Valley of the Kings

I am on a train to Cairo right now. We have wakeup call at 5 am tomorrow! We began today with our normal 7 am wakeup call. (Left - outside of the King Tut's tomb). After breakfast, we got on the bus and drove across the Nile to the Valley of the Kings. It was really cool. We went inside 4 tombs, starting with the tomb of King Tutankhamen (aka King Tut). That is so tiny! There were 2 other rooms that we didn’t really see, but Tutankhamen’s mummy was there. Next we went to see Tuthmose III. We had to climb up and then into the mountain. It was pretty cool, but the pictures were stick figures. It looked like they had been in a hurry to finish. Next we saw the tomb of Ramses IX and finally Ramses IV. They were both very interesting.
After the Valley of the Kings, we went to see Queen Hatchepsut’s Temple. We couldn’t go in or even go near it because of security reasons, but we got out of the bus and took pictures. It is on the East side of the mountains surrounding the Valley of the Kings. Next we went to the Memnon Statues. (Right - the way to the tomb of Tuthmose III). I don’t really remember what they are, but they were called Memnon by the Greeks. There were some people there trying to sell things. One funny thing happened. This kid came up to me with three necklaces and said “3 for a dollar!” I didn’t even have to bartar for it. After I paid, he said “$1 more.” I said, “No, you said three for 1 dollar!” And I walked away (he had already given me the necklaces).
Our final stop for the day was the Habu Temple. That is a temple built for Ramses III. It was really interesting. Inside there is a painting that shows what Canaanites looked like. There were a lot of cool things in there. We went back to the hotel for a quick lunch before meeting for the camel ride. We took a boat across the Nile and got off on the other bank. We got on camels and went for a walk. We had guides so that wasn’t as cool, but it was fun. I rode like and Egyptian and got to trot a litte. We did get a lot of stares, though. I felt like we were on parade. There were a few people taking pictures of us.
(Left - Valle of the Kings). After that I went to the market with a few people. I heard many comments. One guy offered 10 million camels for me. One guy said that he saw me in his dreams. Those were the most memorable comments, though I heard a lot of: lovely, beautiful eyes, sexy, and one guy asked me to stay in Egypt with him. That was a little weird, but I didn’t feel creeped out. I wouldn’t put too much stalk it what was said, though. Most of them were just trying to get me to come into their shop and buy something.
We then had to go back to the hotel and get on the bus to go to the train station. This train is a lot different than the ones I was on in Russia. But the beds are a lot more like beds, so that is nice. Plus there are only two people per room.

Queen Hatchepsut's Temple The Memnon Statues Depictions of Canaanites on the wall of the Habu Temple Habu Temple - I can read most of this line, from right to left - May you have eternal life, stability, power over chaos, security, (don't know), and eternal life Habu Temple Boat ride on the Nile Camel Ride Along the Nile

Carriage Ride and the market

This time in Egypt is going by too quickly. It is great, though, and the days are long. I wish we had more time so we could go slower, but if we had more time, I would want to see more things. (Right - The Karnak Temple in Luxor Egypt). Anyway, we had our wakeup call at 7am. It was nice to “sleep in.” At 8:25, we were supposed to be in the lobby to be ready for our carriage ride. We rode to the Karnak Temple. That is amazing! It is a temple built to the main god of Lower Egypt, Amun-Ra. There are a lot of ruins there and I tried to read what was written. There were a lot of interesting parallels with the temple, but I won’t go into that.

We then took a carriage ride to the Luxor Temple. On that ride I got to drive the carriage; it was great. The Luxor Temple is smaller than Karnak, but still interesting. While there, I was trying to read the wall when a man came up to me and wanted me to tough the wall for good luck. I refused, but he wouldn’t leave me along until Lindsay came and bailed me out. (Left - Me in front of some Egyptian writing at Karnak). I later learned that he was doing that to a lot of people and then wanting money. One thing I’ve learned about Egypt is that NOTHING is free, even directions on the street.

