Cairo and beyond

Hi everyone;



I'm back with a little time to write. So much going on and trying to rest some to get over this nasty cold. Steve says the colds they get here are the worst. I believe him.


Our second day in Cairo we went to the Egyptian Museum. This is where the King Tut treasures are along with many other antiquities. The solid gold death mask was beautiful and ? I find it so hard to find words worthy of describing what we see. King Tut became King at 9 years old when his father died. He married around 11 and died young. It wasn't what he accomplished that made him the most famous Egyptian King ever, but the fact that his was the only tomb not discovered and robbed of its treasurers.

There were mummy's, even a baby one. Gorgeous, interesting jewelry, chariots and so much more..


The traffic in the city became a nightmare as the day went on. It was still the Eid celebration so this accounted for a lot of it. The drivers are crazy. The lines don't mean anything to them.. They just go where there is a space to squeeze through regardless of what side of the street it's on. However, Saudi has the highest incidence of traffic deaths of any country in the world. We were fortunate to have a very skilled driver. They have no traffic lights, but sometimes police are directing traffic.



We visited three different churches. First a Mosque where we had to remove our shoes. It was quite beautiful. Huge glass chandelier in the dome and frescos on the walls. The gorgeous rugs were totally worn out.


Then a Coptic church that is claimed to be the oldest in the world. The Holy family lived there hiding for a time while they were in exile in Egypt.




This was just one of the beautiful frescos that were painted outside in the courtyard and inside the church.








The final church was a Synagog. It too was very beautiful.

Out of the seventeen million that live in Cairo, most are Muslim (Islam), next are Christians (Coptic), then Jews.



We visited a Pufumery and were finally talked into buying some. Based on the fact there is no alcohol in their perfume maybe we wouldn't be allergic to it. Lani is unable to wear perfume due to Steve being allergic to fragrances and I because of my allergies. I don't know that I am allergic to perfumes, but since I have so many allergies I have just thought it the better part of wisdom to avoid it.


This evening we boarded the train for Aswan. We first went to see a Coptic church/Mosque ruins that were 350 BC. Everything here is so ancient. We sailed to our hotel which was on an island. It was a lovely nights stay.


In the morning we caught the water taxi and then were driven to Abu Simbel. These are the two temples built by Ramses 11 for himself and his wife, Queen Nefertari. The USA, Unesco and a couple of other countries helped pay for the moving of these temples to higher ground before erecting the High Dam. Take a look at the picture of the entrance and you can imagine what a huge project this was. The High Dam now produces all the electricity for Egypt.










These are carved statues of Ramses 11 and his
wife Queen Nefertari







Back in Aswan we boarded our ship for the cruise down the Nile. It was very nice. Much better than we had thought it would be. There was a swimming pool up on the deck with lounge chairs and covered areas to be out of the sun. It was a nice relaxing time.








Lani and Tom relaxing in the sun aboard the ships top deck.






We decided to go for a walk, but ended up in a nice horse drawn carriage heading for the street market. We bought spices, tea, scarves, a plate for the office, and I found a basket which I bought to carry all this extra stuff. We had Turkish coffee at an outdoor cafe here in the middle of this street market. Some of the people around us are smoking water pipes. Certainly is exotic









Michael got to drive part of the way. As usual he charmed the driver.





A lot of the travel on the river happens at night when you are sleeping so we don't see much of the countryside. We did on the train though. A lot of agriculture and small villages. They served tea on the deck in the afternoon while steaming down the Nile with good conversation. It doesn't get much better than this.


Our next stop was to see the Valley of the Kings. We toured some tombs that are 12 to 14 thousand years BC. The fact that they were buried in sand is what preserved them so well.


The hyrogliphics are still readable, some of them even in their beautiful colors of blue, orange, browm, green, and black.






The Karnak temple was built 2000 years BC. There are 134 of the biggest columns you can imagine. It also has the tallest Obelisk in Egypt. The columns are covered with figures and ancient writing. This temple and the next one, Luxor Temple were sights for part of the movie "The Spy Who Loved Me", a James Bond flick.



The Luxor Temple wouldn't have been too impressive after Karnak except it was now dark and it was all lit up. This made it a spectacular sight..



