I'm here!  And Egypt is as incredible as I thought it would be.  After three days in Cairo, we are now in Aswan.  Cairo was dirty, crowded, and congested - just as I had expected, but also fascinating.  The temperatures were comfortable in Cairo, whereas here in Aswan it is hot. 


Cairo



Susan and I are in front of the Step Pyramid in Saqqara.  It was the first tomb built of stone.





Entrance to the complex at Saqqara.



This is Mustaf.  He invited me to take his picture, then expected me to pay him!



The pyramids were more impressive at a distance than up close (where the 21st century kept intruding with crowds of vendors and vehicles surrounding their bases.)

  



The Light and Sound Show.







The Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali.  The alabaster on the lower section needs constant cleaning because of all the dust from the desert.  Below is the interior.





This is Kahalili Bazaar.  Fun to explore and fun to bargain.





We visited a carpet weaving school where children weave the rungs.





Today we visited the Temple of Isis at Philae.  It was moved from its original location to save it from being submerged when the High Aswan Dam was constructed.



That's Isis on the left and her son, Horus, on the right.



This is the High Aswan Dam, built in the 1970's.



This shows the construction of the dam. Tomorrow we visit Abu Simbel, more temples that were moved to preserve them.



This is Eman, our knowledgeable guide.  There are only 14 in our group. So far, we are all healthy and enjoying our lovely hotels and great food.

Access to the internet is limited, so I am rushing this entry.  I will post more when I get a chance.