Egypt Travelogue - al-Qāhirah I

TO THE CITY OF A THOUSAND MINARETS 

My journey started when I boarded an airplane bearing the insignia of Horus – the Egyptian god of sky and vengeance. I was bound for the city of a thousand minarets because my research article was selected for oral presentation at the 19^th Ain Shams International Medical Students’ Congress organized by the Ain Shams University, Cairo. At the airport, I am bombarded with taxi drivers. 

In Egyptian Skies.
Click by Danish Henry   

PYRAMIDS & PAPYRUS

Giza
Click by Danish Henry

There could not have been a better place to start than the Great Pyramids – a place believed to be celestial consequence. Of the 135 known pyramids in Egypt, the Great Pyramids at Giza are the largest stone buildings on planet earth. They are titanic structures standing tempered in a sandy desert and is the only wonder of the ancient world which has stood the erosion of time and survived the ferocity of mankind.   

A Pyramid at Giza.
Click by Danish Henry

@ the Pyramid of Khufu.
Click by Jetmir B Sejdiu

The Pyramids are an epitome of manual dexterity and architectural excellence - a marvel of ancient Egyptian engineering and a worth quest for Egyptologists. The vicinity of the Pyramids is invaded by hawkers, frequented by keen learners, bustles with holiday seekers and merry-makers and camera flashes abound as for some the place is no less than a photography studio. The Panorama is a close by open space giving an immaculate view of all the four pyramids.

 @ the Panorama
Click by Jetmir B Sejdiu

The Opening Ceremony
Click by Danish Henry

Late afternoon, we were taken to a Papyrus factory and briefed about the centuries old art of paper making. I faintly recall the mention of papyrus in the Bible. I am glad to be the owner of a Papyrus. In the evening, the opening ceremony of the congress vibrated with applause for the recent Egyptian uprising.