We got on the train to return to Cairo for our flight home. Lani got sick (mummy tummy) on the train and I did the next morning when we got on the plane. By the time we got back to Bahrain I was very ill. Steve and Tom were also running to the bathroom by the time we reached home, but it was sure helpful to be at Steve and Lani's and not still traveling.


So we didn't escape the Montezuma's Revenge they say everyone gets, but we finished our trip before succombing to it. I guess that was the best we could ask for. So long!

Egypt

Egypt, the country you have to go see, but dread doing it at the same time knowing you will probably get sick.


Monday, December 8th we left for the Airport very early in the morning. After getting all checked in, Starbucks and Cinnabon were calling our names. We had left too early to get breakfast at the hotel. A short hour flight and we were in Cairo checking in to a local Egyptian hotel. Very quaint and nice. We could have gone to the Mariott, but who wants to spend their time in a foreign country in transplanted America.

Cairo reminded me of Guatemala City, dirty and run down. Those from the mission trip will understand. Our hotel was in the embassy area of the city so was quite a bit nicer.

I woke up this morning thinking: never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be in Cairo, Egypt. What a wild ride the Lord has provided for me in this life.


Our first stop was Memphis, the first capital of Egypt and then Sakkara. The statues, tombs, etc here are so ancient it is hard to get your mind around. Much that we see is over 5000 years old.

One of the many huge statues we saw. This one lying down.

'We, of course, had to do the typical tourist stops at a rug making school and a Papyrus museum, all to give you the opportunity to spend money. And we did, but only for papyrus. I bought two blank pieces, one for myself and one for Jenny. (our artist grandaughter). I loved the paper.

Steve and Lani bought a piece with a painting on it. They have filled their house with beautiful things from the countries they have been in.



Did you know there are over 100 pyramids in Egypt? I didn't and was surprised. They are all built for Kings and Queens. The Pyramids of Gaza are the ones we are familiar with. The most famous is Pyramid Cheops (Khufu's) which is the one that is part of the seven wonders of the world. It was built in the 4th dynasty, about 2690 BC and it is still standing,. The top and the outer layer is gone so it no longer has that smooth look we think of.

It's hard to even imagine how they could build such a magnificent thing in that day. Thousands of men worked on it believing they would be welcomed and well treated by the King in the afterlife. Men laborers were the tools of that day.




Tom and I rode a cart to see this sight and the Sphinx while Steve, Lani, and the boys rode horses. I had enough of riding horses, donkeys and camels for awhile. Plus the cart drivers are so kind and helpful to an old lady like me.


Tomorrow is another day in Cairo with many more things to see. Until then.

Christmas Day

M erry Christmas everyone.

A day late, but you know on Christmas day the activities leave no time for something as un-

holidayish as blogging.

For those of you in Skykomish valley I'm sorry about so much snow. Our daughter Holly and her husband were marooned at home as their driveway was once again blocked. The rest of the family did get together though. That's because some were within walking distance and Joe has a big 4wheel drive truck that will go anywhere.

We had 80 degree temperatures in the afternoon. Almost too warm. Tom and I kind've miss the experience of this memorable storm that people will be talking about for years. However, our Saudi Christmas, the first ever with Michael and Jacob will live in our memories forever as well.

But....what is Christmas day like in Saudi? By the way Saudi is pronounced like Souoodi with very little emphasis on the oo part.

In Jordan and Egypt we saw Christmas decorations in the stores, hotels, and restaurants, but in Saudi there is no sign of Christmas anywhere except on the compound. A few people put up some lights outside, but mostly the expats decorate in their homes with the traditional tree, etc.

First thing we did in the morning was open our stockings. Then we had a lovely breakfast of crepes and beef bacon. Remember, there is no pork allowed in this kingdom.

Then came present opening. No chaos like at home where we have six grandchildren and at least nine adults opening presents. Here they do it one at a time taking turns. We went from youngest to oldest. We were a couple hours opening presents and enjoying them along the way.Nice and relaxing, but impossible in Sultan. We'd still be opening presents at midnight.

Michael got a hamster cage with no hamster. This way he could pick out his own. So off we went, Lani and I in Abiyas to Kobar to the pet store. Both pet stores were closed, as was the coffee shop we planned to shop at and the Shwarma restaurant we were going to for lunch.

