. Jalbum 8.1 slides/IMG_2746.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Fruit seller in downtown Alexandria, Egypt. Fruit seller in downtown Alexandria, Egypt. slides/IMG_2746.JPG slides/IMG_2724.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Colorfully dressed women waiting for their train in Alexandria, Egypt. Colorfully dressed women waiting for their train in Alexandria, Egypt. slides/IMG_2724.JPG slides/IMG_2748.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A very friendly store keeper who invited me to take his photo in Alexandria, Egypt. A very friendly store keeper who invited me to take his photo in Alexandria, Egypt. slides/IMG_2748.JPG slides/IMG_2767.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Graciela & John with a sphinx found in the harbor of Alexandria, Egypt. Graciela & John with a sphinx found in the harbor of Alexandria, Egypt. slides/IMG_2767.JPG slides/IMG_2752.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 One of King Farouk's palaces. This is now used for VIP guests in Alexandria, Egypt. One of King Farouk's palaces. This is now used for VIP guests in Alexandria, Egypt. slides/IMG_2752.JPG slides/IMG_2760pano.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 The Greek theater and forum discovered within the past twenty years when a donkey fell into a hole, Alexandria, Egypt. The Greek theater and forum discovered within the past twenty years when a donkey fell into a hole, Alexandria, Egypt. slides/IMG_2760pano.jpg slides/IMG_2807.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A Roman-era floor mosaic of Medussa now in the new Library of Alexandria. A Roman-era floor mosaic of Medussa now in the new Library of Alexandria. slides/IMG_2807.JPG slides/IMG_2825a.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 More colorfully dressed young women entering the new Library of Alexandria. More colorfully dressed young women entering the new Library of Alexandria. slides/IMG_2825a.jpg slides/IMG_2840.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 John with a group of friendly engineering students in front of the planetarium, Library of Alexandria. John with a group of friendly engineering students in front of the planetarium, Library of Alexandria. slides/IMG_2840.jpg slides/IMG_2859a.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Bedouin boys fascinated with American tourists, outside of Alexandria, Egypt. Bedouin boys fascinated with American tourists, outside of Alexandria, Egypt. slides/IMG_2859a.jpg slides/IMG_2876.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A boy with a donkey cart, outside of Alexandria, Egypt. A boy with a donkey cart, outside of Alexandria, Egypt. slides/IMG_2876.JPG slides/IMG_2887.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Pigeon lofts are common throughout Egypt. Pigeon racing is popular and the lofts provide an endless source of fertilizer for the gardens. Pigeon lofts are common throughout Egypt. Pigeon racing is popular and the lofts provide an endless source of fertilizer for the gardens. slides/IMG_2887.JPG slides/IMG_2909.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A typical street scene outside of Alexandria, Egypt. A typical street scene outside of Alexandria, Egypt. slides/IMG_2909.JPG slides/IMG_2943.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Two workers at a rug weaving plant outside of Alexandria. Two workers at a rug weaving plant outside of Alexandria. slides/IMG_2943.JPG slides/IMG_2926.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 John & Graciela in front of the Stepped Pyramid in Saqqara, Egypt. John & Graciela in front of the Stepped Pyramid in Saqqara, Egypt. slides/IMG_2926.JPG slides/IMG_2968.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Women offering bread just baked in their wood-fired ovens. Outside Alexandria, Egypt. Women offering bread just baked in their wood-fired ovens. Outside Alexandria, Egypt. slides/IMG_2968.JPG slides/IMG_3003.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Graciela & John in front of the Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt. Graciela & John in front of the Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt. slides/IMG_3003.JPG slides/IMG_2996.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 King Ramsis's reassembled Solar Boat, found disassembled in a pit next to the Great Pyramid. This boat was stored without damage for more than 3000 years. King Ramsis's reassembled Solar Boat, found disassembled in a pit next to the Great Pyramid. This boat was stored without damage for more than 3000 years. slides/IMG_2996.JPG slides/IMG_3033.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Graciela surrounded by very friendly children at the Mohammed Ali Mosque in Cairo, Egypt. Graciela surrounded by very friendly children at the Mohammed Ali Mosque in Cairo, Egypt. slides/IMG_3033.JPG slides/IMG_3034pano.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A very popular visitor spot, the mosque of Mohammed Ali in Cairo, Egypt. A very popular visitor spot, the mosque of Mohammed Ali in Cairo, Egypt. slides/IMG_3034pano.jpg slides/IMG_3069.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Ancient gates and ancient walls, Cairo, Egypt. Ancient gates and ancient walls, Cairo, Egypt. slides/IMG_3069.JPG slides/IMG_3084.