Chaotic Cairo

Museums and Old Town

Our crazy day began with a drive to the Mosque of Mohammed Ali! No not that one, this guy was an Albanian Pasha in the 1830’s who is founded modern Egypt. When the French pulled out, he moved in, tossing out the Mamelukes (they were mercenaries) and fighting with his former employer, the Ottomans. He threatened Istanbul and would have taken it but for the Western Powers stepping in.

He built Egypt into a powerhouse, and his family continued to rule Egypt as a monarchy until 1952 when Nasser and his cronies came to power, tossing the British out of the Suez Canal.

The mosque is modeled on the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, occupying a prominent height above the city.

Then off to the famous Egyptian Museum, founded in 1902, now somewhat outdated, dusty, but still full of amazing treasures.

We met several groups young Egyptian girls who wanted our picture! So I reciprocated.

After a quick lunch we were back on the road to the new Museum of Egyptian Culture, highly recommended. Fewer exhibits but very well displayed.

Thursday night the chaos returned! Thursday is the last day of the work week and everyone was out and about, trying to leave town, go downtown, or just hang out.

The music was thumping as the crowds surged up and down the narrow streets, which date to the 12th century. This is the old town, where Cairo began. We had a guide in front of us and a security man behind (dressed in a suit) but had no trouble and never felt threatened, though the crowds became a bit claustrophobic at times.

It was a wild chaotic scene. They are still preparing to celebrate Christmas here, on January 7th (Coptic), so the party is continuing.

The bus is leaving for the Pyramids in 10 minutes so I will have to continue this later. Meantime check out these videos!

We enjoyed a late night dinner at a rooftop restaurant.

Thanks for traveling along~!