In fact so many stores and shops were closed it was eerie. The hampster will have to wait to come to his new home until tomorrow.

We had a lovely prime rib roast, garlic mashed potatos, extrodinary string beans, and my very favorite spinach salad. (The one with strawberries and feta and blue cheese) We also had hot rolls and for dessert later in the evening, Lani had made the most beautiful layered dessert. It as in a huge glass pedestal bowl. Almost too pretty to eat, but we did and enjoyed every bite.

For those of you who know our family no holiday dinner happens in our home without oatmeal burgers and it didn't here either. Tom made a large platter of them which turned out to be Jacob's favorite.

To finish off the evening we always play games after our holiday meals. The boys had a new Wii game that up to 8 could play so we gave it a go. Us older folks were definitely at a disadvantage not being used to the quick responses needed with the remote.

It was a long fun day so let me say "to all a goodnight."

Still in Jordan

Sorry folks I've been so slow to blog, but I have been pretty sick. After getting over mummy tummy I caught a cold. This is something I never do, but between being rundown from the runs and not taking my vitamins on my empty stomach I was vulnerable and caught Michaels cold.

I ran a low grade fever had chills and am now left with a cough. But definitely on the mend.

So---back to Jordan.

From our Bedouin camp we traveled through the dessert to the Dead Sea where we stayed in the Kampinski Hotel again. It certainly was a welcome relief to have all that luxury surrounding us once more. We were met at the door with warm wash cloths and glasses of cold juice. Very nice touch after a long drive.

There are 9 swimming pools here, 3 restaurants and some bars. The grounds are lovely, but the whole place is so big they drive you around on golf carts if you don't want to walk. That came in handy more than once.

We had a balcony off our room where we sat and looked across the sea to the West Bank and Israel. It gave me chills to see how close it was. My perspectives are surely being expanded.

How was the swim in the sea? Well, you can't really swim, just float on your back and paddle around. It is such a weird feeling. I didn't like it. I felt totally out of control, couldn't get my feet to go down so I could stand up. You literally can bounce up and down in the water, but not touch bottom.

Tom loved it as you can see.

I did tdo he black mud treatment though which no one else would do. I was covered with black mud from the sea, massaged, and allowed to dry for 10 minutes then hosed and rubbed down to get the mud off.

It is supposed to be a healthy treatment.

I did feel really clean and quite good afterwards. What do you think? Look like fun?

Tom and I went to the Italian restaurant for lunch. It was so good to have something besides arabic food. Fettuchini never tasted so good.

Tomorrow we have to leave this paradise and head for Egypt where we will see more incredible sights and probably get sick. They say everyone does. Maybe we will be exceptions.

Saturday December 20

Today is Steven’s birthday. He has to work during the day, but we will have a nice steak dinner, Birthday cake and presents.

My first trip into Kobar, the Saudi town off the compound. Yes! I had to wear an Abiya.

Lani hires a driver named Shake. He picks us up and takes us where we want to go to shop, waits and then takes us to the next place. He also helps carry the packages. All very nice, but it costs a little over six dollars an hour. All because woman cannot drive in Saudi unless they are on the compound.

We finished up our Christmas shopping and then went to the grocery store called Timmini. It used to be a Safeway. It is big and looks similar to our Safeway stores except a lot of the items have Arabic writing on them. I did have to go next door to get an item from the Pharmacy. They are not together here.

Lani was buying special things for tonight and for Christmas dinner. We looked in vain for the pie crusts we were told yesterday they had, to no avail. It’s “here today, gone tomorrow”. Sort of like Costco.
I was going to shop for my own Abiya, but we ran out of time, so another day.

Back to our trip.

Outside of Petra we stayed in a unique adobe hotel. We could easily have been in Santa Fe. Our next stop was the Wadi Rum. Queen Noor was so taken with its beauty and historic significance she encouraged making it a protected area and sharing it with the rest of the world. I’m so thankful! It was miles of red sand and craggy hills of quartz rock. We traveled in this area by jeep with a special driver as it was most often off road and took lots of skill. You see piles of rocks here and there. The Bedouin’s do this to mark the way through the dessert.