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Floating nightclubs on the Nile. Cairo, Egypt. Floating nightclubs on the Nile. Cairo, Egypt. slides/IMG_3084.JPG slides/IMG_3091.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A well-endowed belly dancer on our dinner-cruise on the Nile, Cairo, Egypt. A well-endowed belly dancer on our dinner-cruise on the Nile, Cairo, Egypt. slides/IMG_3091.JPG slides/IMG_3113.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 The grandeur that is Luxor, Egypt. The grandeur that is Luxor, Egypt. slides/IMG_3113.JPG slides/IMG_3120.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Christian Roman-era mural applied over Egyptian hierogliphs in Luxor, Egypt. Christian Roman-era mural applied over Egyptian hierogliphs in Luxor, Egypt. slides/IMG_3120.JPG slides/IMG_3122.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Our guide Ihab points out the inscription that indicate that this is a memorial to Alexander the Great being crowned pharoh, Luxor, Egypt. Our guide Ihab points out the inscription that indicate that this is a memorial to Alexander the Great being crowned pharoh, Luxor, Egypt. slides/IMG_3122.JPG slides/DSCN3146.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Goldie Hawn & Kurt Russell took a break from the film awards in Cairo to see the wonders of Luxor, Egypt. Goldie Hawn & Kurt Russell took a break from the film awards in Cairo to see the wonders of Luxor, Egypt. slides/DSCN3146.JPG slides/DSCN3174.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Graciela & John get ready for a hot-air balloon ride at dawn, Luxor, Egypt. Graciela & John get ready for a hot-air balloon ride at dawn, Luxor, Egypt. slides/DSCN3174.JPG slides/IMG_3192.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A fabulous view of the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsup, near the Valley of the Kings and Queens, Luxor, Egypt. A fabulous view of the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsup, near the Valley of the Kings and Queens, Luxor, Egypt. slides/IMG_3192.JPG slides/IMG_3191.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Flying over the Colossi of Memnon, Luxor, Egypt. Flying over the Colossi of Memnon, Luxor, Egypt. slides/IMG_3191.JPG slides/IMG_3332.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Fellucas on the Nile at sunset, Luxor, Egypt. Fellucas on the Nile at sunset, Luxor, Egypt. slides/IMG_3332.JPG slides/IMG_3335.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Things are still moved the hard way in Cairo, Egypt. Things are still moved the hard way in Cairo, Egypt. slides/IMG_3335.JPG slides/IMG_3338.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A bread boy making a delivery on his bicycle in Cairo, Egypt. A bread boy making a delivery on his bicycle in Cairo, Egypt. slides/IMG_3338.JPG slides/IMG_3343.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Two fabulous little guys in Cairo, Egypt. Two fabulous little guys in Cairo, Egypt. slides/IMG_3343.JPG slides/IMG_3443.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A very secluded beach with great snorkling at Ras Mohammed on the Red Sea, Egypt. A very secluded beach with great snorkling at Ras Mohammed on the Red Sea, Egypt. slides/IMG_3443.jpg slides/DSCN3496.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A reception for us in southern Saudi Arabia. This man's daughter handed out carnations to all of us. A reception for us in southern Saudi Arabia. This man's daughter handed out carnations to all of us. slides/DSCN3496.JPG slides/DSCN3501.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Henna "tattoos" on the young girls hand, Saudi Arabia. Henna "tattoos" on the young girls hand, Saudi Arabia. slides/DSCN3501.JPG slides/IMG_3458.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 An offer of dates at our reception, Saudi Arabia. An offer of dates at our reception, Saudi Arabia. slides/IMG_3458.JPG slides/IMG_3470.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 The mountains are very rugged and colorful in this part of Saudi Arabia. The mountains are very rugged and colorful in this part of Saudi Arabia. slides/IMG_3470.JPG slides/IMG_3508.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 The Saudi rules dictated that the women wear black cover-alls similar to graduation gowns; they did not require the women to cover their heads in public. The Saudi rules dictated that the women wear black cover-alls similar to graduation gowns; they did not require the women to cover their heads in public. slides/IMG_3508.JPG slides/IMG_3528.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 We arrived at a Bedouin emcampment for a cultural exchange and for lunch, Saudi Arabia. We arrived at a Bedouin emcampment for a cultural exchange and for lunch, Saudi Arabia. slides/IMG_3528.JPG slides/IMG_3543.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A very proud Bedouin father with his little boy, Saudi Arabia. A very proud Bedouin father with his little boy, Saudi Arabia. slides/IMG_3543.JPG slides/IMG_3579.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Like father, like son. Beouins in Saudi Arabia. Like father, like son. Beouins in Saudi Arabia. slides/IMG_3579.JPG slides/IMG_3529.