Before my very eyes it was a sight to behold, a flurry of spectacular light and visionary displays, I felt I had certainly arrived in a far away Arab land as we journeyed towards our habitat for the week. Luxury was all around a Tropicana of pleasure so welcoming and hospitable to the foreigner in a far away land.
Morning had broken and the sun caressed my skin, a stranger of sorts but a joy to reacquaint with, a visit to the Red Sea ensued and what a bedazzlement! Aqua life visible to the naked eye, the water glistened in the sun, melodic blue captivating a human soul into a whirlwind of marine life and beauty.
Explorations of Egyptian lifestyle fascinated the mind, the bustle of the markets while locals would attempt to sell their right arm if they thought one would cough up some cash, haggling was foremost and on success beautifully handcrafted paintings on papyrus achieved from the friendly Egyptian who welcomed his Irish friends into such hospitable quarters.
Prayers echoed in my ears in a predominantly Muslim country a 5 a day ritual to honour Allah, a religion which allows man to have up to four wives, upon agreement of his first and as long as he can provide for all whilst they act as his right hand citizens. Many Muslim women of childbearing age wear the hijab if married in order to repress attention from flirtatious men.
The promiscuity of the Muslim man I felt evidently from advantageous remarks detailing comments and attempted negotiations “how many camels for this queen” a joke to the Irish man but a stark reality on the thought of perhaps a future wife to the serious Muslim man, outlined the mindset of the sheer dictatorship of men towards women in this country.
None the less, steeped in history a visit to the most notorious museum was a truly iconic experience, a world of knowledge incurred from history books laid there in reality, the tomb of Tutankhamen and such wealth of ancient Egyptian royalty was astounding. Skeletal pharaoh indeed jaw dropping as dead remains inhabited inside glass cases.
Driving through Cairo was an eye-opener on the final day of Ramadan the breaking of a month long fast known as Eid al- Fitr as preparations for a feast are evident with slaughtered animals lying on backstreets, it is equivalent to Christmas as we make our journey towards one of the seven wonders of the World!
And there they stand tall and mighty in the Sahara Desert- the pyramids of Egypt! Over 4 thousand years old, they truly are breathtaking, fascinated we get the eerie honour of going inside they are dark and mysterious with the smell of death and fascination we explore downwards through the tightly packed tombs no windows just empty spaces tell a tale of ancient history.
To ponder all this a night on the town ensues, it is vibrant alive and kicking especially in the open top ZuZu bar where culture spills from every angle, belly dancers on stage, music so loud and proud the culture is just wonderful, we gaze in amazement at a wealth of talent whilst enjoying the local beverages.
Egypt, a lot like Aladdin’s lamp full of magic and colour was a truly magical carpet ride and one that will not be forgotten until next time the genie opens up the lid and returns me yet again for a wonderful Arabian Adventure!