We saw many Bedouin tents out here. They come and spend part of their year here in the dessert and part of the year in the homes the government built them to keep them from migrating to the city. This serves to help preserve this culture as well.

After lunch at an Oasis, Michael and I decided to have a camel ride. My camel turned his head around and looked me in the eye, snorted and screeched. At least he didn’t spit or bite, but he was not happy. The owner helped me on and that camel lurched up first front and then back. Getting off was even worse. First he fell down on his back legs tossing me backwards, then he dropped down on his front knees throwing me almost over his head. I was only stopped by the saddle horn which rammed into my stomach. He was one ornery, mean critter and I don’t care if I ever see another camel. Notice, no picture of

my nasty friend.

Sitting on a huge slab of rock in the middle of the dessert watching the sun set was surreal. Once again I was reminded of the infinite beauty of Gods creation.

This is the night we spent in a Bedouin camp. We had our own tents with cots and wonderful heavy warm blankets. But first we had to eat the barbecued pig which had been cooked underground. Delicious. Then watch the men dance. Soon they started dancing in a line through the tent getting the guests to join the line which then headed outside and danced around the fire. Slightly reminiscent of the bunny hop only there steps were much different. Lani, Michael and I joined the fun.

You’ll be glad to know that the bathroom was close to our tent which I was very thankful for.

Notice the beautiful rose patterned material on the inside of our tent.

More to come if and when the Internet is working. I don't know if you heard a submarine cut the cable in the ocean so we have limited service if any at all.

Jordan

Dec 19, Friday

It was a long trip that ended the last day with Montezuma’s revenge for all but the kids. Thank goodness it didn’t spoil our trip which was amazing.
There are not words in the English language to adequately describe what we saw. So much history and incredible sights I will try to give you just the highlights and include a few pictures along the way.

We were coming around the last corner of the narrow gorge leading to Petra and there before us was this magnificent beautiful carved building. It took your breath away. But, I’m getting ahead of myself.

We flew into Amman Jordon to stay at the Kompinski Hotel which is at least a 4 star in this country. Lots of marble, tile, rugs and gorgeous views.

Jordan definitely was my favorite of the countries. So much cleaner and easier to be in. Not at all like home, however, lots of construction, cracked and heaved sidewalks. Most of the women were dressed fairly normal with some wearing scarves on their heads. I think a lot of the progress in this country has been due to Queen Noor and the current queen. If you get a chance to read Queen Noor’s book I highly recommend it.

Now back to Petra. We had the history explained to us. Thousands of years ago an earthquake occurred moving the plates causing a break in the rock wall where winds and floods carved out this narrow passageway.

We mounted horses and rode part way and began an amazing walk through the narrow gorge with carvings, ancient writing, shrines and a roman water duct that ran the entire length of the gorge with dams along the way into the city. Michael and Jacob pretty much climbed along this duct most of the way.

The beautiful carved building we first saw was just the beginning. This was a town of over 250,000 people at one time. There are still four families living in the carved out houses. How they could in ancient times carve out this city that was several stories high boggles the mind.

Because we were in this amazing city all day, Michael, Jacob and I opted to ride a donkey back to the beginning of the city. Steven hired a carriage ride for Tom and I back to the visitors center. It was very jarring, but a long way so we were really grateful.

So far what have we been eating? Several types of flavored hummus, veggies, sausage, olives, marinated carrots, onions, and cucumbers. A new and delicious treat was zatar, which is a seasoning you dip pita bread in after olive oil. It is delicious. We also fell in love with the Jordanian mint tea.

For those of you who did the Beth Moore study last year you would have recognized with me various references to King Zerxes and the Selucian dynasty and various other things. (Excuse my spelling) More later from the Jordanian Kingdom. Love, Dolly

On The Road

Hi everyone;

Today we are at the Kompinski Hotel on the Dead Sea. We ate breakfast on the terrace overlooking the sea across to the West Bank. It seems so much closer than I ever imagined. Almost like across a lake instead of a sea. When I woke this morning and walked out on the balcony watching the sun begin to shine on the sea, it was so beautiful and overwhelming. How can it be that I am here? God is so good and His world so beautiful.

Yesterday we were at the Wadi Rum, a protected dessert area. Beautiful red sand and indescribable rock formations, some several stories high. Our little grandson's attempted to climb them all giving their mom a near heart attack.

