Overshadowed...

It was my day off today, so at the urging of Bishop Mouneer I decided to take a trip to see the Grand Egyptian Museum on the outskirts of Cairo. I had watched a presentation about it on the plane over, but the reality is all the more sensational.

I ordered an Uber; my first time doing so here, and they were efficient and at the meeting point in what seemed like no time at all. While I waited, the AK armed Policeman at the front gate insisted I sit down on his plastic chair while I watched my phone as the Uber drew nearer. 

After a fairly speedy twenty minute journey, which reminded me a little of my final drive on the Garda Driving Course, we rounded the bend on the motorway and I got my first sight of the pyramids in the near distance. Now I have heard it said that people are often disappointed as they expect them to be bigger. I have to say that I experienced no such disappointment.

The Great Pyramid overshadowed the museum, which is a really impressive building in itself, and I can only imagine how they must have dominated the landscape until recent times. To say I was impressed is an understatement. It was a goosebump moment!

After a fairly hot walk up the drive towards the gate, I entered a futuristic looking air-conditioned lobby that seemed to go on forever. One can take an escalator up to the various exhibits, but then one misses the statues and stone entrances which are liberally scattered about the stairs, and the magnificent stone sarcophagus which sits near the top.

At the top of a long stair, one is greeted with a stunning view of the pyramids through a huge glass window, where benches allow an uninterrupted view of the desert scene.

Then its into the galleries, which are arranged according to antiquity, and by the various dynasties to which they belong, including in pride of place, the Tutankhamun exhibit, which is worth the price of entry alone! 

The exhibit contains the chariots, seats, jewellery, containers and jars, and sarcophagi which Howard Carter unearthed in 1922. I remember seeing them in the black and white photos!

And seeing King Tutankhamun's three sarcophagi in the flesh, so to speak, is an incredible experience. The intricate work and the attention to detail is truly exceptional. And the amount of gold!!

It was then time for a light lunch, with mint lemonade (which I heartily recommend!), then it was off to see the Khufu boat. 

In fact, there are two, one of which is under restoration onsite. The engineering is solid and almost looks like it was completed yesterday. 

As you walk into the exhibit, which is located in a separate building, there are large stones overhead, which still contain graffiti from the original builders. Its thought that these might be some kind of building instructions or measurements. 

Ikea, sorry but you weren't the first!!

I could have spent all day there, but it was back in an Uber for the equally hair raising rally trip back to the Cathedral. I'll visit the pyramids maybe next week!

I went to my office to finish this weekend's service sheets for Bishop Mouneer and, after a brief respite, it was off for supper at Granita!

Truly a day well spent. 

It would have been nice to have company though!