LUXOR - April 26

It's been a crazy few days in Egypt, and we have a lot to catch up on. After a day of relaxing, we were ready to take on more sights. The Citadel had gotten a bad rap in our guide book, but thankfully we decided to go anyways. The gentleman who ran the Pension Roma, our first hotel, had recommended it.

After some arduous bargaining for a short cab ride (Ari's getting much better at this!) we arrived at the site of the original citadel in Cairo, housing a few 800 year old mosques, the Police Museum, the National Military Museum, and  some other sites. Since we arrived, the words "old" and "ancient" have taken on whole new meanings. Not just Boston's Revolutionary War old, or Chicago's Art Deco era old, but things here are OLD.

The Mosque of Muhammed Ali was simply spectacular. (No, not the boxer, but the Egyptian vizier). Built from 1830-1840, it serves as an excellent example of Ottoman architecture and got us really excited for our visit to Turkey. We just sat on the ground for a while and gazed upwards, taking in the splendidly painted vaulted ceilings adorned with lanterns and chandeliers. 

 

 

The National Military Museum was a total trip. Housed in Muhammed Ali's former harem, the swankiest building on the lot boasted photos and replicas of all things marshal. The building itself was immaculately restored and aimed to echo the Palace of Versaille, but the exhibits were quite kitschy, depicting ancient through modern battles and Egyptian victories.  Noticeably closed off from public view were the rooms displaying the wars with Israel.

 

After a long day, we we returned to our usual spot for dinner and tea before boarding an overnight train to Luxor. 

Lots of love,

Jillian + Ari