Throughout this dessert we saw Bedouin tents, camels, donkeys and goat. Often the goats were in the road. Most Bedouin's have homes now. The government built homes for them free. This was to keep them from all moving to the cities and to help preserve their culture. They spend part of the year in their tents on the dessert and the rest at their homes.

We spent one night on the dessert in a Bedouin tent. It gets very cold at night,but we had wonderful heavy warm blankets. We ate goat for dinner that had been cooked under ground.
Very interesting. Some of the standard foods we see at all the buffets are different types of hummus, zatar (a mixture of wonderful spices) which you eat by dipping pita bread in olive oil and then the zatar. It is delicious. We will have it at Home group and Investment Club.
Other foods, are various salads, marinated vegetables, rice, lots of olives, usually a chicken dish, and fruit.

Our day in Petra is difficult to describe since it is so incredible. First we rode a horse part way in, then we walked with our guide explaining ancient writings and religious monuments along the way. The boys climbed along the ancient roman water system that served the city from several springs along the way. When we came around the last curve through the narrow entrance and saw the first of many buildings carved out of the rock it was breathtaking. The beauty and the ability to have accomplished this magnificent structure was awesome. I can't begin to put it into words. I cannot send pictures on this blog as the Hotel computer does not have a spot to put in my digital chip. You will have to wait with bated breath.

We spent the whole day going through this city where 12,000 people lived at one time. Now four families still live here in the caves.

After all this walking I decided to join Michael in riding a donkey back to the first building. Then Steven hired a chariot pulled by a horse to take us back to the Visitor's Center. It was quite a ride over cobblestones at mostly a fast pace. We were pretty shaken up, but still thankful to not be walking all that way.

I'm going to stop for now. My bathing suit and the Dead Sea are calling.

Will be back in touch when possible. Maybe from Cairo. Love, Dolly

First day in Saudi

Hi everyone;

We were greeted this morning with big hugs and kisses from our grandsons and daughter-in-law, Lani. How we love them. They are so excited. Two more days of school then vacation till the end of December for them. The schools here operate all year round and have three month long vacations at different times of the year.

This was a day of foreign voices everywhere. We heard lots of clipped British, some Australian and lots of Arabic. The first phone call of the morning I answered as Lani had taken the boys to school. I was greeted with the wonderful East Indian British accent that I love to hear. He was the repairman for the furniture that was damaged in shipping. He did a beautiful job too.

The compound is near an Air force airport and periodically the jets fly over. Some fly very low and the sound is deafening. You just stop talking for a minute then resume your conversation. Just like living by the train tracks in Sultan.

This evening we went to the Golf Club to have Shwarma's, the "national" sandwich here. Like hamburgers and hot dogs in America. It is shaved meat (chicken tonight) with tomatoes, pickle and a yogurt dressing in a pita. Sometimes it has potatoes and other kinds of filling with the meat. It is delicious. I ate two. I don't think I'm going to lose weight here.

While I was standing on the deck by the clubhouse I looked up at a sliver of moon with two
planets alongside it, palm trees and Egyptian stucco houses below. It felt like I was a part of a
1940's exotic movie. A surreal feeling. Am I really in Saudi Arabia or is this all a dream?

We are having a bit of difficulty with jet lag. Tom was falling asleep every time he sat down for very long. I took a nap in the afternoon so I felt pretty good all day and evening. Then night time came. I retired at 11:00, and woke up at 3:00. The rest of the night I packed, repacked, blogged, wrote in my journal, prayed, and planned our trip to Europe with our grand kids in the spring. All in my head while I layed in my bed hoping to fall asleep. I finally gave up at 5:30 and got up. I must stay up today (Tuesday) so I can sleep tonight.

Lani and I had pedicures this morning. They are only $10 here. They are staffed by Filipino women instead of Vietnamese like in our area. And the sign on the front door says no men allowed. My feet are now beautiful and I will probably be covering them up for the next couple of weeks as it will be cold in Jordan and Egypt.Oh well, Tom and I can enjoy the foot view.

We also visited an open house of a British woman who carries cards, party supplies, , lovely tablecloths, runners, beaded items and jewelry. Made my first purchases.

