Our first day in Cairo, Deb and I were on our own. We slept in (of course), had breakfast at the buffet, and then caught a taxi to the market…called the Khan al-Khalili.
This place is amazing…streets and streets and alleys of shops, storefronts, vendors, kids selling in the alleys…everything. Friday is a prayer day, and there was a large mosque at the entrance to the market. There were a number of men praying and the loud speakers were broadcasting the prayers for all to hear. The large posts in the front of the mosque open into coverings similar to a patio umbrella (see the photo).
When you first enter the market, it gives you a false idea of the street…that it is pretty open and walking seems okay. As you get deeper into the market and the smaller alleys, you feel like one of the cars…bumper to bumper and pushing to get through. It is very important to watch for carts, so your toes do not get run over. The market provides an opportunity to buy anything! We tried to buy some local items and things that would make good gifts. We bought scarves, wooded boxes, papyrus art, and some practical items…a simm card for the cell phone and water. The people all try to get you to buy from them; I think they know we will pay more than the locals. It is customary to bargain or haggle over the price. We did pretty good, but still know we are paying more that the locals.
The experience is amazing, but definitely overwhelming.
We got a taxi back to the hotel, relaxed for a while, and then had dinner. The restaurants in the hotel provide American type food, so we had steak and shrimp for dinner. Tea and coffee are very common here, and very good. Deb enjoyed a glass of red wine, as it is not something she gets in Libya.
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