Spring Break in Egypt (David)

With all the options for spring break, the kids said, "we don't care as long as we are with our friends."  And that is the reality.  Sure we could have traveled and toured around Europe, but friendship is what they wanted the most.  

Several ideas were tossed around for a month, but eventually the mother of the friends decided she couldn't leave Cairo because of her other children.  So we decided to take the friends of our kids on two mini trips nearby Cairo.  With the help of her driver, transportation was easy.

We thought about Alexandria, but hauling four kids around when thy just wanted to hang out sounded like more work than fun.

So we spent three days and two nights at Sakkara Country Club and four days three nights at Movenpick El Sohkna.

Couldn't have been better!   Well, less Mosquitos at Sakkara and a little bit warmer water at el Soukhna.

Sakkara

About to go quad biking

Selfie on quad bike

Riding among pyramids.   Not the biggies at Giza, but Sakkara (oldest) and several others dotting the desert.

Everyone with Sakkara in the background 

Sunset 

Pool

Village street on other side of Sakkara Country Club.

El Soukhna

View from balcony

Met up with another friend

Silly

Banana boat time

Beautiful water and a jellyfish 

With dolphins.  So cool, they swam under and around the boat

Playing soccer

Holding a tanker in his hand

Morning from the deck

Pathway to main hotel and meals.   Mountains in background

Jogging path

Pretty

Water is so clear

My favorite dessert, all coconut dipped in honey

Time to go

Downtown Cairo (David)

Finally made it to downtown Cairo.   I am tired of shuttling by driver to the Khan (marketplace) so  I ventured downtown via the metro.  Very successful.   At 1 Egyptian Pound (about 15 cents) it is very affordable!   Highlights below.

Metro platform in our neighborhood

On the metro

Egyptian Museum.   Didn't go in, but now know how easy it is to get to.

Tahir Square and the closed metro of Sadat.

Tahir Square

Streets of Cairo

Streets of Cairo

Typical intersection

Store fronts

Morning Sheesha at the Ramadan Light store

Wall to the market, old Cairo

Inlay at a mosque

Part of door at mosque

Part of door to mosque

Mosque door

In the mosque.   Foot washing fountain to the left.  Boy washing feet

Tapestry in tentmakers street

Street shopping

Outside prayer area

Street

Supreme Court building and banner for presidential candidate ...

Juice stand where I got a fresh orange and pineapple juice before getting back on the metro.

My path ...

Later in the day ... a ride on the Nile