have to eat.
8:35pm
I'm back at the hotel.... sneaking in again to use the free wifi. I finshed dinner and walked down to collect my bag from the other part of the hotel. Dinner was good and I'm so full. It completes a long day and hopefully I get some sleep on the long train ride I have tonight.
So, back to my folies. As I mentioned, I hired a felluca boat to sail on the Nile. I meet the captain and we cross the street to the dock, board the boat and get pushed off. We're drifting out into the middle of the Nile and it's beautiful. So this conversation starts between the captain and his helper. One of the ropes is cuaght and he can't get it unstuck. We drift to the west bank, have to push off another boat, and the helper then gets a long piece of wood to push off the bottom and move us up stream. We get to a place without traffic and the helper climbs the mast again to try and get the sail unstuck. He's not successful, climbs down and gets out an oar. I'm enjoying the trip regardless but the experiance is comical. Eventually, the captain joins in on the rowing. I have pictures of all of this. To funny. I just did an hour on the boat because I wanted to get to Karnak before the 4:30 cut off for tickets. I get off the boat and walk to Karank. I get there in time... yesterday I didn't and I was turned away. Grrr
Karnak is beautiful! Amazing! It's massive, and simply astonishing. I walk around for a couple hours with my mouth open and every few minutes I close it to form the word Wow. I took so many pictures. You could spend weeks there trying to capture images. I finally found the reflecting pool and spent a half hour or so just watching the sunset. I was finally kicked out by a guard. They close the place and charge twice as much for the sound and light show after 7:30. It's an amazing place and I should have spent much more time there. Saddly, I'm leaving tonight and headed for Alexandria.
I'm sitting in El Hussien resturant waiting on my chicken dish, after finishing my walk through Karnak. I've had an interesting day. I was up early to get things together because check out was supposed to be at noon. The desk attendant let me stay until 3 which was cool. That gave me time to rest a little more and then head off to the train station to get my ticket for the 10:15pm train. I was hoping it would be quick but that wasn't the case. I stood in line for 10 minutes, got to the window and the guy walks away. I waited along with another person that was next to me thinking the guy would be right back. He went to lunch and we waited for 30 minutes. The crowd behind me started getting angry about 20 minutes into the wait. It was so hot I think I lost 5 ponds by sweating. And, because of the heat people were getting smelly,... OMG, I wont even go into how bad oral hygen is here. Finally, finally he comes back and I get my ticket.
On the way back to the hotel I stopped to talk to an older gentalmen. It turns out that he's a captain of a felluca and is up front with me about wanting my tourist dollars. He speaks english very well and we talk for 20 minutes or so before I agree to come back at 3 for a ride on his boat. I get back to the hotel, rest, get my board shorts on and head for the pool. It was soo good.
Food is here, have to eat.
8:35pm
I'm back at the hotel.... sneaking in again to use the free wifi. I finshed dinner and walked down to collect my bag from the other part of the hotel. Dinner was good and I'm so full. It completes a long day and hopefully I get some sleep on the long train ride I have tonight.
So, back to my folies. As I mentioned, I hired a felluca boat to sail on the Nile. I meet the captain and we cross the street to the dock, board the boat and get pushed off. We're drifting out into the middle of the Nile and it's beautiful. So this conversation starts between the captain and his helper. One of the ropes is cuaght and he can't get it unstuck. We drift to the west bank, have to push off another boat, and the helper then gets a long piece of wood to push off the bottom and move us up stream. We get to a place without traffic and the helper climbs the mast again to try and get the sail unstuck. He's not successful, climbs down and gets out an oar. I'm enjoying the trip regardless but the experiance is comical. Eventually, the captain joins in on the rowing. I have pictures of all of this. To funny. I just did an hour on the boat because I wanted to get to Karnak before the 4:30 cut off for tickets. I get off the boat and walk to Karank. I get there in time... yesterday I didn't and I was turned away. Grrr
Karnak is beautiful! Amazing! It's massive, and simply astonishing. I walk around for a couple hours with my mouth open and every few minutes I close it to form the word Wow. I took so many pictures. You could spend weeks there trying to capture images. I finally found the reflecting pool and spent a half hour or so just watching the sunset. I was finally kicked out by a guard. They close the place and charge twice as much for the sound and light show after 7:30. It's an amazing place and I should have spent much more time there. Saddly, I'm leaving tonight and headed for Alexandria.
10.03.2009
Not so much
October 3rd - 7:50pm
I'm sitting in the lobby of the Winter Palace hotel. It's the posh portion of the hotel where rooms go for 3 and 4 hundred a night. They have free wifi here so I've snuck in to send notes and update my blog. It's a beautiful hotel though and over a hundred years of history. Well, today I didn't do so much. I think the travel has caught up to me and I was really tired this mornig. I ate breakfast at the hotel and had a lot of fruit which was a departure from my -everything cooked- diet. Should have stuck to that.
I did make it to Hatshepsut's mortuary temple on the west bank of the Nile this afternoon. I've always wanted to vist that place for some reason and it was astonishing. To walk the stairs and stand on the terraces was profound. To think about how much history and to look out onto the Nile valley... it was wonderful. The architecture is one of the most magnificent as well. The beauty of it and the placment,... it was all so much to take in.
Ali, my taxi driver today, was pretty cool. He grew up on the west bank, has three brothers, four sisters, and his father has four wives. Sweet! Well, maybe not so sweet... We talked quite a bit and it was interesting to finally have a long conversation with someone. His brothers are in the tourist business so he kept trying to get me to buy other services though. The trip over was long. I can't believe they built a bridge to the west bank and placed it so far down the road, like 8km out of town. Until six years ago it was a ferry ride so I guess it beats the traffic mess/delay that would create today. Luxor has been a good place to visit and I've been enjoying my stay here. I could probably stay a few more nights but then I'm looking forward to spending time in Alexandria. The down side is the train ride back. Hugh.
I'm sitting in the lobby of the Winter Palace hotel. It's the posh portion of the hotel where rooms go for 3 and 4 hundred a night. They have free wifi here so I've snuck in to send notes and update my blog. It's a beautiful hotel though and over a hundred years of history. Well, today I didn't do so much. I think the travel has caught up to me and I was really tired this mornig. I ate breakfast at the hotel and had a lot of fruit which was a departure from my -everything cooked- diet. Should have stuck to that.
I did make it to Hatshepsut's mortuary temple on the west bank of the Nile this afternoon. I've always wanted to vist that place for some reason and it was astonishing. To walk the stairs and stand on the terraces was profound. To think about how much history and to look out onto the Nile valley... it was wonderful. The architecture is one of the most magnificent as well. The beauty of it and the placment,... it was all so much to take in.
