Update: Yesterday we went to the pyramids. We felt pretty smug because we had prearranged an air conditioned taxi. He showed up at 730am with a freshly bashed passenger door that he had just done that morning. I was thankful that it happened when we were not in it! The pyramids were everything I expected and more. I believe the highlight for me, though, was the ride in and out of Cairo. It always amazes me how differently people live around the world, and this was no exception.
One surprise for me, however, were the carpet schools. On our drive we kept seeing buildings stating that they were carpet schools, and a couple of them had tour buses in front of them. We had our driver stop at one. Instantly we were escorted by a guide who took us to the back of the building where children were tying carpets. He told us about the high level of skill that was required to make the beautiful carpets. They were made from different materials, silk, cotton, camel hair, wool. The most intricate were the silk. The workers used a sheet of paper for the pattern, in centimeter squares for their gauge, and depending on the material, 36-81 knots per square. The students at this school were between the ages of 6-16, and they had to be bright children in order to learn how to make the carpets. We were told they went to school for 4 hours, and carpet school for 4. When they turned 16 they were let go, because their hands were too large for the intricate work.
Then we were taken into a show room where carpets were laid out for us to examine. They were beautiful. The smallest one, about 2 ft square was $400.00. We were served coffee, tea, and cola while we were to be shopping for a carpet. At this point we were a little uncomfortable, as we had no intention on buying a carpet, but were assured that it was fine to just enjoy the beverages and leave!! We were out of there!!!

Joel, our delightful traveling companion, is feeling somewhat under the weather today with mild stomach issues. Hopefully he will rally!!!!
The plan is to leave early in the morning at 3am on the bus for the students' delegation!! We are optimistic we will get in, as we are hearing other groups have!! Stay tuned!!

Pictures from our day at the pyramids.

One of the children at the carpet school.

The end of an exhausting day!!! We shopped a fair while this afternoon. I bought a table and Madeline bought a hooka, so we have some things of significant size to deal with. Oh well!!!

Tara met with Ibrahim's parents this evening. They seemed very pleasant and pleased to meet her. The father had some paperwork regarding his health that I looked at. He will be in the hospital tomorrow evening and we may go see him. I would be interested to visit another hospital. We walked over to a park to visit, and it was dark by that time. A man was closing down his roasted corn stand, so brought all of us an ear. After the visit, the four of us went out for dinner.

We head out for the pyramids tomorrow, with the cab picking us up at 730am. We are looking forward to the day; I am looking forward to the air-conditioned taxi!!!

Cheers!!!!

Tara meeting Mr. and Mrs. El Omari