As a child, I used to daydream about the Pyramids. I honestly thought I would never see them, and that if I ever did, it would have meant that I had really truly made it in the world. But it didn’t feel that way once I was there — it was sorta underwhelming — there was no mystery or awe to me. That said, the Pyramids are huge. When I was there, it was a little hard to see them from afar because it was foggy. Then I realized that Egypt doesn’t get fog — or clouds, ever! — and that the fog was actually pollution. Yuck.

Other than the Pyramids, Cairo is kind of a dull place. If it weren’t for the enormous revolutionary demonstrations (which were very peaceful from what I saw, despite what I read in the news), I would be hella bored. The tanks on the street corners, however, are very eerie. As far as I can tell, nearly everyone in Egypt supports the military and opposes the Muslim Brotherhood — I don’t understand how they won the election in the first place. Everyone I’ve talked to insists that there was no military coup, no matter how I phrase it, and that the military is representing the democratic will of the people. And every time a military helicopter flies over, the streets erupt in loud cheers — which is much different than the G20 in Toronto.

Also, revolutions inspire the best graffiti, which I will show you soon, despite my earlier promises.

Sad to say, but I am very glad to be leaving Egypt. It’s a place where you can’t trust anybody (even your hotel concierge!) unless you have friends here, have to be constantly mindful of your surroundings, and there is rampant corruption at all levels, everywhere (I have never refused a request for a tip from a man with a gun, police officer or otherwise, and I don’t think I ever will). Societies that operate like this will never prosper. And the food sucks. Except for the ancient sites, and the beautiful Nile in Aswan, and the revolutionary celebrations, it is not a great place to visit.