Ali, my taxi driver today, was pretty cool. He grew up on the west bank, has three brothers, four sisters, and his father has four wives. Sweet! Well, maybe not so sweet... We talked quite a bit and it was interesting to finally have a long conversation with someone. His brothers are in the tourist business so he kept trying to get me to buy other services though. The trip over was long. I can't believe they built a bridge to the west bank and placed it so far down the road, like 8km out of town. Until six years ago it was a ferry ride so I guess it beats the traffic mess/delay that would create today. Luxor has been a good place to visit and I've been enjoying my stay here. I could probably stay a few more nights but then I'm looking forward to spending time in Alexandria. The down side is the train ride back. Hugh.
10.02.2009
Quick note
October 2nd - 8:45 pm
Just returned from Luxor temple. It's incredable!! I'm exhausted so I'm going to keep this note short and I have a long day tomorrow and so need sleep. I'm happy my hotel is quite and very peaceful. Anyway, my iPod battery is going dead too. I was up all night playing with it and typing. I took so many images this afternoon my eyes hurt. I got to the temple around 2 and stayed until 8:15 or so. I couldn't walk anymore. Ahh, the ruins are incredable!! Amazing as the sun sets and the artificial light at night transforms the temple too. Amazing!!
Okay, got to go becausey battery is going.
Just returned from Luxor temple. It's incredable!! I'm exhausted so I'm going to keep this note short and I have a long day tomorrow and so need sleep. I'm happy my hotel is quite and very peaceful. Anyway, my iPod battery is going dead too. I was up all night playing with it and typing. I took so many images this afternoon my eyes hurt. I got to the temple around 2 and stayed until 8:15 or so. I couldn't walk anymore. Ahh, the ruins are incredable!! Amazing as the sun sets and the artificial light at night transforms the temple too. Amazing!!
Okay, got to go becausey battery is going.
In Luxor but just barely
October 2nd - 11:38am
I arrived in Luxor but just barely. I had finally fallen asleep about 6 this monring. I watched the sun come up through the window of the train. It was so dirty you could hardly see out it though. The train ride was rough. Seated car, smelly, and freezing cold at first. By morning it wasn't as cold but still smelly. As I said, I finally got to sleep about 6. I woke up for a stop and asked a woman where we were, she said Dandara and that we still had a couple hours to Luxor. I went back to my seat and feel asleep. I woke to find the train stopped again. A man came into the compartment and asked for my ticket. I asked if we were in Luxor and he walked away. The couple across from me said they thought so. I quickly walked to the end of the car and asked another train attendant, yes. I run back to the seat and grab my bag and then ran back to the door. The guy opens it for me and I have to jump off as the train is moving away for the platform. Nice!
11:50am
I'm in my hotel as I type this. I walked over from the train station, less than a mile. It a beautiful, historic hotel but expinsive. I think they would wipe my nose if I sneezed. I'm right next to the Nile though and just about 100 yards from the Luxor tempel. I'm still so tired after that train ride. I may stay in Luxor another night just to recover. I'm certainly not looking forward to the trip back north. It may pay to get the sleeper car this time.
Luxor is beautiful though. It's a huge contrast form Cairo and so peaceful.
I arrived in Luxor but just barely. I had finally fallen asleep about 6 this monring. I watched the sun come up through the window of the train. It was so dirty you could hardly see out it though. The train ride was rough. Seated car, smelly, and freezing cold at first. By morning it wasn't as cold but still smelly. As I said, I finally got to sleep about 6. I woke up for a stop and asked a woman where we were, she said Dandara and that we still had a couple hours to Luxor. I went back to my seat and feel asleep. I woke to find the train stopped again. A man came into the compartment and asked for my ticket. I asked if we were in Luxor and he walked away. The couple across from me said they thought so. I quickly walked to the end of the car and asked another train attendant, yes. I run back to the seat and grab my bag and then ran back to the door. The guy opens it for me and I have to jump off as the train is moving away for the platform. Nice!
11:50am
I'm in my hotel as I type this. I walked over from the train station, less than a mile. It a beautiful, historic hotel but expinsive. I think they would wipe my nose if I sneezed. I'm right next to the Nile though and just about 100 yards from the Luxor tempel. I'm still so tired after that train ride. I may stay in Luxor another night just to recover. I'm certainly not looking forward to the trip back north. It may pay to get the sleeper car this time.
Luxor is beautiful though. It's a huge contrast form Cairo and so peaceful.
On the train
October 1st - 11:15 pm
I'm on the train to Luxor. I left downtown Cairo arond 8pm and hopped on the subway to Mubarak station. The train was packed and we litterally were pushed off in a mass group. There was an older couple in front of me and once off the train we started talking, they had there back to me for the short trip. It turned out they were going to the train station to get the same ticket I picked up earlier in the day, Cario to Luxor. We talked on the way and they told me they were from Chicago; it's the second time I've run into someone from Chicago. They weren't sure where to go so I helped them get there tickets. It took them less than a half hour whereas, I spent the better part of an hour. I got a little lost on the platforms, and then it was much busier during the day. I was supposed to take a tunel to cross over to the other platform and I missed it. Anyway, it's strange meeting people that are familiar but strangers at the same time. They came to Egypt on a pilgramige and are working their way through to Jerusalem.
It's 11:45pm now and the train is bummpy as hell. I don't think I'll get much sleep tonight. I've been thinking over a lot of things this evening and seeing people live their daily life in this country has had a pretty profound effect me. It's certainly given me a new appreciation for the things I have and my health. Before heading to the train station I was sitting on a bench in Sadat square watching traffic and people go by. There was a mother of a little girl selling tissue at the subway entrance. Her little 2 year duaghter was playing on the busy side walk, picking up cigaret butts and playing with them, picking up junk and playing with it. She was so cute and so dirty and it was so sad to see people, cars just going by her, and her mother trying to make something to survive. I mean really sad. There's so much poverty.
Apart from all that, I was almost crushed by a bus today in Sadat square. I was moving to get around it and there was a concrete wall right next to me. The driver cut in to close the gap, between the bus and the wall,... aparently because of another vehicle. I had to roll out quickly or I would have been a smear. Things you don't want to do in Cairo, put yourself between a bus and wall. Also, be careful walking between parked cars. Some people leave the car out of gear when they park. This means that when someone else is parking their car and hits the other car that's out of gear it rolls back (or forward) and bumps into the next. You don't want your legs there.
