A World Wonder

**Note: Post date is August 1, 2009**

A 4:15am wake up call and we were finally headed to see the Ancient and Modern wonders of the world: The Great Pyramids of Giza. Kate sang a peppy song to the bus to wake us all up but our excitement alone was enough to stimulate us. I enjoy our bus. Everyone is kind, fun, and willing to go with the flow. There are no attitudes, no issues, just plain and simple fun. Well maybe plain and simple isn’t the right adjectives. For as we drive up the sand road, we look out to either side of the bus to see these larger than life tombs which are far from plain or simple. The night is slowly ending and the glow of dawn shines on the three-dimensional wonders. I was in a state of grace.

We step off the bus to be greeted with a panoramic view of the Great creations. Both unfortunately and fortunately, because of Egypt’s pollution the air is so thick that the colors of a sunrise or a sunset are so much more vibrant. But the best had yet to come. After about an hour of steady picture taking and never ending staring at these astonishing monuments the beams of the sun began to appear above the peak of the center Pyramid. It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen and a one of a kind picture opportunity may I add. There I sat with Erika and the rest of the A.B.A. gang in complete awe of our lives. We were seeing something that more than 75% of the world’s population will never see. A lot of A.B.A. wasn’t there, but it was comforting to know that we were all seeing these beautiful creations at one point or another during our time here. I couldn’t help but wish that my brother was here with me. He would love it. He takes a great deal of interest in history and not to mention we both saw Transformers 2. I would have definitely loved to have experienced this sight with him by my side. He was in my thoughts and so I called him to share my excitement. His voice was deeper and he is supposedly growing his hair out. I miss his crazy self. I miss home.

But as we moved closer to the Pyramids I wasn’t opposed to making this breathtaking sight of rock my new humble abode. I even took a seat on the precious rock as friends took pictures. It was a blast! I stood between these giant structures, looking up at their conjoining tips, camels passing by and sand blowing in the air: I was in Egypt! For real! And the fun wasn’t threw.

So I never thought I’d go to Africa, nor Egypt, nor did I ever think I would see the Pyramids, but it completely slipped my mine that I would also be seeing the mysterious Sphinx. We were the only group at the site making it that much more of a special experience. Not to mention that both the pyramids and the sphinx are secluded from the congested and commercialized life of Cairo. I was fearful that a Wonder of the Ancient World might have to compete with a Wonder of the modern world: McDonalds. I strongly believe that more things need to be preserved and protected from commercial advertisement and urbanization. I was more than pleased of the preservation of the Pyramids even though right outside the area stood a Hard Rock Café, A McDonalds and A Pizza Hut. This country has the most American establishments by far. Including Fridays, Chili’s, Fuddruckers, Ruby Tuesdays, Cinnabon, and of course Starbucks.
Well we sat for a good 40 minutes in front of the Sphinx as we admired its rarity. We talked, took silly pictures and really just relaxed as we took in the enormity of our day.

And the day continued. Our next stop was the Bazaar and we all know how much I love those. But actually this one wasn’t all that bad. It was outside, spacious and the sellers weren’t as abrasive as the ones inn Turkey. I enjoyed my self as I shopped along the street and I walked away with some good items. I hope the Bazaar in Morocco is as relaxing. Relaxing isn’t quite the word, how about just not stressful?

Again I have read and learned about the Nile River since I was in third grade. Today I was on a boat sailing this very body of water. I couldn’t believe it. Regardless it is nothing more than a regular river like the Hudson in New York, but it comes with an amazing history and is of much importance to the Egyptian’s irrigation system and water supply. It was a bit polluted may I add, but I put that aside as I again cherished the rare moment. We were having lunch as we sailed along and in addition some entertainment. First was “belly dancing” or someone trying really hard to belly dance. She was just awful. Tasteless, out of shape and unimpressive. She was very interactive with the audience but honestly, I couldn’t wait for this woman to leave the stage. Next was a dervish dancer similar to the dancing they do in Turkey. He was full of energy, movement and just interesting to watch. I preferred his talents so much more than the imposter we had earlier. Both acts were accompanied by musicians who were playing loud but good music on keyboard, drums and some other unnamable instruments. It was a good time, but again the lunch had a limited selection for my palate. I think its safe to say that I don’t like Egyptian food.

At the end of our Nile excursion it was time to leave the wondrous land of Cairo. I can’t express to you how much I didn’t want to leave. I almost wanted to cry. I could still remember the serene moments of watching the sunrise at the Pyramids and the excitement of seeing the Sphinx along with the great times at the hotel with the gang and just the overall ease of the trip. Most SAS trips have been less than satisfactory for the most part, however this trip was more than enjoyable and in fact I wouldn’t have it any other way. With the intolerable traffic and horrible conditions in both Cairo and Alexandria the only safe and enjoyable way to experience Egypt is through a tour of some sort. And we all had wish we had signed on for another day.

But we didn’t and this was the end for us. As we returned back to Alexandria and back to the ship, Kate and I sat in disbelief of our time. “Let’s watch the sunrise at the Pyramids more often,” says Kate. We once again put our selves in reality check that we are unbelievably lucky souls. We also expressed our thanks for visiting Egypt toward the end of the voyage for other countries may have seemed less than exemplary put against the almighty Pyramids. Our excitement eventually reached a plateau as we took a nap during our extended bus ride home.

Despite our resistance to come back, we were relieved to be back to the ship, the place we call home. The last two days had been long and compact, so we decided to stay in for the night and watch a movie on the boat. Not my favorite thing to do, when outside sits Africa, but the rest was greatly needed. I lay in my bed after a 20 hour day and reflect once again on my monumental experience, but more importantly I fall asleep.

Today’s Expenses

………………Egyptian Pounds…………Dollars

Shopping………85.00.…………………..15.18

Explore. Dream. Discover.

~Michael-Anthony

P.S. De-NILE ain’t just a river in Africa.