We were met by our private guide. Ahmed Mido, for a quick tour in the Coptic quarter and then to the GEM

In the Coptic Quarter,  old Cairo, is the area where the early Christian community developed.   We walked the oldest streets there and saw some of the church and synagogue buildings

There one church built around the place Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus were supposed to have stayed when they fled to Egypt to escape Herod.  There is a church built over it, of course.  

We also visited the Hanging church,  named that because it was built in a space over 2 destroyed Roman towers.  We were able to be there for a few minutes during a Coptic service

We then had a couple hours to visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum, over 20 years in the planning and building.  It is spectacular architecture and will house their Amazing collection eventually with a  Grand opening July 3.  Right now,  only a portion is filled but there is a “soft opening” now. 

Inside the open atrium stands Ramses II, the spectacular statue,  as well as sweeping stairs with statues

There is a moving walkway up the side to make it easier to move up the full stairs.

We walked down to see more closely some of the features

At the top there is a view of the pyramids

On the left there are 12 Galleries open now,.  Another 12 will eventually open on the right.  Here are just a few examples of the displays

Eventually it will take many more hours to see just the important displays!  It will be amazing!  Even now,  it is a special place!