Cairo, Egypt - The Pyramids and The Sphinx

Did you know that many stores and vendors in Egypt prefer U.S. currency instead of their own Egyptian pound? It's true! We exchanged some U.S. currency for Egyptian pounds and never used it because the merchants wanted our U.S. dollar. So much for using the local currency.

We traveled from Port Said to Cairo. It was a long ride filled with miles and miles of desert and then suddenly we see huge cargo ships sailing alongside the bus. It was kind of funny but at the same time pretty neat to see ships in the desert using the Suez Canal. Finally, after 3 hours on the bus we reached Cairo and the pyramids. The bus ride was worth it! Cairo is a fascinating place to visit.

There's about 10 million people living in the outskirts of the city and approximately 12 million living within it. Needless to say, it's crowded. The streets are filled with donkeys and cars and if there are car lanes, they don't use it. If there's an open spot on the road then a car is sure to squeeze into it. I'm sure everyone thinks they have bad traffic, but Cairo is the worst! Cairo is very colorful and there's an interesting mix of modern and olden day lifestyles and buildings. The Nile River is close by and you can take a boat ride on it. Just imagine floating along the same Nile River that Cleopatra used. Well, we didn't have Cleopatra on our boat but we did have a belly dancer and were treated to an interesting Egyptian buffet.

Seeing the pyramids is a breathtaking experience. You can walk into the the oldest and largest pyramid to see the crypt. However, if you're claustrophobic, you might want to stay top-side; it's a cramped one way in/one way out walk to the crypt. The Sphinx is a short distance away from the pyramids and it is a spectacular sight. Let me clarify that it's a short distance as long as you're in some sort of vehicle. Both structures are so huge it looks like a close walk but I wouldn't be surprised if people collapse of heat stroke if they tried walking to the Sphinx. Once you get to the Sphinx you can view it from various angles. It is amazing to stand next to, to see, and in some cases, touch these marvelous structures built by the Egyptians.

When you get to the pyramids, here are a few things to be aware of:

• Peddlers - Protect your belongings and ignore the peddlers as much as possible. Some of them will grab your camera from your hand, snap a picture of you with the pyramids in the background and then they want you to pay them $1 because they took your picture. Some try to put merchandise in your hands. If you take the merchandise, the peddlers refuse to take it back and wanting payment instead. Oh and watch out for the peddlers who stick a turban (yuk!) on your head and say they'll take your picture. They'll ask for money after taking your picture. Also, prices are inflated so when they say $5, you should bargain for $1.

• Entering the Pyramid - You can't take your camera or cell phone into the pyramid. You can leave those item up front in a bin before you go in, but no one is really accountable for it. It's safer if you leave it with someone you know before you enter the pyramid. 

• Sitting on Camels - Confirm the price for sitting and taking pictures with a camel or the cost of riding a camel before getting on them. Some camel guides will let you get on and then refuse to let you down until you agree to pay their price. 

• Riding the camels - Be sure to stay in view of your tour bus or starting point. Our tour guide reminded us that we're in the desert; she said, "If you get lost out there, chances are really good I won't find you."