Sunday, January 25 - Memphis, Sakkara, and Old Cairo - The Last Hoorah

We started the morning with a “group meeting to talk about Egypt.” Christians cannot worship as openly here as in some countries. As it turns out, Danny presented an excellent lesson very strongly tied to what we have seen on the trip. So much of the Egyptians’ life was centered on preparation for their journey into the afterlife, something we as Christians can relate to. One of the scenes that is prevalent in the hieroglyphics we’ve seen is related to the judgment of the their heart (depicted by a human heart and feather compared in a balance) by the gods to determine whether they will have safe passage into the afterlife. There are so many similarities and contrasts between our life today and the lives of those ancient cultures we’ve been learning about on this trip. After a trip like this, reading the scriptures will have a new meaning as we reflect on the places and things we’ve seen. Today, our last day in Egypt, is bittersweet. We are all looking forward to getting home, but we hate to leave behind the site, sounds, memories, and new friendships that we’ve experienced over the last 10 days.

Worship service at the hotel. Everyone is here, the lens just isn’t a wide enough angle to capture everyone.

Our first stop today is Memphis, capital of the ancient kingdom. Little remains of the world's first imperial capital. King Menes is said to have united Egypt's southern valley and northern delta around 3100 BC and created the capital at Memphis. Memphis was built where the delta and valley met. Most building were constructed of mudbrick, and have long since disappeared. A small New Kingdom Alabaster Sphinx and a limestone colossus of Ramses II as a young man are on show in a modern pavilion in the open-air museum. The Alabaster Sphinx was carved to honor an unknown pharaoh. It is 26 feet long and 13 feet tall. The statue of Ramses II (Ramses the Great) was discovered in the city of Akhnim, 285 miles south of Cairo. It is the largest statue of Ramses II found to date. It is a place of the kings, but contrary to the rumors, we didn’t see Elvis.Osman explains the hieroglyphics on the base of a column. Noemi, Catherine, Buddy, and Katherine pay close attention.

We continue to Abusir, which contains a complex of four pyramids Saqqara (also spelled Sakkara) which is a short distance from Memphis. The Step Pyramid at Saqqara is the first pyramid built in Egypt. Saqqara, the necropolis of the city of Memphis, is one of the largest and most important cemeteries in Egypt. The Old Kingdom royal family and nobles were buried there, and was in use for more than 3,000 years. The Step Pyramid of King Djoser was part of the complex. The Step Pyramid was built by Djoser's architect, Imhotep in the 27th century BC. It was the first pyramid in Egypt and marks the first time kings were buried above ground instead of in underground tombs. Imhotep was later deified for his efforts. Snefru's Bent and Red Pyramids at Dashur were the next to be built. We visited the tomb of Mereruka, the son-in-law of King Teti (2345-2323), which had incredible paintings that described the 5 stages of his life and what he hoped to have in the afterlife.

Osman took orders for lunch on the bus and we stopped at a carpet school (interesting, but nothing like the school we visited in Turkey) while lunch was being prepared. Lunch today was superb and many commented it was one of the best of the trip. Fresh pita made in brick ovens in front of the restaurant (nothing like the pita we have in the states) was followed by all the rice and grilled meat (chicken, beef or lamb) we could eat. And as in Turkey, they serve French fries on the side. We have all had more than our share of carbohydrates and bread on this trip! They serve bread and potatoes at breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Lacey gets a lesson in carpet weaving.

Oswan promised to have us back to the hotel by 4:00pm but everyone agreed we’d rather pack a little more sightseeing in, as opposed to going back to pack luggage. We headed back to Old Cairo and made quick stops at the Coptic Museum that houses one of the largest exhibits of Coptic art in the world. Christian scenes and scripture are depicted on linen, stone, and manuscripts.

We walked a short distance to the Church of St. Sergius, which some believe to be the location where Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus sheltered when they fled to Egypt. Regardless, it is considered to be the oldest structure in old Cairo. Its foundation dates back to the 5th century AD. Many of us still had Egyptian pounds, so we had a few minutes for shopping at the bazaar. It was a long drive back into town (as is always the case because of traffic), but Osman had one last treat for us. We finally got our felucca (sailboat) ride. Osman has been trying to fit it in for several days, but there has been no wind. Tonight we are treated to wind, sunset on the Nile, and an entertaining sailor from Aswan. However, the most memorable part of the trip was when the captain offered us 1000 camels for Stacy’s hand in marriage. We’ll know what’s up if Stacy takes another trip to Egypt!

Wally, Sandy, Buddy, and Catherine cruising the Nile.

The captain of the felucca rows us out to where we can catch some wind.

Sailing into the Egyptian sunset.

And now, to answer Jane’s question, unfortunately we have not been able to find Magnum bars, but Osman did have ice cream waiting for us on the bus after the felucca ride. Now that’s the way to end a day! We said our reluctant goodbyes to Osman. He has set a high bar for all guides on future trips. He has been with us for 10 days and feels like part of the family. He is incredibly knowledge, extremely personable, and has made us all feel safe and welcome in his country. Most of all he is incredibly passionate about teaching others about the stories this ancient land tells about the Egyptian people and their connection to the Bible. He asks for us to remember him and his family in our prayers. A request we are happy to honor.

We enjoyed our last meal as a group Bedouin style in an outdoor tent. All that’s left is to say goodbye to our new friends and the dreaded 12 hour flight back.

Margaret, Frances, Danny, Sara, Katherine, Linda, Boyd, and Burton enjoy a Bedouin style dinner.