Welcome to Egypt!

Our Cairo stay is at the Four Seasons First Residence - the decor is marginally more localized than the FS Amman, and the staff is extremely nice and friendly. We're on the 9th floor, where we can still hear the traffic on the congested street outside, and from our balcony, we have a great view of the Giza Zoo, and on a clear day, the Pyramids off in the distance.

Unfortunately, there really isn't anything within walking distance apart from a few restaurants moored on the Nile next to us.

Thankfully, we have tour coordinator Sherif, driver Mohammed and uber-guide Mohammad ("best guide in Egypt!") to shepherd us around and ensure that we do not blunder into anything unexpected (yes, that in and of itself, is a shame).

Our first day is an action-packed itinerary of visiting the Citadel, the Egyptian Museum and the Khan el Khalili market. With a stop at the Naguib Mahfouz Coffee Shop for a late lunch.

The Museum was clearly the highlight of the day. The collection was amazing, including some beautiful sculptures that were an unbelievable 4,000+ years old. Of course, the Tutankhamen collection was wonderful - it's strange to see something in front of you that you've spent all your life seeing in pictures. After my mild obsession with Egyptology as a teen, I felt a special connection with his wife, so looked for her figure in all the artifacts. The throne was my favorite piece.

The Royal Mummy room was a little creepy but enjoyable, nonetheless. The Animal Mummy room was fascinating - a 30 foot mummified crocodile is not a common sight. Plus who would have expected mummified fish?!

The market was a cacophony of crazy vendors using all possible tactics to get your attention - "How can I take your money, Sir?", "Lady, Lady", "Konichiwa" (I get that a lot). I especially liked the pita bread delivery boys who balanced their large supply of bread on their heads.