Arriving back in Cairo, we Stayed at the same hotel where we had stayed for the first two nights in Egypt. In the morning, we enjoyed breakfast by the pool looking out toward the Giza pyramids.
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| Picture by Kolohe |
The historic Egyptian Museum in Cairo was built in 1902 and is one of the oldest and largest archaeological museums in the Middle East. However, the building is so outdated two new museums are under construction - the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC).
We were hoping that the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza would be completed in time for our visit, but we found that the opening had been delayed once again. On the web it stated that items were still in the process of being transferred to GEM and testing all of the visitor information systems was still in progress.
Khaled, our Cairo guide, met us at the hotel and said that since the GEM was not yet open, our first stop would be the historic Egyptian Museum. King Tut's items were still on display, but will soon be moved to GEM in time for the grand opening that will probably be toward the end of 2023.
The first phase of NMEC opened on April 21, 2021, and additional phases will be added in the future. At the grand opening, most of the mummies that were at the Egyptian Museum were moved to the Royal Mummies Hall at NMEC. When GEM and NMEC are completed, the rare and highly prized Egyptian artifacts will be moved to the two new museums to better protect and enhance viewing of the items. After King Tut's artifacts are moved to GEM, it is anticipated that the historic Egyptian Museum will still remain open because there are more than enough artifacts to fill all three museums.
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| Picture by Kolohe |
Most of the artifact's found in King Tut's Tomb are displayed in a separate room where photography is not allowed. However, a few of Tut's artifacts are in the general museum area intermixed with items from other kings.
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Heather |
Sculptures and writings on papyrus that contain amazing details are found throughout the museum.
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Heather |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
The Citadel of Cairo is a medieval Islamic-era fortification that was built and then added to over several centuries, starting in 1176 AD. It is now a historic site that includes mosques and museums. The main mosque contains the tomb of Muhammad Ali, an Egyptian ruler after the French occupation in 1801.
On March 6, 1964, Cassius Clay won the heavyweight boxing champion of the world and changed his name to Muhammad Ali, which means "Beloved of God."
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Heather |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
The Cavern Church in Cairo dates back to the 4th century and is one of the oldest Coptic churches in Egypt. It is believed that the church was built on top of the cave where Joseph, Mary, and Jesus lived for part of their time while they were in Egypt. Their seven year journey around Egypt is depicted on a map at the church entrance. Books in just about every language are available for purchase along the street leading to the church.
Once in the church, there are stairs that lead down to the cave that contains a small living area. Water was provided to the cave by a small spring-fed well that is still active, but has been capped for its protection. There was also a grape press on display
It was reported that while they were living in the cave, Joseph found work building the Babylon Fortress.
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| Picture by Heather |
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| Picture by Heather |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
Heather's friend Ali wanted to have us over to his house for dinner and to meet his family; but his house was being remodeled, so we all gathered at his brother's place. His parents also joined us for dinner.
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Kolohe |
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| Picture by Heather |