2:30am
I haven't been able to sleep. I'm so tired. Just can't sleep.
I'm on the train to Luxor. I left downtown Cairo arond 8pm and hopped on the subway to Mubarak station. The train was packed and we litterally were pushed off in a mass group. There was an older couple in front of me and once off the train we started talking, they had there back to me for the short trip. It turned out they were going to the train station to get the same ticket I picked up earlier in the day, Cario to Luxor. We talked on the way and they told me they were from Chicago; it's the second time I've run into someone from Chicago. They weren't sure where to go so I helped them get there tickets. It took them less than a half hour whereas, I spent the better part of an hour. I got a little lost on the platforms, and then it was much busier during the day. I was supposed to take a tunel to cross over to the other platform and I missed it. Anyway, it's strange meeting people that are familiar but strangers at the same time. They came to Egypt on a pilgramige and are working their way through to Jerusalem.
It's 11:45pm now and the train is bummpy as hell. I don't think I'll get much sleep tonight. I've been thinking over a lot of things this evening and seeing people live their daily life in this country has had a pretty profound effect me. It's certainly given me a new appreciation for the things I have and my health. Before heading to the train station I was sitting on a bench in Sadat square watching traffic and people go by. There was a mother of a little girl selling tissue at the subway entrance. Her little 2 year duaghter was playing on the busy side walk, picking up cigaret butts and playing with them, picking up junk and playing with it. She was so cute and so dirty and it was so sad to see people, cars just going by her, and her mother trying to make something to survive. I mean really sad. There's so much poverty.
Apart from all that, I was almost crushed by a bus today in Sadat square. I was moving to get around it and there was a concrete wall right next to me. The driver cut in to close the gap, between the bus and the wall,... aparently because of another vehicle. I had to roll out quickly or I would have been a smear. Things you don't want to do in Cairo, put yourself between a bus and wall. Also, be careful walking between parked cars. Some people leave the car out of gear when they park. This means that when someone else is parking their car and hits the other car that's out of gear it rolls back (or forward) and bumps into the next. You don't want your legs there.
2:30am
I haven't been able to sleep. I'm so tired. Just can't sleep.
10.01.2009
I'm off to Luxor
7:45 pm
Just a quick note because I may not have Internet for a few days. I'm off to Luxor on the 10:15 pm train. I'll sendore when I het comected again.
Just a quick note because I may not have Internet for a few days. I'm off to Luxor on the 10:15 pm train. I'll sendore when I het comected again.
In Cairo and heading for Luxor
October 1st - 2:00 pm
Just purchased my train ticket to Luxor. It was EL165, $30 US.
4:00pm
My train leaves at 10:15 so I decided to get back on the subway and come back down to Sadat square. I've been walking around now for an hour and wanted to take a break before heading off for food. I'm sitting in Sadat square relaxing in the shade and watching rush hour traffic. Taking the subway to Mubarak square (the stop for the train station) wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. The person at the tickit window spoke English and it was easy to get directions. I got on the platform and confirmed I was in the right place with an English couple. The train came and I jumpped on. Not even ten minutes and I was at Mubarak. The subway is quick, and cheap. I paid El1 which is about $0.18 US. It's so quick and clean and except for catching at the lunch rush it was good, a little tight but man the subway rocks. When I got to the train station it was easy enough to find the tourist information office but it took a little time to find platfomr 11. I got lost... went right instead of left. I wanted to get a sleeper but all were taken so I had to take a seat. I'll be sleeping upright tonight.
Just purchased my train ticket to Luxor. It was EL165, $30 US.
4:00pm
My train leaves at 10:15 so I decided to get back on the subway and come back down to Sadat square. I've been walking around now for an hour and wanted to take a break before heading off for food. I'm sitting in Sadat square relaxing in the shade and watching rush hour traffic. Taking the subway to Mubarak square (the stop for the train station) wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. The person at the tickit window spoke English and it was easy to get directions. I got on the platform and confirmed I was in the right place with an English couple. The train came and I jumpped on. Not even ten minutes and I was at Mubarak. The subway is quick, and cheap. I paid El1 which is about $0.18 US. It's so quick and clean and except for catching at the lunch rush it was good, a little tight but man the subway rocks. When I got to the train station it was easy enough to find the tourist information office but it took a little time to find platfomr 11. I got lost... went right instead of left. I wanted to get a sleeper but all were taken so I had to take a seat. I'll be sleeping upright tonight.
On the balcony
October 1st - 10:15 am
I'm sitting on the balcony again drinking tea and enjoying the breeze. I woke early today to try and figure out my transportation issues. I need to get a train ticket to Luxor this evening and after I finish my laundry I'll get my things packed and head off to the metro station. From there, I'll catch the subway up to the train station and see if I can get a ticket. I've read they have new restrictions on tourist traveling by train and now limit the rides to only two options. By tomorrow morning I should be in Luxor though.
I'm sitting on the balcony again drinking tea and enjoying the breeze. I woke early today to try and figure out my transportation issues. I need to get a train ticket to Luxor this evening and after I finish my laundry I'll get my things packed and head off to the metro station. From there, I'll catch the subway up to the train station and see if I can get a ticket. I've read they have new restrictions on tourist traveling by train and now limit the rides to only two options. By tomorrow morning I should be in Luxor though.
9.30.2009
Giza pyramids
30th - 2:45 pm
Arrived at the pyramids. Read the next post below for my introduction to Giza. Okay, with the tough part out of the way I'm walking around the sphyinx and it's incredable. I only wish that I could have gotten right next to it. I moved on from there to khufu pyramid and walked around the site. I took so many pictures. The size is incredable, all three are incredable. It's amazing that men with ropes and wooden sleds moved so much stone, cut so precisely, and built so well. From Khufu I moved on to Khafre (it's the one in the center). I came just in time to walk into the shadow of the point and captures a silhouetted pyramid with rays of light streaming from the point (f22 helped with the ray effect). After taking more Images than anyone should take, I moved on to the smaller of the three, Menkarue. This is where I spent the rest of my time. When I finished walking around I just sat on a wall looking at the other two pyramids and enjoyed the view. Seriously, I was the only one around until the police came riding up on camel and spoiled it by yelling at me to go. Bummer! The site closes at 4:30.
