16-FEB-2007
We stayed 3 days in Cairo. Yahoo describes the city as "...worlds within worlds, full of charm and contradictions. It is a maddening city with its incessant crowds, noise and pollution. Yet, it beckons you to linger and explore the various districts..."
We invite you to walk with us through the district known as "Islamic Cairo".
15-FEB-2007
The ancient streets are narrow and winding. All kinds of things are for sale and we see men smoking water pipes in small cafes. Almost all women are covered up, some so completely that we don't see their eyes.
Photography is not easy as we try to respect the cultural and religous sensitivities.
16-FEB-2007
All types of vehicles navigate the warren of streets and lanes.
16-FEB-2007
Every corner and alley reveals another interesting scene. We are very aware that this is not our world. Sometimes it is like going back to another time.
16-FEB-2007
There are many mosques, each with minarets more beautiful than the last.
16-FEB-2007
Some of the old buildings have intricate facades -- some of them crumbling.
16-FEB-2007
We are invited to go on the roof of an old mosque to see a view of the area. The price is a "donation" or the ever-present "baksheesh" (tip/bribe) that is expected for almost everything. We climb the steps to the roof and a minaret.
15-FEB-2007
We see a cat and are reminded of "zen cat" who we saw at a Bhudist temple in Japan.
16-FEB-2007
The view from the minaret is well worth the climb. We can see mosques all around us. The calls to prayer come from all directions.
16-FEB-2007
We linger on the roof, wondering whether we are in another civilization. And then we head back to our hotel.