From there we walked back to the hotel for lunch. After lunch, a few of us walked down by the Nile. That was nice. Then around 3 we were supposed to meet to go on a Faluca ride, but we had to go out in motor boats because it was too windy for a Faluca. But with the motorboat we got to go up on the top, so that was fun. Next I went with a group to the market. While I was looking at a T-shirt with another girl, Debbie, our group left us. So it was just the two of us . . . without a guy. That is strictly against the rules. When we left the shop, no one from our group was there. (Right - in front of the sacred pool at the Karnak Temple). Luckily, at that time Brother and Sister Huntington along with Eran (our JC director who came on the trip with us) came up. Eran was mad that there was just the two of us and we explained that we had been left. President Huntington told me to yell at the ones who left us when we got back to the hotel. In the meantime, we walked and talked with them while Eran bought something. We were much later getting back to the hotel than everyone else as a result.

Now I am ready to go to bed. Tomorrow we go to the Valley of the Kings and I’m not sure what else. In the afternoon I am also going on another camel ride!

According to tradition, running around this scarab statue 5 times will get you a husband, 7 times to have many kids, and 8 times for riches. I ran 8 times for good measure The Egyptian Ruins once had beautiful vibrant colors Me, Meghan, Lindsay, Debbie and Rich at the Karnak Temple Driving the Carriage At the Luxor Temple We had Ratatouille for Dinner, it was yummy! Boat ride on the Nile The Nile

Walk like an Egyptian!

Today has been a very long but amazing day. It began with our wakeup call at 6am. We had to have our luggage at the front desk before breakfast, and then we went and ate before loading the bus. (Left - Me walking like an Egyptian in front of a pyramid).
Our first stop was the Giza Pyramids. We went inside the middle pyramid. It was great. We had to go down this tiny shaft that was especially awkward for the tall people. Then we had a short way to go where we could walk relatively normally before climbing up a tiny shaft into the burial chamber. It was so hot in there! We were in there for quite some time, and then went out the way we came. We went to take pictures, but didn’t have as much time as I would have liked. We then went on a camel ride! It was a lot of fun, though mainly just to take pictures.
Next we went to see the Sphinx. That was way smaller than I was expecting. I learned that the nose is missing because it was used as target practice for cannons. Sad, huh? We had to wait for about 40 minutes on the bus because one person lost his camera bag and had to go back and get it. He got it back relatively quickly, but they made him go all the way down to the station to fill out a form. Poor guy, he didn’t get to see the Sphinx or the temple there.
Our next stop was the papyrus factory where we learned how papyrus is made. (Right - camel ride with Heather as guide). Basically you take the stem of the plant and cut it into the size that you want. Then you peel it and slice it into strips. The strips are then soaked in water for 6 days after which they are lightly pounded with a wooden mallet and then rolled with a rolling pin to make the strips strong and flexible. Next, the strips are layed overlapping horizontally than vertically and placed between two mats (that seemed like Astroturf with 2 pieces of cloth inside) and put on a metal press and pressed for 6 days. Once the paper is made, it is strong, flexible, fixable, and can even get wet without damaging the paper. That makes me wonder why all paper isn’t made out of papyrus. It would sure save trees!
(Left - weighing the pyramids). We had lunch which was followed by a stop in Saqqara to see the step pyramids. We went inside a tomb where they had wonderful relief paintings on the walls. I tried to figure out what was written, but I only knew a few symbols. Next we went to see the first pyramid in the world. Saqqara was very windy and I got sand all in my hair.
We went to a shop called Jewels of the Nile where you can get some nice jewelry. I was the last one out of there because it was taking a long time. It was alright though because our flight left Cairo 2 hours late, so we had plenty of time to spare. We flew here to Luxor. I slept on the flight but am still so tired. We are staying at Hotel Mercure.

In front of the Sphinx and the pyramids Learning to make papyrus Woman baking bread for our lunch Jumping for joy in front of the pyramids Standing in front of the very first pyramid in the world With this picture you can see how windy and sandy it was in Saqqara

CAIRO!