The commissary was fascinating with all it's various foods along with normal groceries. The peanuts are extraordinary. Almost as good as those in China. I don't know what they do, but peanuts in the U.S. are almost a travesty in comparison. We will bring pounds of them home I'm sure.

We went with Steven to get our temporary cards for entrance to all Aramco facilities this afternoon. It entailed being fingerprinted (all 10 fingers) and photographed. This was done for me by two different Saudi women, both wearing Birkas. All I could see were there hands and eyes. They wore glasses which was a surprise to me. I guess I had never thought of glasses behind that veil. They were kind and made a little small talk.

Bear with me those of you that I have shared this information with before. Many if not most Saudi women feel very comfortable with their dress code. They believe they are much freer than we American women who have to try and measure up to a #10. The right figure, clothes, etc. Their culture does not have bulimic or anorexic women. Interesting thought isn't it.

There are about 500 Saudi families on the compound so we see many black abiya (sp) covered women. I wish we could take pictures, but it is not allowed.

Tomorrow morning we leave for Jordan and then Egypt. I will be unable to blog until I return.

So until then, goodbye.

Our Traveling Experience

Hi friends and family;

We made it!

It truly was an adventure. Our first leg to Amsterdam was long, but that is normal and we are used to it. The only mishap was the jar of mustard Candy, our oldest daughter, bought for Steven, the son we were going to visit, which I had packed last minute in our carry on. Since it wasn't liquid I had not imagined it being a problem. But it was and someone at Seatac scored. As usual I was body searched. It happens almost every trip. You all know how dangerous I look.

When we arrived at Schipol airport we left the secure area and met our old friend Rudi Hoogervorst who had come to pick us up. He drove us to the building where Lian, his wife works as the head security guard. We had cappuchinos, my favorite dutch cookies and a wonderful visit. One of the companies that are in this building were having a celebration that day. It is a European custom similar to our Santa Claus. They call him Cinta Claus (sp) and his helpers are Black Pete's.

We managed to get a picture with one of the Black Pete's before we had to leave. We didn't get to see Cinta Claus except when he arrived as a normal looking grandfather. It takes about two hours to put on all his black makeup and outfit which meant he wasn't arriving in the Hall till after we needed to be back at the airport. It was fun to watch the children coming, from toddlers to 12 year olds. The little ones were so excited. There would be singing, dancing, food and, of course, presents for all the them.

Back at the airport we had to go through customs again which meant standing in a line for awhile, but it was worth it for the fun visit we had. This leg of the flight was 5 1/2 hours and the plane was less than half full so we were able to move and spread out for more comfort. Both flights were on the 320 Airbus and we had individual movie screens and lots of movies to choose from. I obviously opted for comedy's and chick flicks while Tom chose shoot em up adventures. It helped pass the time away between catnaps and eating.

I had packed snack bags for both of us, but we sure didn't need them. They fed and hydrated us often and well. At least as well as can be expected on a plane. We even had real silverware.

Arriving in Dammam was where the nightmare began. We had been traveling for about 30 hours now and found ourselves standing in a line for 'all foreign passport holders' for the next hour and 45 minutes. Notice that "standing". These people are definitely not interested in tourism. We finally got to our turn, only to have our documents questioned. The clerk, officer or whatever he is checked with another in the next booth. After some conversation we were told to follow him. We entered an elevator arrived upstairs and proceeded to an office where it appeared like someone with more authority looked over our passports. More conversation, all in Arabic, of course, and we were taken back downstairs to the original gate and allowed to proceed.

Next we had to go pick up our bags and go through customs. Since we had 4 large bags, 2 medium bags and 2 small bags we were delighted to have two young men load it all on carts and escort us to customs. There they inspected one bag that Holly had packed for Lani. Things were wrapped in plain paper and one package he asked about. Obviously I didn't have a clue what was in it so began unwrapping it. Turned out to be a case of crochet hooks. I couldn't make him understand what they were used for. So he opened it took them out and smelled them and then seemed satisfied and we were allowed to go through.

Soon we were greeted and hugged by Steven. It was now midnight and we were exhausted and after a half an hour ride we arrived at his home and fell into bed.

Goodnight, Dolly