Ever Been Proposed to in a Jewelry Store? - Election Day 2

My format got messed up. Sorry it looks so wonky!

Day 2 of the Egyptian Presidential Elections and day 2 of our time in downtown Cairo.

With a free morning, I woke up early to workout, lay by the pool, read, and eat a magnificent breakfast provided by the hotel. The staff here is so helpful and friendly. We are truly blessed and so fortunate to be able to stay in such a nice place.

  

I'm really diggin the couscous with fruit and jam for breakfast!

By late morning we headed to the top media center in the Arab Nation. We got the chance to speak with a political sociologist, working for the government media about, about what is expected from the election and post and pre revolution issues. He discussed his dislike for religious parties and the issues of the possibility of Islamic rule and the enforcing of Sharia (Islamic) law. I was personally interested in the youth’s involvement in the post revolution time and the election. How had my generation had an effect on what has happened after the revolution? The speaker gave many examples of how the young adults are getting involved in many organizations, activist groups, and other activities to help educate, enlighten, share ideas, and encourage others to join the democratic movement.

Following our lecture, we ventured to the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. The mosque is beautiful, to say the least, with extravagant decorations inside. Previous mosques had not been decorated on the inside; the decorations in this mosque, built in the first half of the 19th century, were extravagant compared to those of that time.

Outside of the Mosque and me in front of the fountain where the cleansing process occurs

On the inside. I want these hanging lamps in my house someday...

We spent some time in the National Military Museum, then we visited the Fallen Soldier Monument which is also the Mausoleum of President Sadat after his assassination.

Dinner was at Chicken Tikka, which is a place we have eaten from before but we enjoyed enough to have it again!

Sarah and I are in love with the dipping sauce. I'll shamelessly admit that we found out its practically mayo mixed with garlic. Regardless, it is delicious with anything dipped in it.

The day was pretty brief which was fine with me. We got pretty silly on the bus ride home after dinner. Check out some of the goofy pictures below… A meeting, some shopping, and free time at the hotel in the evening wrapped up the day.

So many Egyptian snacks!

These hats are too funny!

 

Title: Yes, the man working at the jewelry store told me he’d like to marry a girl like me. Luckily, Sarah was there to relieve the awkwardness. After some hibiscus tea and chit chat, we got a nice discount and a lucky beetle with our purchases. The great majority of people are so friendly here! .. Have I mentioned that yet? I think I have.