CAIRO

The four of us (Don Ryan, Paul Buck, Denis Whitfill, and Erik Johannesson) met at the airport in London last Sunday and flew to Cairo, Egypt.  Cairo is an incredibly crowded and busy place and with 12 million residents, twice the population of the entire country of Norway.  If one includes the greater metropolitan area, the number goes up to about 22 million.  It's the largest city in Africa.

Erik, Don, and Paul reviewing logistics at the American Research Center in Egypt.

On Tuesday we visited the offices of the American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) in downtown Cairo. Our project is affiliated with ARCE and they facilitate American archaeological expeditions and other research projects involving both ancient and modern Egypt.

After business there and with a government office, we were able to enjoy the Egyptian Museum, one of the largest and most amazing collections of antiquities to be found anywhere in the world.  The treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun are displayed along with mummies, statuary, and objects small and large representing the best from the full span of ancient Egypt life and times.

The incredible Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Colossal statue of Amenhotep III and Queen
Tiye in the Egyptian Museum.

A  favorite object from the tomb of
Tutankhamun.

To our great appreciation, photography finally has been allowed in the Museum after years of prohibition.  One can now purchase a special ticket (for about $6) and can then take all the photos desired with the exception of a few items (e.g. the royal mummies and King Tut's golden mask).  And flashes are not allowed.

 It's a long-awaited great opportunity and you can easily spend days in the Museum, with or without a camera.  We had a few hours there before  heading back to the airport.  Next stop: Luxor, Egypt: gateway to the Valley of the Kings!