I AM IN CAIRO EGYPT on the AFRICAN CONTINENT! I don’t think it has sunk in yet, but I had my first glimpse of the pyramids as we drove to our hotel. (Right - on the bus ready to head to the border crossing! I'm not going to list everyone here because that would just take too long). This morning we loaded the buses early to go to the Egyptian border. We arrived at the border and crossed it relatively problem free. The only hitch was just before we were to cross into Egypt, we had to wait. Our travel agent was late and HE had out visas. Without that, we couldn’t cross into Egypt. So, we sat (or stood as it was) and played games.
Finally our agent showed up. We got out visas and crossed the border into Egypt. I wish I could have taken a picture of the welcome to Egypt sign. (Left - Map of the Egyptian Taba Border Area. This was the best I could do of getting a picture of the border. It is a military zone). We got to our new buses and took a long time loading them. We were going to drive down along the edge of the Sinai Peninsula for safety purposes (to avoid coming close to Gaza), but we went across instead. We only did that because we had a military escort (one in front and one in back) the entire way to the Suez Canal. I guess they weren’t even sure if we would be able to get to Egypt because they had shut down that crossing into Egypt completely, to keep the refugees from going into the main part of Egypt, but we have connections and so were able to get that escort.
We drove under the Suez Canal, and then stopped just past it for a short break before continuing on. It took a long time to get to Cairo. (Right - my first real glimpse of Egypt from the bus). That is partly because at one point our bus driver stopped the bus, got out without saying anything, walked across the street, stuck out his thumb and bummed a ride. We didn’t really know what was going on, but we got out to stretch and take pictures. He came back soon after. I guess the bus was low on oil and he had to go get some.
But the other problem was traffic, Cairo traffic. I was so relieved to make it to our hotel, the Oasis Hotel in Giza. We crossed the Nile to get here, and saw the Pyramids while we drove. It was incredible and rather surreal. I still can’t believe I am in Egypt!

In the Desert Crossing the NileFirst View of the Pyramids

Life on a Kibbutz

What a day! I am now in a bungalow at Kibbutz Eilot. Today has been amazing. What is more amazing is how very tired I am. This morning I woke up a little late, but I made it to the bus with time to spare. (Right - Clare, Mindy, Russ, Bethany, and me on the bus ready to go!) After I got on the bus, I realized that I had forgotten my camera! I literally ran back to my room to get my camera.
Our first stop was Tel Be'er Sheba. It is the location of ancient Beersheba where Abraham dug a well and covenanted with Abimelech. It was also the southern most city during the time of the Judges. At Beersheba, an Israelite pagan altar was discovered. A replica is there now. (Left - At Tel Beersheba. You can see the walls in the background). The reason we know it was not an orthodox Jehovah worshiper's altar is because the stones were cut. The Israelites were commanded to have unhewn stones make up the altar. This is because the tools were made of iron which was also used to make weapons and such things were not to touch the sacred altar. It was very different than I expected.
Our next stop was Sde Boqer. (Right - Me and Debbie inside the cistern at Tel Beersheba). This is the place where David Ben-Gurion, an Israeli hero, is buried. It is also a lookout over the Wilderness of Zin, one of the seven deserts where the Israelites wandered. They spent the most time in that wilderness. There was a great view.
We had lunch there before heading out. We made it to our next stop (Kibbutz Yotvata) an hour early. We got out of the bus to stretch, use the restroom, and buy ice cream. They make the ice cream there from their dairy farm. It is incredible. The coconut flavor was especially good.
We arranged to start our tour early. Our tour guide was a woman named Noama (the name of one of Solomon's wives, I don't know how to spell it). (Left - Me and Heather in front of the replicated 4-horned altar). We drove through the fields, saw the horses and cows, and then went onto the Kibbutz itself. We saw the old communal shower, some homes, and also the high school. There we sat on the grass and asked questions. (Right - Me in front of the Wilderness of Zin).
A kibbutz is basically a communal farm. It is like living the law of consecration. Everyone gets the same wage no matter what their job is. A long time ago the children didn't live with their parents; they lived in children's housing. Our guide was one of those children. There is a movie about it that our guide couldn't remember the title of. I'd like to see it. Now many kibbutzim are being privatized and aren't communal. (Left - My first view of Kibbutz Yotvata. These trees are used as a windshield to protect other crops inside. They have a huge farming area. I won't bore you with pictures of that, though).
After our stop there, we went back to where we first stopped for ice cream. There we ate dinner. It was a buffet-style dinner. The food was good and the entertainment was even better. We sand along and danced. It was a lot of fun.
When we finished, we got on our buses and drove to Kibbutz Eilot. Tomorrow we leave bright and early to cross into Egypt!

