29 April 2011

Egypt : Cairo

If you can see beyond its decaying facade, there is a mysterious beauty in Cairo with its vast history, cultural richness, strange smells, constant honking & blasting prayers from the Koran.
The Pyramids at Giza.
The exterior wall of Saaqara with tour guide Muhammad.
This is a photo from a walk into the city center. We came across many leftovers of the Revolution of January 25th, including this burnt down government building. It is very fitting that his shirt says 'lust for life', there is definitely a post revolution excitement in the air.
The Nile by night.
Greek Orthodox Church in Old Cairo.
Having once been worshiped as Gods, Egyptian cats are very regal.
Beautiful black & whites.
Old Cairo.
The Alabaster Mosque (aka Muhammad Ali Mosque) at the summit of the Citadel.
It is an Ottomans style mosque, commissioned in 1830 & built by the same architect who designed the Yeni Mosque in Turkey.
A smoggy view of Cairo from the summit of the Citadel.
I nearly hyperventilated in Tent Makers Alley, I was so excited.
Sketchy back alley transaction.
The traffic is Cairo's major downfall. I suppose it is organized chaos but I couldn't figure it out... Turning right from the farthest left lane?? No traffic signals ?45 minutes to get down the block at 10pm?

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