Ancient voices

The morning after we landed in Cairo, we hired a driver and a guide to take us to the Pyramids. As we drove out of town, our driver told us about his views on the current situation in Egypt and what had happened the previous evening. It was very enlightening to us and gave us an insight into the energy and the different voices in the country. We spoke about how most people around the world want the same things, such as; stability, security and decent wages. As we made our way along the banks of the Nile, we learned more about Egypt's history and it's road to independence. The scene outside the city is more rustic and not as populated.

As we got closer, we could see some pyramids in the distance. It seemed so surreal to me and maybe because it was still early for me, very much like a dream.

We payed for our entrance fee and started off towards our first stop, the Great pyramid.

The pyramids are so big, you really can't fit them into the viewfinder unless you are pretty far away.

Going into one of the three entrances on the Great pyramid

To say the sun was hot that day would be an understatement, we were of course in the desert again and water was a hot commodity;) Everytime we hopped in the van to go to the next stop, I would hope that it was really far away. Our guide carried an umbrella and I think he had the right idea.

This is one of my favorite band shots from the day! Its also one of the best views of the three largest and most famous stone structures on the planet.

We moved on to the Sphinx next and spent some time learning about the mummification process. This is probably the largest carving of a single stone in the world. After seeing so many pictures, cartoons and other portrayals of the Sphinx and Pyramids, I still wasn't prepared for the scope and size of these stone marvels.

We had fun taking pics in the columned chamber and learned more history about the Sphinx. We also met shrewd little business women, Nadia, who was so good at hawking souvenirs that we asked her to work for the band as our merchandiser.
She spoke at least 4 languages, went to school five days a week and then hawked bookmarks and postcards everyday after school.

She said she had to decline our offer because she couldn't leave her best friend or her mom behind;)
This is yet another example why I feel the women of the Middle East are on the rise to empowerment and are a voice that will be heard world wide. In general, I have seen young women in this part if the world, studying, working hard in college and taking care of everyone around them.
We have met so many talented female students who are excelling in music, media and so many different aspects of business. Here in Egypt, the male and female students are so great and have made us feel so weIcome. It's funny I had so many misconceptions about this part of the world and after coming here, I want to tell you that I have been amazed at the warmth, hospitality and how we have been recieved. I hope someday you can come see it for yourself. All of us around the world see and perceive each other through the eyes of the media and television etc. and when you let the misconceptions drop away, true acceptance can begin.