Day 1
I would have to say that walking through an Egyptian farm is one of the most incredible things someone can do! We wore special sandals that protected our feet during the walk through the hot sun. Though it might not be the most famous place, or the most exciting adventure, it still is a very vital part of Egypt and I think that it is one of the best places that I was able to see. Walking through various farms, I saw crops such as, wheat, barley and many fruits. For this part of the tour I would highly suggest that you wear some boots or clothes that you are ok with getting a little muddy. Having to walk through the mud got a little messy, but only made the tour more exciting. I was lucky enough to come during harvesting season and see the farmers cutting and gathering the crops, one farmer actually let me gather some wheat! Fortunately enough, there wasn’t a flood when we were there, though it would have been interesting to see how the large amount of water were handled. Me and my tour group were also able to see the shadufs in action, we saw the farmers lift the water out of the Nile River itself and water the crops. Those farmers were awfully strong! Next, they took us to see some animals, that, was definitely my favorite part. The cattle, goats, pigs, and even ducks were all eating and sleeping. There were a few cattle working the fields, but besides that I’m sure they needed some rest because it sure was hot. Throughout the day we were fed various foods, mainly wheat and other grains. It wasn’t the most fancy meal but it showed the true culture. Later, we arrived at a traditional Egyptian mud-brick home of one of the farmers whose field we saw. Upon entrance we were each offered a beautiful lotus flower and some bread and fruit, which was dinner. Next, we were shown to our bedrooms, they had small beds and some wonderful paintings of nature on the wall. Before bed we were given the option to bathe in the Nile, which I kindly declined but as the rest of the group went, I stayed home to tired to get a little shut eye before another big trip tomorrow!
Day 2
Hi, My name is Naziha Abadeer and I have lived in Egypt my entire life, but have never been outside my village. My family recently became very wealthy, so I thought I would take a tour of the land I am very proud to call my home, but have never truly seen. I decided to take the MUM tour. I loved it and I would like to share my favorite moments with you!
On day two my fellow tourists and I went to a beautiful, lively marketplace that was full of food and people. We took a boat across the Nile from Herakleopolis, and then rode on mules to Crocodilopolis where the market was located. The trip to the market was very long, so we missed breakfast and lunch, but our guided assured us that we would have plenty to eat once we got there.
I was very sore from riding the mule, but once we arrived I forgot about my pain. I’ve never seen something so exciting in my life! People from all over Egypt were there to supply their dietary needs. I have never seen so much food before; just thinking about it makes me hungry. The market contained everything from fruit and vegetables, to poultry and meat, to beer and wine. There were also a few shops that vended numerous spices; I bought some cumin to bring home to my mother!
My favorite stand was run by this little lady named Miriam whose family grew fruit. The figs I bought at her booth were the most delicious pieces of produce I have ever had. She talked to me for a really long time about her family and her fruit. It was a pleasant conversation.
Once the festivities of the day were over tour guide took us the house of a bread maker who let us sleep on some bags of flour in his basement. I was wiped out from the day and fell right asleep, eager to see what more MUM had in store for me.
On day two my fellow tourists and I went to a beautiful, lively marketplace that was full of food and people. We took a boat across the Nile from Herakleopolis, and then rode on mules to Crocodilopolis where the market was located. The trip to the market was very long, so we missed breakfast and lunch, but our guided assured us that we would have plenty to eat once we got there.
I was very sore from riding the mule, but once we arrived I forgot about my pain. I’ve never seen something so exciting in my life! People from all over Egypt were there to supply their dietary needs. I have never seen so much food before; just thinking about it makes me hungry. The market contained everything from fruit and vegetables, to poultry and meat, to beer and wine. There were also a few shops that vended numerous spices; I bought some cumin to bring home to my mother!
My favorite stand was run by this little lady named Miriam whose family grew fruit. The figs I bought at her booth were the most delicious pieces of produce I have ever had. She talked to me for a really long time about her family and her fruit. It was a pleasant conversation.
Once the festivities of the day were over tour guide took us the house of a bread maker who let us sleep on some bags of flour in his basement. I was wiped out from the day and fell right asleep, eager to see what more MUM had in store for me.
Day 3
The next day we woke up well rested and ready for anything… Or so we thought. We were told our next stop would be The Royal Ibu and Mummification Center. My stomach flipped because, though I believe in an afterlife, I am not too crazy about the idea of cutting up a dead body. I was excited all the same for this new adventure.
The mummification center is just south of Giza near the royal palaces, and was a great distance away. So after a breakfast of homemade bread we went outside to find chariots waiting for us. As the chariots moved much faster than mules we got to our destination in time for a late lunch of fish and beer.
Apparently, a cousin of the current Pharaoh just bit the dry Egyptian dust, and was just beginning his preparation for life after death. We watched and listened as our guide explained to us that the body was being washed in wine and water. Without warning they started to cut into the lifeless body! I tried to look away but my reflexes weren’t fast enough and I caught a glimpse of the deep gash that the embalmers created. A few people with strong stomachs stayed back and watched the rest of the process, but I decided to stop there.