A side note:
I have to say that all this has been tough for me too. I've broken down in private a couple times and I've never felt lonelier in my life which is amazing for being in a city of 16 million people. I've been with one person for ten years and they aren't here to share this experiance. I always wanted to travel and I'm fullfiling some major childhood dreams by coming to Egypt but it's all a bit overshadowed by my loss of Amy. It's funny that I was asked by a man in the street last night what I like to do. He said girls, drink, smoke. I said work, photography. He shrugged his sholders and tilted his head... I think he was trying to sell me a prostitute. Anyway, I think I realized at that point I'm not much fun. Well, 10:45 pm here and I have a long day and long train ride to Luxor tomorrow night, 9 hours. Peace.
Arrived at the pyramids. Read the next post below for my introduction to Giza. Okay, with the tough part out of the way I'm walking around the sphyinx and it's incredable. I only wish that I could have gotten right next to it. I moved on from there to khufu pyramid and walked around the site. I took so many pictures. The size is incredable, all three are incredable. It's amazing that men with ropes and wooden sleds moved so much stone, cut so precisely, and built so well. From Khufu I moved on to Khafre (it's the one in the center). I came just in time to walk into the shadow of the point and captures a silhouetted pyramid with rays of light streaming from the point (f22 helped with the ray effect). After taking more Images than anyone should take, I moved on to the smaller of the three, Menkarue. This is where I spent the rest of my time. When I finished walking around I just sat on a wall looking at the other two pyramids and enjoyed the view. Seriously, I was the only one around until the police came riding up on camel and spoiled it by yelling at me to go. Bummer! The site closes at 4:30.
A side note:
I have to say that all this has been tough for me too. I've broken down in private a couple times and I've never felt lonelier in my life which is amazing for being in a city of 16 million people. I've been with one person for ten years and they aren't here to share this experiance. I always wanted to travel and I'm fullfiling some major childhood dreams by coming to Egypt but it's all a bit overshadowed by my loss of Amy. It's funny that I was asked by a man in the street last night what I like to do. He said girls, drink, smoke. I said work, photography. He shrugged his sholders and tilted his head... I think he was trying to sell me a prostitute. Anyway, I think I realized at that point I'm not much fun. Well, 10:45 pm here and I have a long day and long train ride to Luxor tomorrow night, 9 hours. Peace.
Evening breez
It's 7:20 pm and I've been sitting on my balcony enjoying the evening breez. It was such a hot day in the desert, and frustrating too. Just so many people wanting baksheesh and my driver pissed me off by dumping me right in the center of the camel and horse jockeys. I told Hany specifically that I didn't want a horse or camel at the pyramids. Hany is the owner of the Juliana hotel where I'm staying. He's a nice guy and I'm sure he just probably didn't relay that to the driver. Anyway, I had to argue again with a horse jockey at which point I just walked away. But it's not like it's easy to get away. Once inside the gate it was pretty much none stop though... hey mister, you want a horse, you want a camel, you want me to take your picture?? I just wanted to walk but they just follow you and all I could say was la shakran (no thank you), la (no), la... la la la. I felt like I was going to break into a musical number. The cool thing was that since I arrived at Giza late, I had about two hours left before closing, the place became really peaceful and quite empty. The crazy thing was that I almost got robed by an Italian guy. Or maybe he was just playing around... hmm. Anyway, he was with a group of friends and asked for the time, he then grabbed my bag and I grabbed his arm and said no loudly. What the hell was he thinking!? I feel pretty safe in this country but man, international travel can be challenging. I'll write more before heading off to sleep but I have to go out and get some food.
Memphis, Imhotep, and Saqqara
30th - 9:00am
Waited for my driver for half hour, finaly got here (the hotel) and then we both waited on the car, he didn't have one and I guess was dropped off. Too funny. He was friendly enogh, just didn't speake english... very little. And, I know like a handful of Arabic words/phrases so there wasn't much conversation. The drive to Memphis was long, bumpy and scarry at times. Scarry with traffic, people do pretty much whatever they want on the road here. Speaking of which, I've seen the sign in California many times, you know (don't cross the freeway), with the family crossing the freeway but I've never seen anyone actually do it. Today, playing chicken took on a hole new meaning. I can not believe that I had seen so many people darting across a freeway with cars doing 60mph. Insane. Anyway, we arrived in Memphis and there's not much to see there but the colossal statue of Ramses II, it's incredable. The alabaster shpinx is amazing too. Sad that ther's nothing left of Memphis. One can only imagien as to what it might have been like.
12:00pm
Just left Imhotep. Went into the temple and down into the tomd. I keep saying this but, amazing! The detail on the walls, the stories they tell. After the temple and tomb I went to visit Saqqara but the guard wouldn't let me in. He told me I had to buy another ticket. I left and went to the museum down the hill. After the museum I talked to the man that sold me the ticket and he said the ticket I purchased was good for the whole site, Imhotep, Saqqara, and the museum. I went back up the hill to the guard gate at Saqqara and argued with the the man that wouldn't let me in. He let me in and I spent about an hour walking the site. Saqqqara/the step pyramid is wonderful. The thing I'm left saddened with is how much trash is on the site. Hell, there's trash everywhere so I shouldn't be shocked. I've even seen some dead mules and cows in the chanels and just down the road kids swiming. Regardless of the trash, Saqqara is mesmerising though.
2:15
Just left Elzba resturant, good food, so full. The driver and I are both ready for a nap but we have to get to Giza. The resturant is just up the road from Saqqara about three miles on the west side of the chanel.
Waited for my driver for half hour, finaly got here (the hotel) and then we both waited on the car, he didn't have one and I guess was dropped off. Too funny. He was friendly enogh, just didn't speake english... very little. And, I know like a handful of Arabic words/phrases so there wasn't much conversation. The drive to Memphis was long, bumpy and scarry at times. Scarry with traffic, people do pretty much whatever they want on the road here. Speaking of which, I've seen the sign in California many times, you know (don't cross the freeway), with the family crossing the freeway but I've never seen anyone actually do it. Today, playing chicken took on a hole new meaning. I can not believe that I had seen so many people darting across a freeway with cars doing 60mph. Insane. Anyway, we arrived in Memphis and there's not much to see there but the colossal statue of Ramses II, it's incredable. The alabaster shpinx is amazing too. Sad that ther's nothing left of Memphis. One can only imagien as to what it might have been like.