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Bedouin men are the cooks and bring a huge tray of lamb and rice to a black wool tent where we sat on hand woven rugs. Bedouin men are the cooks and bring a huge tray of lamb and rice to a black wool tent where we sat on hand woven rugs. slides/IMG_3529.JPG slides/IMG_3555.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 One of the livestock in the Bedouin encampment, Saudi Arabia. One of the livestock in the Bedouin encampment, Saudi Arabia. slides/IMG_3555.JPG slides/IMG_3561.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 John on a Bedouin camel, Saudi Arabia. John on a Bedouin camel, Saudi Arabia. slides/IMG_3561.JPG slides/IMG_3616.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Thousands upon thousands of Moslims were preparing to visit Mecca for the Hajj. Egyptian port on the Red Sea. Thousands upon thousands of Moslims were preparing to visit Mecca for the Hajj. Egyptian port on the Red Sea. slides/IMG_3616.JPG slides/IMG_3627.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 St. Catherine's Church at the foot of Mt. Sinai, Egypt; this is where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments from God. St. Catherine's Church at the foot of Mt. Sinai, Egypt; this is where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments from God. slides/IMG_3627.JPG slides/IMG_3630.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 St. Catherine's Church has the rarest collection of icons dating to the 6th century and before, along with ancient Christian Bibles. St. Catherine's Church has the rarest collection of icons dating to the 6th century and before, along with ancient Christian Bibles. slides/IMG_3630.JPG slides/IMG_3641.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 The gardens of St. Catherine's Church, Sinai, Egypt. The gardens of St. Catherine's Church, Sinai, Egypt. slides/IMG_3641.JPG slides/IMG_3660.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A Bedouin woman watching her children, Egypt. A Bedouin woman watching her children, Egypt. slides/IMG_3660.JPG slides/IMG_3679.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A Bedouin woman rolling dough and backing flat bread over a fire, Egypt. A Bedouin woman rolling dough and backing flat bread over a fire, Egypt. slides/IMG_3679.JPG slides/IMG_3681.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A Bedouin muscian intrigues the children, Egypt. A Bedouin muscian intrigues the children, Egypt. slides/IMG_3681.JPG slides/IMG_3686.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A modern resort in Taba, Egypt, with castle ruins on a nearby island. A modern resort in Taba, Egypt, with castle ruins on a nearby island. slides/IMG_3686.JPG slides/IMG_3717.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 John and a view of the desert formations of Wadi Rum, Egypt. John and a view of the desert formations of Wadi Rum, Egypt. slides/IMG_3717.JPG slides/IMG_3726.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Two hikers explore the sands of Wadi Rum, Egypt. Two hikers explore the sands of Wadi Rum, Egypt. slides/IMG_3726.JPG slides/IMG_3734.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A small camel caravan, Wadi Rum, Egypt. A small camel caravan, Wadi Rum, Egypt. slides/IMG_3734.JPG slides/IMG_3742.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A portrait of Lawrence of Arabia carved in gratitude in 1918. Wadi Rum, Egypt. A portrait of Lawrence of Arabia carved in gratitude in 1918. Wadi Rum, Egypt. slides/IMG_3742.JPG slides/IMG_3753.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Wadi Rum, Egypt. Wadi Rum, Egypt. slides/IMG_3753.JPG slides/IMG_3781.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Visitors coming and going on the trail leading to Petra, Jordan. Visitors coming and going on the trail leading to Petra, Jordan. slides/IMG_3781.JPG slides/IMG_3790.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Walking through the twisting, narrow slot canyons toward Petra, Jordan. Walking through the twisting, narrow slot canyons toward Petra, Jordan. slides/IMG_3790.JPG slides/IMG_3801.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 The trail into Petra is very narrow and it is lined on both sides with hand carved channels to carry rain water into cisterns in the city of Petra. The trail into Petra is very narrow and it is lined on both sides with hand carved channels to carry rain water into cisterns in the city of Petra. slides/IMG_3801.JPG slides/IMG_3809.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 The colors and textures suggest carvings, Petra, Jordan. The colors and textures suggest carvings, Petra, Jordan. slides/IMG_3809.JPG slides/IMG_3810.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 The most famous view of Petra (thanks to Indiana Jones), Jordan The most famous view of Petra (thanks to Indiana Jones), Jordan slides/IMG_3810.JPG slides/IMG_3812.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Bedouins bring their camel in hopes of selling rides to the visitors in Petra, Jordan. Bedouins bring their camel in hopes of selling rides to the visitors in Petra, Jordan. slides/IMG_3812.JPG slides/IMG_3831.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Tombs were carved into very colorful stone more than 2000 years ago in Petra, Jordan. Tombs were carved into very colorful stone more than 2000 years ago in Petra, Jordan. slides/IMG_3831.JPG slides/IMG_3930.