Sandstorms and Pyramids in Cairo

Here we are in the biggest city in Africa, home to the world's worst drivers, last surviving wonder of the ancient world, biggest souq and, for the last week, temporary home for the Jangano 2009 team. It's been fantastic! I haven't written anything yet, as I've been waiting for the iconic shot of us in front of the pyramids. Needless to say, when we did finally get to the pyramids (yesterday), there was a howling gale with sand whipping around us and minimal visibility. So the iconic shots didn't turn out to be quite as iconic as planned, but hey. Here's one of Max and Ben walking like Egyptians, just to prove we were there.




Much to say about Cairo but, as we only have a few short hours left before we take our leave, not much time in which to say it. It's been everything we expected and hoped for and more. We've got hopelessly lost driving around the warrens of downtown, been scared witless by the antics of the drivers (a particular highlight was when, driving along a three-lane highway at 100kmh, we saw the cars on either side of us simultaneously screech to a halt and reverse back to catch an offramp they had passed!), been thoroughly intimidated by the thronging crowds in the market and been completely awed by the splendours of Tutenkhamun's tomb in the Cairo museum. Yesterday Robert and I walked around what appears to be the biggest supermarket in Africa and were hushed (in the way only Zimbos can be) by the array of goods on offer.

I'll provide more detail shortly, I promise. But as for now, we're off today to Alexandria, and then tomorrow will log our furthest north point at El Alamein before we turn our vehicles southwards for the first time and start the long haul home. Our route will take us through the desert for a 10 day jaunt, following the footsteps of David Stirling and the LRDG, and then we'll emerge at Luxor for what we confidently believe will be the highlight of our time in Egypt - the Valley of the Kings.

Can't dally further - I feel the call of the Western Desert!