12:00pm
Just left Imhotep. Went into the temple and down into the tomd. I keep saying this but, amazing! The detail on the walls, the stories they tell. After the temple and tomb I went to visit Saqqara but the guard wouldn't let me in. He told me I had to buy another ticket. I left and went to the museum down the hill. After the museum I talked to the man that sold me the ticket and he said the ticket I purchased was good for the whole site, Imhotep, Saqqara, and the museum. I went back up the hill to the guard gate at Saqqara and argued with the the man that wouldn't let me in. He let me in and I spent about an hour walking the site. Saqqqara/the step pyramid is wonderful. The thing I'm left saddened with is how much trash is on the site. Hell, there's trash everywhere so I shouldn't be shocked. I've even seen some dead mules and cows in the chanels and just down the road kids swiming. Regardless of the trash, Saqqara is mesmerising though.
2:15
Just left Elzba resturant, good food, so full. The driver and I are both ready for a nap but we have to get to Giza. The resturant is just up the road from Saqqara about three miles on the west side of the chanel.
9.29.2009
Egyptian Museum and other things
Tuesday 29th - 12:00
Before getting to the museum I spent a couple hours walking around downtown. I woke up late and didn't get out of the hotel until 10. All I have to say is, Crrazy! Cars everywhere, people, noise, water dripping on your head from airconditioning, people trying to talk with you and sell you things. And crossing the street... OMG! Talk about sensory overload. Finally, I get to the museum because I think I would escape some of that. No way.. I have a man that was incesantly trying to get me to hire him as a tour guide... to the point that he follows me around and keeps trying to sell. I made the mistake of sitting with him by the ticket office and being frindly. After that it was all over for me and I finally got away by purchasing my ticket and going inside. People can be very persistent here.
1:08pm
I just walked out of the animal mummy room. The monkeys are scary. I've been walking around here since noon and so far I've just covered the first floor. I moved up to the second (so much more to see) but I think I need to find food.
3:23pm
I've been sitting in front of the museum relaxing. I had to come out to find refreshments. It's so hot in there and the afternoon was much busier with crowds of people. The cafe outside the museum has the best mango jucie. It was so good I had two. In the museum, I had a number of rooms to myself which was really cool. The Tutankhamun exhibit was wonderul and the gold coffins and funerary mask were Amazing. Amazing. So many things to see. It was all a little disapointing thoguh in that there is no photography allowed in the musume. I tried everything to get my camera in. Well, with the exception of paying someone off. I'm sure that might have worked and I should have tried, so many things to take pictures of.
Note about the museum. When leaving around 5pm I stepped past the gates and into the street where it was like fresh meet to the hyenas. I had like ten people trying to sell me papyrus scrolls.
8:05pm
I just ordered food at Cafe Riche. I've walked all over downtown, went to Cairo tower and spent about an hour at the top. After that I walked back to the central square by the Egyptian museum and was sitting watching traffic when a man sat down next to me. We talked for 20 minutes or so and it was one of the best conversations I've had... that's without someone trying to get money from me. Very friendly and he gave good advice. So, after that I walked down to the cafe. Completely good food. I was so hungery for real food, I just had mango juice and water all day. I have to say it has been a pretty good day in all.
The museum, amazing!
Traffic, crazy... Crazy! I survived crossing the street many times today. I have to wonder if this isn't the 21st century meaning of the phrase, walk like an Egyptian.
The Cairo tower, very cool and beautiful views. I captured some great shots there.
Downtown was interesting during the day but came alive at night. So many shops, lights, and people.
Before getting to the museum I spent a couple hours walking around downtown. I woke up late and didn't get out of the hotel until 10. All I have to say is, Crrazy! Cars everywhere, people, noise, water dripping on your head from airconditioning, people trying to talk with you and sell you things. And crossing the street... OMG! Talk about sensory overload. Finally, I get to the museum because I think I would escape some of that. No way.. I have a man that was incesantly trying to get me to hire him as a tour guide... to the point that he follows me around and keeps trying to sell. I made the mistake of sitting with him by the ticket office and being frindly. After that it was all over for me and I finally got away by purchasing my ticket and going inside. People can be very persistent here.
1:08pm
I just walked out of the animal mummy room. The monkeys are scary. I've been walking around here since noon and so far I've just covered the first floor. I moved up to the second (so much more to see) but I think I need to find food.
3:23pm
I've been sitting in front of the museum relaxing. I had to come out to find refreshments. It's so hot in there and the afternoon was much busier with crowds of people. The cafe outside the museum has the best mango jucie. It was so good I had two. In the museum, I had a number of rooms to myself which was really cool. The Tutankhamun exhibit was wonderul and the gold coffins and funerary mask were Amazing. Amazing. So many things to see. It was all a little disapointing thoguh in that there is no photography allowed in the musume. I tried everything to get my camera in. Well, with the exception of paying someone off. I'm sure that might have worked and I should have tried, so many things to take pictures of.
Note about the museum. When leaving around 5pm I stepped past the gates and into the street where it was like fresh meet to the hyenas. I had like ten people trying to sell me papyrus scrolls.
8:05pm
I just ordered food at Cafe Riche. I've walked all over downtown, went to Cairo tower and spent about an hour at the top. After that I walked back to the central square by the Egyptian museum and was sitting watching traffic when a man sat down next to me. We talked for 20 minutes or so and it was one of the best conversations I've had... that's without someone trying to get money from me. Very friendly and he gave good advice. So, after that I walked down to the cafe. Completely good food. I was so hungery for real food, I just had mango juice and water all day. I have to say it has been a pretty good day in all.
The museum, amazing!
Traffic, crazy... Crazy! I survived crossing the street many times today. I have to wonder if this isn't the 21st century meaning of the phrase, walk like an Egyptian.
The Cairo tower, very cool and beautiful views. I captured some great shots there.
Downtown was interesting during the day but came alive at night. So many shops, lights, and people.
The airport
28th
So, we land at 3:45 pm. I get off the plane, go to the arrivals area where I'm asked to fill out another card,... this one is for the Health Ministry. After getting through that I get in line for the passport check but I forget my Visa so I have to get out of line and go over to the bank to get it. $15 US gets you a 30 day visa. I go back to the line and get through that. I'm walking toward the door thinking I'm going to find a taxi when this nice gentalmen walks up and starts asking me questions. I'm led up the stairs to a little office thinking that since this guy looks like an official airport employee I had to provide information about my stay and it was an extension of some formalities. 10 minutes into the conversation I realize I've been lead into a tourisim office and they are trying to sell me packages. I couldn't get a straight answer out of the guy as to whether this was official questioning or a tourist company leading suckers like me into a room and making it feel much like intimidation. It pissed me off that I waisted 15 minutes there to find out that my suspicions where correct. I walked out and they had people follow me so I went to the nearist police and they went away. How wrong is that. I was also told by the guy there were no public taxis close by and that I would have to walk 3km to find one and I would need to pay the EL 100 for his driver. Bastard, I got out the front door and they were right there. I paid EL 70 (about $13 US) but the driver got lost in Garden City and had to get out of the car three times to ask directions. Did I mention Traffic is crazy!? There were three lanes clearly marked but no one, no one, pays any attention to them. It's a free-for-all. Cars, motorcycles, they all scream down the road and weav in and out. Scarry stuff. And I thought L.A was bad.
