"Cairo on the Nile" a Cairo Travel Page by domerta

I was amazed at how the Egyptian culture is such a daily part of the life of the people there. As I observed the people I noticed their commitment to their culture. I saw people praying in places where I would never expect...in their shops, hotel conference rooms, street corners. I had a driver and thankfully so. He took me into neighborhoods that I would have never ventured on my own and I felt safe with him in the car. The poverty in many areas was overwhelming with men, women, little boys and girls begging for food and money. I saw men in robes and women of all ages with their bodies covered with colorful clothing. Most automobiles are dented, spew emissions into the air and break down on all roads and highways causing major traffic delays. There is the Smart Village where I go to work which is the most modern industrial technology park in Egypt. It is obvious that this will be the vehicle that will attempt to turn their economy around.

Many of the buildings are in poor structural condition except for the modern hotels which are safe and clean in every way. I was astonished to see this image as I felt the standards are low in terms of a willingness to make the city that people are so proud of beautiful.

The pyramids still stand and as I stood there looking I could not help to think how many lifetimes it took to complete the construction. I did not have time to go inside to have a look and I will on my next trip.