The Horse Farm of Kibbutz YotvataThe Dairy FarmParty at Dinner

Shabbat at the JC

Today was an interesting day. But before I begin to talk about that, I want to mention one thing. I was asked to take some pictures of the Jerusalem Center, so the pictures in this blog are all of inside the JC. (Left - The Auditorium where we have sacrament meeting. The chairs up front are where the presidency and speakers sit. You can't see the view very well because it was foggy today). I will tell you what they are when they come, but you may not understand unless you’ve been here before. Anyway, I will try to make it comprehensible for all.
So, I started feeling sick yesterday. It was horrible. I was fine through my OT class and my Israeli perspective class, but during my Ancient Near Eastern Studies class, I started feeling sick to my stomach and as that progressed I began to feel nauseous. I made it through class, but since this started happening right before my trip to Egypt, (Right - the entrance to the auditorium). I was a little afraid that it would get worse and poorly affect my experience. I decided that it was best to eat a very small lunch and then take a nap. I ate quickly and went to my room. I slept from 1 until 4, waking up a few times. I guess I really needed it because it didn’t affect my ability to sleep that night. Anyway, I only got up because I needed to finish writing my talk for today.
This morning, I was still feeling sick. I took some medication at breakfast, hoping that that would alleviate my suffering. I also went to choir practice. (Left - inside of the theater or the dome. This is where we have Relief Society. Behind the curtains in the front is a chalkboard). It is fun being in choir because we are always learning new music and when it comes to Shabbat, we learn the song the morning of and then sing in church. Then since I was speaking in church, I sat up on the stage.
I was the final speaker (that is my first time ever being the final speaker. It was kind of nice, actually). I really think they are picking RMs first because the other girl who spoke is an RM (she served 4 months in Russia before she was injured and finished the rest of her mission in the states). The guy was an RM, too, of course. (Right - entrance to the Jerusalem Center from the 8th floor). The choir sang right before I was to speak.
I talked today about peace, about finding peace in a troubled world. I did well time wise and sat down. I felt good about what I had said. The interesting thing is, I began my talk my saying, “Hello brothers and sisters,” but in Russian. I didn’t know that there was a family of Russian speaking Ukrainians in the audience. President Heyes gave me permission to give my talk in Russian, but then I would have had to have a translator, so I opted not to do that. If I had known that they would be there, maybe I would have spoken in Russian . . . maybe. (Left - LRC on the 8th floor).
Anyway, after I spoke, many people came up to compliment me on my talk. One woman came up to me and asked me if I have a blog. I said yes, not sure why she was asking that. She went on to tell me that someone had sent her my blog and that reading my blog was one thing that made her excited to come here. That made me feel really good. Even though I began this blog for family and friends, I am glad that it is helping other people. So, if you don’t know me personally, know that I am happy to have you read my blog.
After Sunday School, Chris (one of the other Russian speakers here) came up to me to tell me that there was a family of Ukrainians there and that they would need my help with translation. (Right - The Student Computer Lab on the 6th floor). I met the wife and 16 yr. old daughter. Their names are Natalya and Nastya (respectively). We went into the Relief Society room and my task was to translate the lesson into Russian. I have to say one thing. I have never been good at translation. There are several reasons for this: 1. When I speak in Russian, I think in Russian. It is difficult for me to translate for myself even. 2. People speak very quickly and by the time I get one thing translated I miss what comes next. Often I miss the punch line. 3. People use words in English that I don’t know in Russian. (Left - Student Lounge on the 6th floor). Then I have to think of another way of saying the same thing. That takes more words and a lot more time.
I much prefer one on one translation where I have time to think about what I am saying before I say it. I translated a little like that after church. It was nice to be able to speak in Russian, though I become painfully aware of how weak my Russian is whenever I speak to native speakers. Oh well, I only started caring about that after my mission because I felt that as an RM I should speak really well.
That’s about all. I still need to pack for Egypt. We leave tomorrow at 6:30am! I am so excited! It doesn’t feel real yet. By the way, I am feeling much better. Either the medication is working really well, or I am getting better. I hope it is the latter.