So, we land at 3:45 pm. I get off the plane, go to the arrivals area where I'm asked to fill out another card,... this one is for the Health Ministry. After getting through that I get in line for the passport check but I forget my Visa so I have to get out of line and go over to the bank to get it. $15 US gets you a 30 day visa. I go back to the line and get through that. I'm walking toward the door thinking I'm going to find a taxi when this nice gentalmen walks up and starts asking me questions. I'm led up the stairs to a little office thinking that since this guy looks like an official airport employee I had to provide information about my stay and it was an extension of some formalities. 10 minutes into the conversation I realize I've been lead into a tourisim office and they are trying to sell me packages. I couldn't get a straight answer out of the guy as to whether this was official questioning or a tourist company leading suckers like me into a room and making it feel much like intimidation. It pissed me off that I waisted 15 minutes there to find out that my suspicions where correct. I walked out and they had people follow me so I went to the nearist police and they went away. How wrong is that. I was also told by the guy there were no public taxis close by and that I would have to walk 3km to find one and I would need to pay the EL 100 for his driver. Bastard, I got out the front door and they were right there. I paid EL 70 (about $13 US) but the driver got lost in Garden City and had to get out of the car three times to ask directions. Did I mention Traffic is crazy!? There were three lanes clearly marked but no one, no one, pays any attention to them. It's a free-for-all. Cars, motorcycles, they all scream down the road and weav in and out. Scarry stuff. And I thought L.A was bad.
On the plane to Cairo
28th - 2:30pm - that's 5:30 am California time.
We've been in the air for about 9 hours now and there's just over an hour of fligh time left. I've slept most of it and spent the last two hours eating and watching Star Trek, an on flight movie. I was told by the passanger next to me there were a couple hours of really rough flight. I thought it was only like 15 minutes so I guess I slept through most of it. I've talked to couple people about places to visit and things to do and I've already been offered a Nile cruse from Aswan to Luxor. I'm sure I'll get many more offers and suggestions as to how to spend money.
I just filed out a form for immigration. It's a small card that you submit with your passport when going through customs. Wow! Just openned the window shade, and we're over the southern tip of Greece. I think I can even see Mt. Visuvious. Wow! Beautiful view from 38000 feet.
Just flew over another amazing view. Instead of pressing my head against the window this time I actully got the camera out and captured a few shots. I'll have to Check out google earth when I get to Cairo and see what island that was (it was Crete).
We've been in the air for about 9 hours now and there's just over an hour of fligh time left. I've slept most of it and spent the last two hours eating and watching Star Trek, an on flight movie. I was told by the passanger next to me there were a couple hours of really rough flight. I thought it was only like 15 minutes so I guess I slept through most of it. I've talked to couple people about places to visit and things to do and I've already been offered a Nile cruse from Aswan to Luxor. I'm sure I'll get many more offers and suggestions as to how to spend money.
I just filed out a form for immigration. It's a small card that you submit with your passport when going through customs. Wow! Just openned the window shade, and we're over the southern tip of Greece. I think I can even see Mt. Visuvious. Wow! Beautiful view from 38000 feet.
Just flew over another amazing view. Instead of pressing my head against the window this time I actully got the camera out and captured a few shots. I'll have to Check out google earth when I get to Cairo and see what island that was (it was Crete).
9.28.2009
Arrived in Cario
I'm so tired and my experiance at the airport and drive downtown have left me exahusted. The experiance coming in was amazing though and flying over Greece was so cool. The ordeal at the airport was chalanging and I won't go into that now but I made it to the hostel and I'm relaxing a bit before taking a walk down the street to see the Nile. I wrote some on the plane so when I get back this evening I'll post that. I'm here! Amazing!
9.27.2009
Got to JFK... it was a long day filled with delay. I'm on my flight to Cairo, waiting to take off. I hope to sleep through the flight, I'm so tired.
Flying out of San Diego
Okay, so this mornig I was finishing my work projects, packing, and trying to get some last minute things taken care of. I've been up all night and tired but I have a friend looking after the place while traveling and I wanted to straighten and clean up a bit. The last thing to do is take out the trash. Since I already gave my keys away I only have the spare to my door and not the entry to the building. I forget to prop the door open. I lock myself out and just minutes before the cab was to arrive. I have to scale the building to get to the second floor because it's 5 in the morning and I don't want to wake anyone. First self-inflicted chalange. The next was thinking I could breez through check-in becasue it was 5 in the morning. My flight was to leave at 6:20 AM so I had an hour. Yes, I said was. By the time I get up the stairs and to the computer kiosks I have 50 minutes but my passport is denied and I have to go through a special line. I get done with whatever that was, go through security and I now have 20 minutes to get to the gate. No problem I think and I'm happy. Not for long. In my haste I mix the seat number with the gate number. I go to gate 32 and it's far. It took me 7 or 8 minutes to get there and I was walking fast. The flight says Huston. WTF! I look at my boarding pass and confirm with the attendant (like I needed to, I knew but I needed someone to confirm that I'm dumb ass), I'm in the wrong place. I need gate 41 and it's on the complete opposite side of the terminal. I have to run my ass off because I now have 10 minutes before departure. I don't know how far it was but it felt like a mile. I get to the gate and find people haven't even got on the plane because it's broke and they're flying the part in. My 6:20 flight is now 11:45. I'm sitting at the airport waiting.
Bags are packed
It's 3am and I'm trying to finish up some last minute work. I have about 2 hours before the cab comes to take me to the airport. I can't wait to get on the plan because I'm so tired. My total flight time is like 17 hours and I think I'm going to sleep most of it. I may spend the 6 hour layover at JFK sleeping too. Ugh, 24 hours of travel time. It's worth it though and I'm excited to fly into Cairo Monday afternoon. I'm not even in the air and I can't wait to get to get to the other side of the globe. Okay, back to some work.
9.24.2009
9.22.2009
Egyptian Pounds are cool
I went to the bank today and picked up my order of "exotic" currency. It was funny hearing someone call currency exotic I guess (my banker called it that). The pound notes I picked up are the 50s and 100s and the engravings and color on both are very cool. The Sphinx on the 100 is awesome. If you don't know, the 100 is pretty much the equivalent of our $20... my exchange rate today was $1.00 equal to LE 5.51.
