And now a blog video from the land of camels.
Our first day here, Monday, was wild. After breakfast followed by a crash course in Arab*c that left my head spinning, we headed to the pyramids for a few hours of exploration. It was surreal to see something I began learning about in grade school — I mean, seriously? We saw the pyramids. Whoa.
I realize that’s not the best picture ever, but maybe you’ll appreciate it more when I tell you that it just took my computer 43 minutes to upload it for you. No joke.
We also saw the Sphinx, something that blew me and Cate away. We kept saying “We’re standing here. Looking at the Sphinx. In real life.” I don’t know why that in particular hit us so hard, but it may have something to do with the fact we were a wee bit dehydrated.
That Sphinx is pretty good looking for being an older guy, no?
Security here is a bit different than what I’m used to. In our orientation packet from the organization here that is hosting us, they told us that the moment we girls stepped off our plane, we became even more beautiful than we were before. It went on to explain that, to Eg*ptian men, we all look like American movie stars, regardless of our appearance (dress size, body shape, etc.). We girls kind of disregarded that, but after spending a couple of days here, I’m starting to see they were right. When we walk anywhere, the men just stare even though we are dressed very conservatively.
So, that means that we have precautions that we would never think of in the United States. For example, when we travel outside our building, we have at least one guard with us at all times.
You can’t see it in this picture, but he’s got a handgun underneath that jacket. As Cate said when we first met him ”He ain’t messin’ around.”
Not only do we always have at least one armed guard with us when we go out, but several policemen actually escort us straight to our bus when we come out of our building. They’re in white uniforms with the biggest rifles I’ve ever seen. I’ll try to get a picture for you the next time we go out. It’s a bit surreal (I think “surreal” is going to be the main word I use about this trip), but it makes us feel safer. We girls also walk near at least one guy from our group and we also make sure we keep our heads down and don’t make eye contact with any men other than our guards. We don’t cover our heads at all times, but when we do cover our hair and faces, it helps to hide the fact that we’re Americans, especially if we don’t speak when we’re out.
We went to visit some mosques yesterday afternoon since one of the topics we’re studying while we’re here is religion (the students are also taking classes on nutrition and ethics; the latter being what I’m teaching). The architecture on these buildings is stunning.
We weren’t alone while we were there of course. Big area = two guards.
Money is different here, too — the American dollar goes a long way here. For example, in residential areas I could buy an extremely large (80 ounces?) bottle of water here for about $.40 / U.S. (I would pay about $1.00 / U.S. in tourist areas here, so it’s still a really good exchange).
Take the infamous camel ride I’m about to show you. I stayed on for about five minutes (you’ll only see 40 seconds of it in the video below) and paid a grand total of $1.80 / U.S. Crazy, right?
I’d say it was a well-spent $1.80, but I’ll let you be the judge.
Posted: July 8th, 2009 under Uncategorized.
Comments: 21
Comments
Comment from cindy carmichael
Time: July 8, 2009, 8:09 am
So glad you are safe and taking in what will surely be a life long memory…enjoy the little details. The camel video will be viewed again when I need to smile…and laugh a little. Not in a mocking manner, mind you, just in a “she is one camel bump away from freaking out” kind of way. Loved it.
Comment from Becky Jo
Time: July 8, 2009, 8:31 am
Oh girlllll … you do make me smile!
Comment from Kim
Time: July 8, 2009, 8:50 am
That looks fun but I feel a tad nervous for you now
I am so thankful the security guards are with you
I loved the camel video – you make me laugh 
Enjoy sweet AB!!
Comment from Leslie Ruth
Time: July 8, 2009, 8:53 am
Someday, when *I* go and get to see the pyramids, I’m totally taking you with me.
Comment from Jennifer M.
Time: July 8, 2009, 9:09 am
amy beth! you make me laugh!! southern country gal does egypt! i can only imagine what cousin cate’s camel riding experience was like! good grief!!! can we get some video of THAT!?!?!?
Comment from Nina
Time: July 8, 2009, 9:20 am
Um…woah… Yeah, glad I’m here, in the US with you beloved puppies, and not there, experiencing camel rides….
Comment from Carrie
Time: July 8, 2009, 10:35 am
You are the funniest person…I love your commentary. You should put “can multi-task while riding a camel” on your resume. Too funny.
Comment from Kelley
Time: July 8, 2009, 10:53 am
Too cool.
And too funny!
Comment from Ashleigh (Heart and Home)
Time: July 8, 2009, 11:01 am
“Need a self-esteem boost, girls? Spend a few days in Eg*pt!”
I’m loving “going on” this trip with you–my Marine spent a few months deployed there before I knew him, and he did the camel riding thing. Watching your video means I can pretend I’ve done it now, too. Ha.
Comment from Sarah Kate in WA state
Time: July 8, 2009, 11:29 am
Love that!! My little girl (who turns 7 today), ran up behind me when she heard a video playing….I explained to her that “the girl who made the video of trying to make pancakes shaped like a shoe” (my kids loved that video of yours!) is now in Eg*pt riding a camel. She loved it!!
Comment from Rachel
Time: July 8, 2009, 12:18 pm
How fun!!! I’m so excited for you!
Comment from Lindsey
Time: July 8, 2009, 12:22 pm
This made my day….oh, Amy Beth! Thanks for bringing us along with you!
Comment from taryn in ny
Time: July 8, 2009, 12:24 pm
It was just like I was riding the camel myself!!!
LOL
Stay safe and have an amazing time!!!
XOXOXO
Comment from Becca
Time: July 8, 2009, 2:04 pm
oh it looks like such a COOL experience!
Comment from Chere
Time: July 8, 2009, 3:37 pm
love it! I rode a camel in Oman (not quite the same scenery as you had!) and it. was. a. vicious. beast! It tried to bite the arm off the little bedouin boy leading me. I was constantly calculating how far off the ground I was (it was very tall!) and how much bodily injury I would suffer if I had to jump if the camel went crazy 
Experience of a lifetime and I loved it!
Comment from Kellye
Time: July 8, 2009, 4:09 pm
Love the “camel cam.” Next time turn the camera around so we can see ABB on the camel! Be safe.
Comment from the domestic fringe
Time: July 8, 2009, 6:09 pm
Sounds like you’re having an incredible adventure. It’s my first time visiting your blog, so I’m not sure if you’re on vacation or have business in Egypt, but I enjoyed reading a little about your experience.
-FringeGirl
Comment from Ronnica
Time: July 8, 2009, 7:18 pm
So fun. I’ve ridden a camel, but not in the shadow of the pyramids. Not that you were in the shadow…you might have preferred that.
Comment from k&c’s mom
Time: July 8, 2009, 8:38 pm
Camel-cam!
I’m impressed with your advanced technological skills to post this in Eg*pt.
Comment from Tami
Time: July 14, 2009, 3:38 pm
Love it!
back to Home
Comment from Rebecca
Time: July 8, 2009, 7:39 am
WOW!!!! The REAL pyramids – not just something in a hotel in Vegas!! That’s soo cool!
The camel video is GREAT! “Please dont let me fall”… that is so adorable!
Keep big men with guns close by in case ever needed… I’ll make note of that!