Khan Khalili, Mummy Tummy, and the faith that could move a mountain

Wow... CRAZY busy day. Got up (actually several times, I'll explain at the end) and called Erin first thing. So fantastic to hear her voice. I was gonna call yesterday and decided not to, and she had a feeling I was calling today... Must be psychic.

First went to Moccatam mountain. To see the church carved into it in honour of St. Samaan (Simon). In the second century AD the bishop was in a debate, and was told, your Bible says you can move a mountain... if you dont we'll kill all the Christians in Egypt. So he called Samaan, and Samaan moved the mountain. Cool eh? Anyway, to get to it you drive through what's called Garbage City. It was like nothing I've ever seen. The people in this super overcrowded city collect garbage, and sort it for valuable things. There are literally children playing on mountains of rotting garbage. They all had big smiles though! I'll tell you more if you ask me, cuz there's no way to give the impression online. The church is amazing... it has such a holy presence. I would kill to be able to go to Mass there (its Coptic, but I'd participate anyway!).

Then went to the Khan Khalili for a couple hours. That place is nuts... its the bazaar. Lots of bargaining, and if you pay more than 1/4 of what they ask for something you are getting ripped off. We had a local with us and he made a fantastic guide! I got ALL my shopping done today, but it was VERY tiring. The one thing I missed was a vintage camera for Erin. Sorry sweetie, the guy was trying to rip me off and wouldn't bargain down to a fair price for them, and they weren't the kind you mentioned to me. I got you something pretty awesome though ;)

After that went Shisha shopping! We bought 5 fancy ones. If you've ever wanted to smoke one, lemme know, I'm bringing home all the stuff we need and the tobacco tastes like a dream!

So onto the mummy tummy. Yeah, I have a bacterial infection in my intestines. NOTHING is being digested properly, and there is a constant low level cramp. Note to self, when already runny, DONT order a giant glass of strawberry juicy... it's dangerous. I hope it clears up before I get home, or at least soon after I get home.

Happy new year everyone! Off to Alexandria tomorrow to see the great library and other such stuff. I've taken over 300 photos so far!