Friday, October 27, 2006
22/10 (dad's birthday)Pyramids
So much to absorb...just notes and ideas...
The desert goes forever, rolling from the edge of the Cairo suburb or Giza, dune after dune, to the horizon. Standing at the top of the hill the Pyramids are built on - one side is stinking, polluted suburbia and the other is this dirty yellow/grey sand that meets the horizon where a mix of polution and wind-stirred dust blurs the distinction between earth and sky. And the desert is not red like home, so I apologise in advance for my perception of what a desert colour should be. The pollution is so bad today you can't see 200m in front of you. Every external surface is the grey of the pollution, even the desert sand.
The pyramids themselves are huge, imposing ancient skyscrapers. But empty. Really pleased I went to the museum first and did the tunnel walk today. I have perspective and context for my exploration.
The Sphinx is not as big as I thought it would be, dwarfed by the pyramids. It is very badly erroded and being restored at present.
Today, Inshalla, is the last day of fasting for Ramadan, and tomorrow, the three day celebration commences. The streets are a nightmare about 2pm-4pm while everyone struggles to get home in time to break their daily fast with their families. And then the streets are empty from 4pm til 7pm. And then BOOM, the party begins. Until about 4am each morning as everyone catches up on their food and drink and tobacco intake. As you drive along the overpasses the celebrations below move like a river, with tables from food and drink vendors taking over the streets, and traffic trying to squeeze inbetween.
So much to absorb...just notes and ideas...
The desert goes forever, rolling from the edge of the Cairo suburb or Giza, dune after dune, to the horizon. Standing at the top of the hill the Pyramids are built on - one side is stinking, polluted suburbia and the other is this dirty yellow/grey sand that meets the horizon where a mix of polution and wind-stirred dust blurs the distinction between earth and sky. And the desert is not red like home, so I apologise in advance for my perception of what a desert colour should be. The pollution is so bad today you can't see 200m in front of you. Every external surface is the grey of the pollution, even the desert sand.
The pyramids themselves are huge, imposing ancient skyscrapers. But empty. Really pleased I went to the museum first and did the tunnel walk today. I have perspective and context for my exploration.
The Sphinx is not as big as I thought it would be, dwarfed by the pyramids. It is very badly erroded and being restored at present.
Today, Inshalla, is the last day of fasting for Ramadan, and tomorrow, the three day celebration commences. The streets are a nightmare about 2pm-4pm while everyone struggles to get home in time to break their daily fast with their families. And then the streets are empty from 4pm til 7pm. And then BOOM, the party begins. Until about 4am each morning as everyone catches up on their food and drink and tobacco intake. As you drive along the overpasses the celebrations below move like a river, with tables from food and drink vendors taking over the streets, and traffic trying to squeeze inbetween.
# posted by The Essence of Good Taste @ 3:02 PM 