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A very crowded Palestinian settlement in Amman, the capital city of Jordan. A very crowded Palestinian settlement in Amman, the capital city of Jordan. slides/IMG_3930.JPG slides/IMG_3971.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A sweets shop in Amman, Jordan. A sweets shop in Amman, Jordan. slides/IMG_3971.JPG slides/IMG_3976.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Speciality sweets made with sweet, melted cheese called kinafaah, Amman, Jordan. Speciality sweets made with sweet, melted cheese called kinafaah, Amman, Jordan. slides/IMG_3976.JPG slides/IMG_3995.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 John in front of Hadrian's Gate, in the ancient Roman city of Jerash, Jordan. John in front of Hadrian's Gate, in the ancient Roman city of Jerash, Jordan. slides/IMG_3995.JPG slides/IMG_4029.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 The Roman equivalent of high class boutiques, Jerash, Jordan. The Roman equivalent of high class boutiques, Jerash, Jordan. slides/IMG_4029.JPG slides/IMG_4021.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Security guards in Jerash, Jordan. Security guards in Jerash, Jordan. slides/IMG_4021.JPG slides/IMG_4139.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 John & Graciela in Jerusalem with the Dome of the Rock in the background. John & Graciela in Jerusalem with the Dome of the Rock in the background. slides/IMG_4139.JPG slides/IMG_4200.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A Jew in Sabbath dress returning home from the temple, Jerusalem, Israel. A Jew in Sabbath dress returning home from the temple, Jerusalem, Israel. slides/IMG_4200.JPG slides/IMG_4166.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A huge, fascinating scale model of the ancient city of Jerusalem with the Temple Mount and Second Temple built by King Herrod. A huge, fascinating scale model of the ancient city of Jerusalem with the Temple Mount and Second Temple built by King Herrod. slides/IMG_4166.JPG slides/IMG_4240.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A typical crush of people on the narrow lanes behinds the walls in the old city of Jerusalem, Israel. A typical crush of people on the narrow lanes behinds the walls in the old city of Jerusalem, Israel. slides/IMG_4240.JPG slides/IMG_4279.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Faithful praying at the stone of ascension in the Church of Resurrection, Jerusalem, Israel. Faithful praying at the stone of ascension in the Church of Resurrection, Jerusalem, Israel. slides/IMG_4279.JPG slides/IMG_4289.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Selling oval-shaped Jersualem bagels outside the walls. Selling oval-shaped Jersualem bagels outside the walls. slides/IMG_4289.JPG slides/IMG_4300.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 The depth of Dead Sea is receding about one meter a year. The depth of Dead Sea is receding about one meter a year. slides/IMG_4300.JPG slides/IMG_4375.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Underground springs desolve ancient deposits of salt up to 40 meters thick that create dangerous sink holes around the shoreline of the Dead Sea. Underground springs desolve ancient deposits of salt up to 40 meters thick that create dangerous sink holes around the shoreline of the Dead Sea. slides/IMG_4375.JPG slides/IMG_4311.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 View from our bus of Massada. View from our bus of Massada. slides/IMG_4311.JPG slides/IMG_4355.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 Remains of the ancient ramp built by the Romans who eventually overcame the zealots locked in the fortress of Massada. Remains of the ancient ramp built by the Romans who eventually overcame the zealots locked in the fortress of Massada. slides/IMG_4355.JPG slides/IMG_4386.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 A more peaceful view of a lane in the old city of Jerusalem. A more peaceful view of a lane in the old city of Jerusalem. slides/IMG_4386.JPG slides/IMG_4396.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 These paintings indicate that the homeowner has made the Hajj to Mecca; Jerusalem, Israel. These paintings indicate that the homeowner has made the Hajj to Mecca; Jerusalem, Israel. slides/IMG_4396.JPG slides/IMG_4429.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 John & Graciela in front of the old lighthouse in Jaffa, Israel. John & Graciela in front of the old lighthouse in Jaffa, Israel. slides/IMG_4429.JPG slides/IMG_4430.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 View of the beaches of Tel Aviv, Isreal. View of the beaches of Tel Aviv, Isreal. slides/IMG_4430.JPG slides/IMG_4437.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 The old section of Jaffa, Tel Aviv, is very quiet. The old section of Jaffa, Tel Aviv, is very quiet. slides/IMG_4437.JPG slides/IMG_4450.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 You just can't seem to escape this company! Tel Aviv, Israel. You just can't seem to escape this company! Tel Aviv, Israel. slides/IMG_4450.JPG slides/IMG_4519.html Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:18:38 -0800 The security wall erected by the Israelis to keep the Palestinians out. The security wall erected by the Israelis to keep the Palestinians out. slides/IMG_4519.JPG