Voice memo from iPod
I'm trying out the voice recording feature. If this works you should be able to click on the file below and hear my voice.
Note:
So the text above was sent from the iPod but the voice recording didn't come through. It would have been cool if it worked for the blog. It does work well with email though. I sent a copy to myself and the recording came through as a mpeg attachment. This could come in handy for many things,... cool feature.
9.21.2009
The iPod Touch
It came today. I've been downloading apps and setting up and it's pretty cool. I've set up Skype, created a gmail account to forward and send mail from, added a text chat app that works with my cell phone, and dowloaded a bunch of other cool stuff like google earth, expedia, and some helpful utilities. Sweet!
I think I'll be able to keep in touch without international calling cards and most importantly search for places or make reservations without searching for a computer. I just need to find wifi spots...
Sent from my iPod
I think I'll be able to keep in touch without international calling cards and most importantly search for places or make reservations without searching for a computer. I just need to find wifi spots...
Sent from my iPod
9.20.2009
Almost there
This morning I booked my hostel in Cairo. It was tough going through all the hostels and deciding where I was going to lay my head. I opted for a quite spot in the Garden City district close to the US and Canadian Embassies. It's inexpensive for a single room at E£135 ($24.00). There are less expensive options but they're also in the heart of downtown. I think I want to sleep well the first couple of nights and I've heard that the Juliana is in a peaceful neighborhood. It's also a couple minute walk to the Nile and is pretty close to a location that Lonely Planet talks about having the best felucca rides. I'm so going to sail on the Nile one evening, maybe two.
I purchased the last of my items yesterday that I needed for the trip. I picked up two pair of lightweight cargo pants and along with a pair of jeans, some shirts and what I'm wearing the day I fly off that's all I'm taking. I had to pick up a few adapter items I need for charging things too. I'm traveling very light for this trip as I want to be somewhat uninhibited and not worry about baggage. I have been considering taking my medium format camera though. I just pulled it out yesterday and was thinking how cool it would be to get some 2.25"x2.25" film images. I love the square format but I'm not sure I want to lug it around.
After booking the hostel I went on the U.S. Department of State Travel Registry site, created an account, and gave some details about my travel plans. I've read it's good to do if there's an emergency of some sort so why not. I'm now receiving a bunch of emails containing information on Egypt and Cairo (the lists I subscribed to). Most of it is warnings about boarder regions but sights a few instances of violence that have happened over the last several years in other areas. I'm not so worried about that but Wow, I just read the part about Egypt having one of the worlds highest rates of road fatalities per mile. I think I'm a little more concerned about crossing the street or getting into a car now. This reminds me of a video I was watching on youtube the other day of a person crossing the road in downtown Cairo, while eating. It was seriously like Frogger and what made it even more hilarious was that the guy was eating,... I think it was KFC too. Too funny. Well, I guess all those waisted hours of my youth spent playing Frogger might actually have been a good thing. Little did I know, it was preparation for Egypt.
I purchased the last of my items yesterday that I needed for the trip. I picked up two pair of lightweight cargo pants and along with a pair of jeans, some shirts and what I'm wearing the day I fly off that's all I'm taking. I had to pick up a few adapter items I need for charging things too. I'm traveling very light for this trip as I want to be somewhat uninhibited and not worry about baggage. I have been considering taking my medium format camera though. I just pulled it out yesterday and was thinking how cool it would be to get some 2.25"x2.25" film images. I love the square format but I'm not sure I want to lug it around.
After booking the hostel I went on the U.S. Department of State Travel Registry site, created an account, and gave some details about my travel plans. I've read it's good to do if there's an emergency of some sort so why not. I'm now receiving a bunch of emails containing information on Egypt and Cairo (the lists I subscribed to). Most of it is warnings about boarder regions but sights a few instances of violence that have happened over the last several years in other areas. I'm not so worried about that but Wow, I just read the part about Egypt having one of the worlds highest rates of road fatalities per mile. I think I'm a little more concerned about crossing the street or getting into a car now. This reminds me of a video I was watching on youtube the other day of a person crossing the road in downtown Cairo, while eating. It was seriously like Frogger and what made it even more hilarious was that the guy was eating,... I think it was KFC too. Too funny. Well, I guess all those waisted hours of my youth spent playing Frogger might actually have been a good thing. Little did I know, it was preparation for Egypt.
9.19.2009
Too funny... well not really
I woke this morning at 10am to a nock on the door. Thinking it was UPS I eagerly sprung from bed and threw on clothes,... I've been waiting the arrival of my iPod touch. I opened the door to find two people asking for me. It was a client I had set an appointment with for a portfolio consultation, and her friend. She was on time, I had just mixed the day/time with another client. I had actually just woke minutes before the nock and thinking that the appointment wasn't until noon I set the alarm to get another hour of sleep (I went to bed at 4:30 AM so I need it). After clearing the confusion I asked for 30 minutes to get myself together. We had a great chat but I was so embarrassed, and thankfully she was understanding...
I need more sleep
I've been trying to get everything done this last week and get projects wrapped up for people before heading off. I did my last shoot today in the studio. I don't think I'll set up another before leaving as I still have so much to do and get out before the trip. My plan was to actually stop shooting a week before to get images back to people. I've had a lot of momentum last month and this month so it's going to be tough not shooting. UPS dropped of my new camera bag this afternoon. I purchased a Tamrac 7 which is pretty sleek and small. It functions well and I like the way it fits over the shoulder but it is a little tight with storage. I guess it's good when I'm walking around to have a low profile bag though and that's really why I bought it,... my other bags are pretty bulky.
With everything else I've been doing, I'm trying to study Arabic and memorize some phrases to help me get around. Lonely Planet has a great Egypt guide book and Egyptian Arabic book. Speaking of which, the lonelyplanet.com web site is pretty cool for planning a trip and bookmarking locations you want to visit. I started planning my trip to Egypt in August through Lonely Planet and bookmarked locations I wanted to visit. I mentioned this in my 9.14- post but I'm just doing three locations,... Cairo, Luxor, and Alexandria. I want to experience the locations instead of rushing through. I hope to go back someday too. I think Egypt is one of those locations that would draw you back and really deserves more than one visit; it could even be cool to live there for a while too. I have a couple friends that have both lived there and have loved it. I'm going on their good advice and I'm sure I'm going to love it too.