Once the organs were removed, we were told the body had to be dried and that would take a long time, so the demonstration was over. I was very thankful for this, but they still went on to describe, in detail, the rest of the process.
At the end of the visit the embalmers were giving out canopic jars that had been accidentally chipped and were below the royal standard. I asked for the jar with the head for the god Hapy, because my father has respiratory issues and it is Hapy’s job to look after the lungs.
From the center we walked to a campsite and set up shelters. At first I couldn’t fall asleep; I saw the body every time I shut my eyes. But eventually my torpor won me over and fell into a deep, death like sleep.
The mummification center is just south of Giza near the royal palaces, and was a great distance away. So after a breakfast of homemade bread we went outside to find chariots waiting for us. As the chariots moved much faster than mules we got to our destination in time for a late lunch of fish and beer.
Apparently, a cousin of the current Pharaoh just bit the dry Egyptian dust, and was just beginning his preparation for life after death. We watched and listened as our guide explained to us that the body was being washed in wine and water. Without warning they started to cut into the lifeless body! I tried to look away but my reflexes weren’t fast enough and I caught a glimpse of the deep gash that the embalmers created. A few people with strong stomachs stayed back and watched the rest of the process, but I decided to stop there.
Once the organs were removed, we were told the body had to be dried and that would take a long time, so the demonstration was over. I was very thankful for this, but they still went on to describe, in detail, the rest of the process.
At the end of the visit the embalmers were giving out canopic jars that had been accidentally chipped and were below the royal standard. I asked for the jar with the head for the god Hapy, because my father has respiratory issues and it is Hapy’s job to look after the lungs.
From the center we walked to a campsite and set up shelters. At first I couldn’t fall asleep; I saw the body every time I shut my eyes. But eventually my torpor won me over and fell into a deep, death like sleep.
Day 4
Getting to visit the construction site was truly amazing. I was shocked and amazed by how much work had to be put into building a pyramid. Another thing that really surprised me was that the work force mostly consisted of farmers and slaves. Yet, even though they had to lug heavy blocks of stone through the blazing hot sun, they didn’t seem to mind. I was awed by how slow the progress was, yet at the same time no one wasted even a minute of waking hours and worked productively. I noticed the the ramps were quite a smart innovation. Without them, it would be impossible to get the blocks to reach the top of the pyramid.
I talked to a few of the men in charge of the building and they said that they had been working for a few months already, even though the pyramid was only half built. He also explained to me about the alignment of the stars. I found this extremely interesting, especially since it takes an immense amount of knowledge of astronomy to orient the pyramids correctly and in the right location.
After that, we also learned about the dressing and housing of the workers. Apparently they have super small living quarters. They are densely packed together and only get two meals a day. They also have to wear clothing that keeps them cool while working in the hot sun. Another thing that I didn't notice and had no clue about was the fact that the workers had to wear makeup around their eyes to protect it from the sun.
I really enjoyed this location because I learned so much through the course of the day. I felt as if I had lived the lives of the workers, and it is not easy.
I talked to a few of the men in charge of the building and they said that they had been working for a few months already, even though the pyramid was only half built. He also explained to me about the alignment of the stars. I found this extremely interesting, especially since it takes an immense amount of knowledge of astronomy to orient the pyramids correctly and in the right location.
After that, we also learned about the dressing and housing of the workers. Apparently they have super small living quarters. They are densely packed together and only get two meals a day. They also have to wear clothing that keeps them cool while working in the hot sun. Another thing that I didn't notice and had no clue about was the fact that the workers had to wear makeup around their eyes to protect it from the sun.
I really enjoyed this location because I learned so much through the course of the day. I felt as if I had lived the lives of the workers, and it is not easy.
Day 5
Whoa!! I was truly amazed when I got a chance to look at these breath-taking monuments. I loved the Pyramid of Khufu since it was the biggest out of the three. I found this pyramid to be so big and majestic. Especially after looking at the construction site the other day, I truly understood the effort it must have taken to build something this grand. I can only imagine hundred thousand people slogging over this magnificent architecture. It truly holds its reputation as the biggest pyramid.
The Pyramid of Khafre was also amazing. It seemed the same height as the Pyramid of Khufu, but I learned that it was just because of the angle and ground elevation. I also loved the Pyramid of Menkaure, but compared to the Pyramid of Khufu looked like a baby. I loved the way they went from big to small and found all three of them so majestic and perfect.
The Pyramid of Khafre was also amazing. It seemed the same height as the Pyramid of Khufu, but I learned that it was just because of the angle and ground elevation. I also loved the Pyramid of Menkaure, but compared to the Pyramid of Khufu looked like a baby. I loved the way they went from big to small and found all three of them so majestic and perfect.