Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Tanzania: Kili Day 3

Shorter but steeper climb today, accented by some snow. We're camping at 13,800 feet and depending on conditions we will go for an afternoon acclimitization climb.

Track our progress on http://www.teamkilimanjaro.com/blog and look for "Joshua" (our lead guide).
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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Tanzania: Kili Day 2

Climbed up to 12,000 feet today and camping here tonight. Above is a picture of our meal tent. Rained today right before reaching camp - not so pleasant, but warm and dry now.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Tanzania: Kili Day 1

Good hike out to our first campsite. Relatively short day. Camping at 2635 meters (8625 feet) tonight. Big day tomorrow

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Tanzania: Kilimanjaro

After a red-eye flight and a puddle jumper from Egypt, we landed at Kilimanjaro airport. Got a glimpse of the massive mountain base on the way in (unfortunately the top covered in clouds). Met up with our lead guide and taking off first thing in the morning.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Egypt: Cairo

On our last day in Egypt we toured Cairo.  In the morning we saw Coptic Cairo and the Hanging Church (it hangs between two towers from a Roman fortress), which is the oldest Christian church in Egypt and has a palm tree said to have been planted by the Virgin Mary.  Then we headed to the Citadel and saw the Mosque of Mohammad Ali, which also boasts a stunning view of Cairo and the Pyramids.  Finally, before heading to the airport, we grabbed a traditional Egyptian meal of Koshari - rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas and spicy, garlicy tomato sauce.  

Friday, December 2, 2011

Egypt: Walk like an Egyptian

The Saqqara pyramids - First and oldest pyramids

Making Papyrus

The largest pyramid in Egypt (originally 146 meters tall)



















Today we visited the Pyramids! First up was the oldest pyramid at Saqqara - a step pyramid built around 5,000 years ago. After Saqqara we learned to make papyrus, and then soldiered on to the Great Pyramid (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world). We rounded out our day by catching a camel ride overlooking the pyramids and visiting the Sphinx.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Egypt: Giza

View from our hotel room in Giza. The ride to the hotel was interesting to say the least and going down to dinner we found a camel standing out by the pool (with his owner eagerly waiting to have tourists take pictures with him).