4/13/07 - Day 3 - Cairo and the Flight to Luxor

We got to sleep in a little longer today but with the time change we were awake anyway. Our last breakfast in this beautiful resort over looking the pyramids. We boarded the bus about 9 and headed out to a Papyrus making house. Here they showed us the plant, how they harvest it, how it is cut into long thin slices, then soaked for a long time. The longer it soaks in the water the darker it becomes. Next it is weaved between each of the pieces like woven material, then it is put into a press where all the pieces meld together and seals itself. Its such an interesting process. Once the sheet of papyrus is done and dry they then paint pictures on it. The paper will never tear or crush or fall apart even if wet again. I will bring some to show when I return. Everyone bought something. The stories of the pharoahs in paint is so interesting. We left there to go to the Cairo Museum. Although most of the valuable antiquities were looted throughout the years, there were still lots of coffins, walls with heirogliphics, wood sycamore statues, granite statues, etc. The most interesting was all the known antiquities of King Tut. His multi piece sarcofogus, his jewelry, solid gold headdress, so many amazing pieces. We only had 3 hours here and had to leave. We did get a quick chance to see the mummy room. Inside were many of the Kings, but most important was King Ramses II. The statues everywhere are so big, strong, and mighty, but his mummy was so small and frail. You could spend a couple of days here looking and reading about everything but we had to go. From here we went to lunch at a park with an outdoor resturant. Food was great. Time was running out and we had to get through the traffic to the domestic airport. Wait till you see my traffic pics. They don't believe in stop lights, headlights, right of way, lines in the road. We had lots of close calls. From the air port we flew to Luxor and are staying at a resort on Crocodile Island. Its jam packed as this is a resort that many use for relaxation. Tomorrow is a busy day as we are visiting Karnak, Valley of the Queens, temple of Ramses, thebes and more. Then we will board our cruise ship, the Royal Lotus by Avalon Waterways, to begin our 3 day journey down the Nile to Aswan. Till tomorrow....G'night. Anna