With everything else I've been doing, I'm trying to study Arabic and memorize some phrases to help me get around. Lonely Planet has a great Egypt guide book and Egyptian Arabic book. Speaking of which, the lonelyplanet.com web site is pretty cool for planning a trip and bookmarking locations you want to visit. I started planning my trip to Egypt in August through Lonely Planet and bookmarked locations I wanted to visit. I mentioned this in my 9.14- post but I'm just doing three locations,... Cairo, Luxor, and Alexandria. I want to experience the locations instead of rushing through. I hope to go back someday too. I think Egypt is one of those locations that would draw you back and really deserves more than one visit; it could even be cool to live there for a while too. I have a couple friends that have both lived there and have loved it. I'm going on their good advice and I'm sure I'm going to love it too.
9.17.2009
10 days before the trip
I ordered an iPod touch the other day and I'm anxiously awaiting it's arrival. I decided to get it so I would have a small wi-fi device while traveling which would allow me to access the internet, email, and Skype. I wasn't sure if it would work much in Cairo but there's apparently wi-fi hot spots all over; most of the hostels/hotels I'm looking at staying in have wi-fi. I think the feature I'm going to use most is Maps but I'll send updates to the blog, send email, and use Skype,... Skype is the cool thing as I wont have to worry about international calling cards. I can also use Safari to search for resturant, locations, and last minute hostel/hotel options. Most importantly, I'll have games to play during my long flights and extremely long layovers at JFK. Maybe I should use the layovers to head into Manhattan and get dumplings in China town??
Humm...
Humm...
9.14.2009
Trying another form of quick communication. I just set up an email
address so that I can post without having to log on...
Edit:
Very cool, this worked too. Now I just have to remember it.
address so that I can post without having to log on...
Edit:
Very cool, this worked too. Now I just have to remember it.
>Just set up my cell to send text messages. How cool is that!?<
I didn't know that blogspot had mobile connectivity until a few minutes ago. I was going through the Settings and came across the feature. The text above, in arrows, was posted from my cell phone. Sweet!
I didn't know that blogspot had mobile connectivity until a few minutes ago. I was going through the Settings and came across the feature. The text above, in arrows, was posted from my cell phone. Sweet!
Okay, I'm pretty much set for Egypt
I just need to order a water purifier before the end of this week. All the guide info I've read said it's a good idea to take one with you,... besides, it will cut down on buying bottled water. Oh, I'm also looking for some light weight pants that are easy to hand wash and quick to dry but other than that I'm set. I'm traveling very light, just my camera bag and a small 55 liter backpack which will just have a few clothing items and essentials.
I've pretty much fixed my itinerary. I'm leaving a few days loose so I can relax but I've decided that I'm going to spend my time at a few location instead of trying to get a whirlwind trip in to see lots of sights. So far, my trip is going to be Cairo for several days, Luxor for several days, Alexandria for several days, and then back to Cairo for the last day or two. There are so many things to see in just these cities that you could spend weeks visiting one and still not get it all in.
Lets take Cairo for example, I'm going to see the Egyptian Museum and that can take a full day to go through. I've even heard it's worth a second day and that may happen but the museum is first on my list. After that, I plan for a day visiting Coptic Cairo and the Muhammad Ali mosque at the citadel. I'll get in the Giza plane the following day and see the great pyramids. I'm not sure if I'll get an opportunity to but I also want to see Dahshur, Saqqara and Memphis. Ahh, I want to just absorb the city too so after Luxor and Alexandria I'll have to come back and spend a day or two walking streets and seeing other sights.
Awesome, I'm so excited!
I've pretty much fixed my itinerary. I'm leaving a few days loose so I can relax but I've decided that I'm going to spend my time at a few location instead of trying to get a whirlwind trip in to see lots of sights. So far, my trip is going to be Cairo for several days, Luxor for several days, Alexandria for several days, and then back to Cairo for the last day or two. There are so many things to see in just these cities that you could spend weeks visiting one and still not get it all in.
Lets take Cairo for example, I'm going to see the Egyptian Museum and that can take a full day to go through. I've even heard it's worth a second day and that may happen but the museum is first on my list. After that, I plan for a day visiting Coptic Cairo and the Muhammad Ali mosque at the citadel. I'll get in the Giza plane the following day and see the great pyramids. I'm not sure if I'll get an opportunity to but I also want to see Dahshur, Saqqara and Memphis. Ahh, I want to just absorb the city too so after Luxor and Alexandria I'll have to come back and spend a day or two walking streets and seeing other sights.
Awesome, I'm so excited!
9.11.2009
It's been a long week but I've got most of my things ready for the trip,... I'm still in need a few items though. I called the bank to order my Egyptian Pounds today but it looks like I'll have to wait until Monday as I didn't receive a call back. I wanted to travel with EP as my bank wont charge for exchange. I'm not sure what the exchange rate would be in Cairo but this way I'll have it take care of before.
I received my new 16GB CF cards this week... I ordered two. So, along with my other CF cards I'll be able to shoot without worrying of running out of card space. I just tried one of the 16GBs for a studio shoot I had this week and I captured 1,162 RAW images. Between all of my cards I should be able to capture around 4,000 images. Would I really shoot that much in Egypt?? Anyway, as I type this I have two weeks before my flight.
I received my new 16GB CF cards this week... I ordered two. So, along with my other CF cards I'll be able to shoot without worrying of running out of card space. I just tried one of the 16GBs for a studio shoot I had this week and I captured 1,162 RAW images. Between all of my cards I should be able to capture around 4,000 images. Would I really shoot that much in Egypt?? Anyway, as I type this I have two weeks before my flight.
9.04.2009
22 days and counting to Cairo.
I'm excited but Wow, I've been thinking this is a major step for me to travel by myself and I'm felling butterflies in the stomach. It's kind of the same feeling I used to get before stepping into a sparing match with Sensei Brooks...
I would always ask myself if I was sure I wanted to do it but once I took that step into the ring I was committed, no matter what he threw at me. Of course I ended up on the floor a lot and was never bright enough to stay down, unless I was knocked unconscious. Ah, fun times.
9.03.2009
I've had this blogspot for over a year now and have never done anything with it. So, I decided I would use it for family and friends to share my adventures while traveling in Egypt. Yes, that's right, a trip to Egypt. I've always wanted to go and I can hardly believe that's it's coming up so quickly (23 more days from this post). I'm excited and nervous, nervous mainly because I've never been to a foreign country before. Well, I have crossed the boarder from SD to TJ a few times but then Mexico is still part of the same continent.
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