This palatial hotel in the shadow of the Great Pyramids in Cairo has enchanted guests since 1869. Located in forty acres of jasmine scented gardens, Mena House Oberoi has played host to kings and emperors, Heads of State and celebrities. Its royal history is reflected in luxurious interiors that are embellished with exquisite antiques, handcrafted furniture and rich textiles. It is here that we went for a private lecture from Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
Egypt today is very much an Islamic state, but there is a constant blending of the past and the present. All of their banknotes have a modern Islamic scene on one side, and a scene from ancient Egypt on the other. Coming from three months in Kabul, Afghanistan it was interesting to see a different face of Islam. Our tour guide shared stories with us of his own, his familie's and his country's view on the religion. Having recently lived through Ramadan (a month of fasting) in Kabul where everyone fasted (even our Turkish Air Force officer who might not otherwise have been so strict) Aki told me that he and many others did not fast. There seemed to be much less social pressure attached to the outward and visible practice of Islam in Egypt.