Breakfast buffet is at the Garden Promenade Cafe. Lots of hot and cold items. Egg station. I have my one egg over easy, fruit-melon and watermelon, toast, orange juice, coffee. I believe it's my conservative breakfasts that have allowed me to remain healthy during our trip. No stomach upsets.
Our pick up today is 9:00am. We switched days for the sightseeing so today was originally scheduled for tomorrow. I don't know why it was switched but not a problem.
CITADEL. Overlooks the city from the Muqattam Hills. Sizeable fortress going back to the 12th century. Served as a royal residence and military barracks until the late 19th century. Earliest parts date back to reign of Saladin. Dramatic feature of Cairo's skyline-centuries old bastion crowned by needle-like minarets of the great Mosque of Mohammed Ali. There are 3 mosques to visit as well as former palace buildings and museums.
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Admission ticket
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| Citadel walls and our guide Mohammed |
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Carriage Museum
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MOSQUE OF SULEYMAN PASHA. Small 16th century mosque built in a Turkish style soon after the Ottoman takeover of Egypt. The underside of its dome is beautifully decorated. A cluster of verdigris domes and pencil sharp minaret. 16th century Ottoman creation. Lavish arabesques and rosettes adorn the interior of the cupola and semi-domes. Inside, cross the courtyard for a mausoleum-tombs of amirs and their families. Adjacent is a madrassa where students took exams beneath a riwaq upheld by painted beams.
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| Ceiling detail |
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Floor detail
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MOSQUE OF AL-NASIR IBN QALAOUN. Built during the reign of Al-Nasir Mohammed (1293-1340), a son of Qalaoun, is known for its minaret which has indicate, lace-like decoration in a Moorish style. Corkscrew minarets with bulbous finials and faience decorations. Courtyard has rough hewn pillars supporting abate arches linked by Fatimid-style tie beams. The mihrab is gold and marble. Stepped merlons around the parapet and blue/white/silver decorations beneath the sanctuary liwan.
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Mihrab
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MOHAMMED ALI MOSQUE. Built between 1824 and 1848, this grand Turkish-style mosque dominates the Cairo skyline. Turkish Baroque ablutions fountain resembles giant Easter egg. A constellation of chandeliers and globe lamps. Thuluth inscriptions. Gold scalloped mihrab.
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Postcard
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Turkish Baroque ablutions fountain resembles a giant Easter egg; working on the clock tower
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Mohammed Ali burial cenotaph
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Views from the Terraces of the mosque
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MOSQUE OF SULTAN HASSAN. Original plan was for a minaret in each corner. Deep courtyard. Huge mausoleum. Hanging lamp-chains. Located next to the Al-Rifai Mosque.
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Admission ticket
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Postcard
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| Floor in courtyard |
MOSQUE OF AL-RIFAI. Pseudo Mamluke built between 1869-1912 for Princess Khushyar, mother of Khedive Ismail. Sandalwood enclosure tomb of Sheikh Ali al-Rifai, founder of the Rifai tariqa of dervishes whose moulid/festival occurs during the 6th month of the Muslim calendar Gumad el-Tani.
PAPYRUS MUSEUM. I want to get an authentic papyrus painting, not one done on banana leaves. There is a brief but informative demonstration. The store has lots of papyrus paintings. I'm looking for something small but eye catching. I find one hanging on a wall that I love and it's already in a frame. I'm told they will sell it to me. I'm pleased with my purchase. Certificate for authenticity papyrus painting on the back of the painting. Cost $61.00 USD
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| This is the small one I bought |
KHAN AL KHALILI. Chaotic and vibrant bazaar. Dates back to 16th century. Covered passageways, stone gates, and labyrinthine alleys. Medieval atmosphere. Spices, perfumes, brightly colored cloths, gold, silver. I wish I could buy a sheesha pipe. Haggling expected. But I hate trying to bargain because I am terrible at it! I'm here specifically for one store. GOUZLAN. Here is where I want to buy cartouches for myself and my step-daughter Arleen. I love the sights and sounds of the bazaar. Wish I had time to really wander around, exploring fully. I find the shop and ask for Shaggy who is there. I pick out what I want (Chris on one and Arleen on the other in Egyptian hieroglyphs) and I'm told the cartouches will be delivered to my hotel tonight at 10:00 pm. Cost $470.00 USD Adel has dropped us off as parking very difficult here. He will wait for us and we will return to the spot where he dropped us.
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Cairo traffic
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| Shaggy |
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| My cartouche name CHRIS |
FISHAWI. Cairo's oldest and most famed coffee house fills a narrow alley in Khan al-Khalili. We have mint tea which is really tasty. Very atmospheric. Walk back to where Adel is waiting with the car.
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| Fairid |
AL-AZHAR MOSQUE. Named after the Prophet Muhammed's daughter Fatimah al-Zahraa. It was designated for the Shi'a Fatimid congregation and later in 988 AD it was turned into a university and it became the world's second oldest educational institution. The university is one of world's best centers of learning. Students from Europe and all over the Islamic empire. Harmonious blend of architectural styles as it was rebuilt, redesigned, and enlarged over more than 1000 years. Has 5 minarets, a large prayer area, religious and non-religious schools, and a beautiful marble central court. Symbol for enlightenment and righteousness.
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Postcard
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Where you leave your shoes
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Ceiling detail
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Mihrab
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Back where Adel is with the car
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What a day! So many mosques. So much history. My only regret is not having enough time in the bazaar. On the way back to our hotel some pictures of our trip back. Back to our hotel 4:00 pm.
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| Crossing the bridge/road to get to Gezira Island where our hotel is located |
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| Our hotel |
AL-AZHAR PARK. Opened in 2004. A tall grassy hill at one end slopes down to an artificial lake at the other end. Landscaped in typical Islamic fashion with water features and flower beds. It also has an amphitheater, children's play area, restaurant, cafe. Nice views. I've made arrangements with Adel to drive us here and wait for us for 50 LE. The traffic is the worse yet. Took forever to get to the park!
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| Admission ticket |
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| Sunset |
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| People watching the sunset |
RESTAURANT STUDIO MISR. This is where we have
dinner. It was a mistake as I really was looking to have dinner at Citadel View Alain Le Notre and not this place. But it's fine as our food was tasty and we had good service. The best part was the view. I ordered the grilled chicken breast which came with french fries. Richard wanted grilled vegetables which also came with french fries. The french fries were delicious. We also had halabi bread and tomeyeh. Drinks coke and sprite. Cost without tip 167 LE. Driving back to our hotel I see a KFC! Small world. When the messenger arrives with the cartouches from Gouzlan mine is perfect but for Arleen they did only one e spelling her name Arlen. I'm not happy. He makes a phone call. A new one will be made for Arleen and I'll get it tomorrow.
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Gorgeous view
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| Outdoor seating is available |
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| Inside seating is nice |
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| Dinner |
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KFC in Cairo!
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| Almost back to our hotel |
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