Cairo is Chaotic and Wonderful

December 8: Cairo – Citadel, Egyptian Museum, and Bazaar (Khan el-Khalili Market)

Our first full day in Cairo was filled with an amazing experience at the Egyptian Museum, which was a stunning collection of Egyptian artifacts dating back thousands of years and reflecting the entire history of pyramids and pharaohs.

We rose early (jet lag remains and we woke at 4:30 am despite being exhausted) and were amazed to see and smell the smog, a strong odor of smoke, yet the beauty of this ancient river is undeniable. We had breakfast as we soaked in the amazing view.

We spent the first part of the day exploring the Citadel, including the beautiful Muhammad Ali Mosque. From there, we spent a few hours at the Egypt Museum, where the incredible volume of artifacts was both jaw-dropping and compelling. For the first time, we really felt a sense of what life in ancient Egypt was like and saw perfectly preserved relics across thousands of years of Egyptian history.

In the evening, we headed to the Egyptian bazaar where we encountered an incredible sea of humanity thronging to the shops and restaurants. The area is vibrantly throbbing with life, pulsating with music, and thronging with locals and tourists all walking, talking, taking pictures, and enjoying the experience as they have in this very location for more than a thousand years. It’s an eye-opening glimpse into Cairo’s past and present.

— Scot