50.- APRIL 7, EGYPT, CAIRO

CAIRO the Capital of Egypt, with 15 million people is a typical place of contrast between those who have too much or too little.

Telecommunications tower

On the west bank of the Nile

Many Constructions are left unfinished. (Property taxes have to be paid ONLY after the constructions is terminated)

View from the Conrad Hilton. Slums all over. Side by side of modern buildings.

Lunch on the Nile river onboard the NILE PHARO cruise.

49.- April 7, EGYPT, THE PYRAMIDS

THE GREAT PYRAMIDS, the only remaining monuments depicting the wonders of the ancient world. Originally built as tombs by the early pharaohs.


These unique structures have intrigued the world and survived the rise and fall of great dynasties throughout history.



Sand storm and strong winds.

The Sphinx, southeast of the Great Pyramids. Made of one single stone

Its man’s head lions’s body faces east, to greet the rising sun and return of life every day.

48.- April 6, EGYPT, SHARM EL-SHEIKH

Egypt: 80 million people, 70% Muslims, 90% of its land is desert. 8 ½ Million tourists a year
Our first contact is SHARM EL-SHEIKH

Arriving to SHARM EL-SHEIKH, the capital of the "Red Sea Riviera" located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula

Nearest gateway to the Mount Sinai, one of the most revered places in Judaism and Christianity,

The contrast of the dark mountains and the sandy beaches, create a mosaic of beautiful colors

SHARM EL-SHEIKH. has grown rapidly in the last 20 years and a whole string of hotels cover the length of Na’ama Bay (4 miles).

In the early morning, a cargo ship entering the Suez Canal from the Gulf of Suez.

The SUEZ CANAL: A modern wonder, brings an income of $2 to $4 million per day from 50-75 ships using it. Passenger ships pay $300,000

47.- MARCH 31 OMAN, MUSCAT (NEW CITY)

THE NEW TOWN
Sultan QABOOS BIN SAID took the throne in 1970 and rushed towards modernity, preserving the language, customs and architecture of its ancestors.


Entrance to the port.










In the last 30 years a new City was created with up to date facilities, good illuminated roads, lots of greenery, landscape, fountains and sculptures. Residential and business districts.

The city planers did a great job and it shows in the zoning of the modern city, imposing height restrictions on new buildings, all in white

Muscat’s pretty coastal road. Very clean, lots of greenery and landscape. Everything looks manicured like a Hollywood set.

Shopping Center

Ruwi is the city’s modern business center and new suburbs.

46.- MARCH 31 OMAN, MUSCAT ( MOSQUE)

SULTAN QUABOOS GRAND MOSQUE
The Grand Mosque. Built from1996 to 2001, 44,000 sq ft.. With facilities for 20,000. They claim it’s one of the 10 largest in the world..

Contrast: Sign at the entrance and now, FOUR women are Ministers in the government

Its interiors are breathtaking!

The biggest Persian carpet in the world

Imposing and beautiful chandeliers.

Carrara marble, artistic walls and ceilings.

45.- MARCH 31 OMAN, MUSCAT (OLD CITY)

The Capital MUSCAT, from Arabic masquat, means "cliffs". Has 60,000 inhabitants. The city is aptly named for the sheer cliffs that form the inland boundaries. Creating a pleasant contrast of brown colors against the white sands.

MUSCAT'S
OLD TOWN, up to 1970, when Sultan QABOOS BIN SAID took the throne.











Back gate to the Al Alarm Palace, was built in 1970 on the site of the old palace, overlooking Muscat Bay,









Al Alarm Palace with oriental style architecture, is the official residence of Sultan Quaboos.

Old town is well preserved. It’s boundaries are marked by gated walls, enclosing the area around the port, the Sultan’s Palace and the harbor. With gates that used to be closed at night

Forts built in the 1580's during the Portuguese occupation .In 1650

In 1650, the Portuguese were driven out.

44.- MARCH 30 OMAN, MUSCAT (DHOW)

OMAN, Home to 2.4 million people, about the size of Kansas. 70% Omanis and the rest Indian and Pakistani. 82 % of Oman is desert and 15 % Mountains. Oil, farming, fishing, industry and tourism..
DHOW TWILIGHT CRUISE:
Dhow boats are built employing traditional Omani techniques, passed from generation to generation.

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Some local appetizers. No alcohol due to a holiday

Our guide Ahmed

Shangri-la with three hotels with 4, 5 & 6 stars.