On Monday, we went to the pyramids and to see the sphinx. We went inside one of the pyramids, and rode camels through the desert. My camel tried to eat my shirt, but I feel like there really was a connection between us. I miss him.
The next day we went to the mummy museum and saw thousands of artifacts from the pyramids; including the mummies. It’s amazing how well preserved they actually are. We also went to the citadel and the mosque inside the citadel. The mosque was beautiful with its stained glass walls and chandeliers. Then that night we went drove through the desert to St. Catherine.
The next morning we got up really early to climb up Mt. Sinai. Some friends and I decided we would be “real men” and climb the mountain instead of riding camels. Then we watched the sunrise from the top of the mountain. To get down the mountain, we had to walk down 3000 steps of repentance. I skipped a few steps and went sliding down the mountain. So the lesson for the day: don’t skip the step of repentance. We went to St. Katherine’s monastery and saw the burning bush. That night we said good- bye to Sinai and the smelly motel, so we could drive back to Cairo.
On Thursday we got up really early again to fly to Luxor. Luxor was one of the four capitals of Egypt in ancient times. When we were in Luxor, we saw the Valley of the Kings. It was amazing how well preserved the tombs were. We also went to see Queen Hapshipsuit’s (not really how you spell it, but it makes it easier to pronounce) temple. That afternoon we had free time to relax. Some friends and I spent like an hour trying to find McDonald’s while being pestered by guys who wanted us to climb into their carriages and go for a ride. Eventually we gave in easily found McDonald’s. Those McFlurries were definitely worth it.
On Friday we flew back to Cairo and drove to the Red Sea. The resort was beautiful! Unfortunately the water was really cold. One of the seniors, Chun, decided it would be fun to throw me in the water. My clothes are still covered in salt.
Saturday was our trip to the market. I had three guys offer me to sell me nothing but their hearts. A huge group of men asked me if I wanted an Egyptian boyfriend. To that I replied that I already had a boyfriend and grabbed the nearest guy in our group. They asked him how many camels his spicy lady was worth. I’m proud to say I’m worth about 300 camels. J When we left, the men begged me not to break their hearts by leaving. After the market, it was back to the airport to fly home!
Me and Katie
The mosque at the Citadel
Climbing down Mt. Sinai and St. Katherine’s Monastery
THE Burning Bush
Queen Hatshipsuit’s TempleElise
5 comments:
Elise,
What a great opportunity for you! You did a superb job writing this up for all of us back home. So, you are worth 300 camels - I'd say you are worth a whole lot more than that. Grandpa had a to chuckle a couple of times when you spoke of trying to skip some of the repentance steps and then fell. It's so real, isn't it?
We love you and thanks again for the lovely pictures and writing to tell us of your exciting experience.
Grandma R
Wow!! I'm glad, Elise, that you were able to get away safely from all of those men! I, too, am glad that your worth is so high, however, we already knew that!! Christ figured your worth was much more than that--He was willing to give His life for your worth!! PRAISE GOD, RIGHT???!!! What a oportunity that was. You will have lots of good memories!
Aunt Carol
I'm so happy that you told us about your trip! I'll probably never make it to Egypt so I'll have to enjoy it through you. Egyptian men sound like trouble so steer clear of them from now on.
Thanks for the update!
Love,
Aunt Angie
Elise my dear niece (love to say that because it sounds cool) - I loved your quick review of your trip and the stories. I also enjoyed your pics on facebook. I can't wait for more stories to go with them. Is that really the burning bush or did someone make that up? Either way - pretty cool. I'm so excited that you had this opportunity AND if I'm being honest, a bit jealous too. How awesome to walk where the Israelites did, and see the area where God revealed himself to them, by leading them by cloud and fire, and sending Manna, giving them the Ten Commandments and parting the Red Sea. Very, very cool!
hugs,
Aunt Beth
Elise, your sense of humor cracks me up. What a great trip. I was so busy chuckling at the way that you wrote it, that I even forgot to be jealous. :-)
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