Window Into the Sky

Photo 297-298: As my long list of Egypt photographs are now coming to an end, and I am nearing the 300 mark, I'm pumped. I can't believe I'm almost done with this photo venture. I'm pretty close to my 365 number, of course a bit behind, but the Egypt adventure helped. I've got some FLL time coming up, and of course I wandered around NYC yesterday during lunch and took a few shots, so let's see. I've got Long Island, NY, and Reno, Nev., (anyone know what's there?), coming up for a businnes trip in May, and then I go to Arlington, Tx., and San Antonio in June, so I should be able to get some more great shots before my deadline is here and gone. Cross your fingers for me!

Meanwhile, this is the Alabster Mosque with its beautiful spires and delicately crafted windows overlooking the Cairo skyline from the Citadel.

"Only from the heart can you touch the sky." - Rumi

"I was a tiny bug. Now a mountain. I was left behind. Now honored at the head. You healed my wounded hunger and anger, and made me a poet who sings about joy." - Rumi

Something Blue... or Pick a Color

Photo 292 - 296: Strolling around the streets of Aswan or taking a nap on a cruise balcony gives you such a different view of the world around you. All week I kept tripping over everything - my own two feet, a curb, a chair - but only (!!!) because I kept looking UP to see what the next shot was going to be. Some believe I have a crooked walk (:P), but I like to think that it keeps me "falling" into places I would not otherwise see. lol I survived a boat, a camel, a cab ride and a train without major injury, and captured these images early at the crack of dawn, at high noon, and as the sun was going down - all with vibrant colors at the core.

Regular Programming Con't...

Photo 287 - 291: Not much to say today, but here's a few more from Egypt. I'm almost done going through all of them, and then I'll have to come up with some more photo opps. Perhaps some more FLL? There's a lighthouse or two I want to explore, and some more bridge and sunset pictures that beg to be taken. For now though, who can imagine walking around these ruins and being emersed in history? I CAN!

A Little Night Magic

Photo 281-285: Thank God for flat surfaces, otherwise I would have cried. I didn't take my tripod with me on this trip, so various chairs, trash cans, and banisters provided me with a steady surface, and I even got to educate my fellow travelers on a little trick called "no flash + timer = happy photographer" mode. lol

Still, magic hour... twilight hour... It's the same no matter where you go, but when you're surrounded by pyramids, temples and the City of Cairo, there's something indescribable in the air.

Felucca Cruisin'

Photo 276 - 280: I keep talking about this infamous nile cruise and felucca ride... and I have to tell you, it was truly my favorite part of the trip. The pyramids, temples, caves, museums etc. were great, but the felucca ride to a botanical garden on a small island was breathtaking. It was so peaceful with the wind playing with the sails, the waves rushing ahead to lead the way, and the sun rays reflecting off the water. We started out in Aswan, and spent the whole afternoon taking pictures, relaxing, and taking in the most amazing views I have ever seen. What a relaxing feeling - there's nothing like it in the world.

A Mosque Up High

Photo 271 - 275: I've been back for a few days now, and finding it still difficult to become adjusted, but all in due time, I guess. A week ago I was floating down the Nile, so work/office stress and politics isn't something I really want to indulge in right now. lol I'd rather reminisce about the Citadel, and the peaceful feeling this beautiful mosque gave me.

"I love you when you bow in your mosque, kneel in your temple, pray in your church. For you and I are sons of one religion, and it is the spirit." - Khalil Gibran

Home Sweet Home

Photo 266 - 270: I am back home from the Land of the Pharaohs, and what an amazing, crazy, revealing, romantic and exhausting adventure it was. Cairo was dirty, loud and dusty, but the history, warm nights, and lively energy swept you away along with the calls to prayer that echoed throughout the city. I have to admit, Cairo was my least favorite of all the places we went with our tour group (CONTIKI I miss you...), but it's still Cairo where you can see a donkey cart rolling down the street alongside a BMW. Where a goat and a chicken share a rooftop with the silver moon hanging over a mosque, and peddlers sell you jewelry, hookahs and spices in the bazaars. It's a city of contradictions with a forward thinking generation held back by more and more conservative ideologies, but where the history of the ancient past is still ingrained in every tradition and custom.

Our first "full" day was spent roaming around the Egyptian Museum, the Pyramids, the Sphinx and we took a camel ride through the desert which was awesome. To see all of the wonders and monuments up close and personal is mind-blowing. And this blond history geek was in heaven! I felt so fortunate to be there, and had to close my mouth throughout the day, because it kept hanging open. lol Here are a few pictures from this week... And no, camels don't spit unless provoked. ;) Egypt is definitely a trip that is a must on anyone's list. Just make sure you have a lot of bakshees on hand or just learn how to say, "La, shokran."