The pyramids of Giza

The pyramids of Giza

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Goat herder at the Great Pyramid, Cairo, Egypt. July 4, 1987

Took an early bus with Martin from the youth hostel to the pyramids. They only became visible behind buildings until we were almost upon them. We were the first tourists there & it felt slightly surreal to finally be wandering around such a famous destination. Managed to capture this shot of a young goat herder as his flock came running around the Great Pyramid.

We decided to take a cheap camel ride from Cheops down to the Sphinx. The rider – pictured here – took photos of us awkwardly astride the second camel. He got quite stroppy when we wouldn’t pay more, but all part of his shtick no doubt. The Sphinx was falling apart and being restored at the same time – but still impressive.

Waited until 9am to buy a ticket to the burial chamber for the Great Pyramid. A tricky, steep climb to reach the King’s tomb. A dark, oppressively hot place with the remains of a sarcophagus in one corner. The more contemporary WWI and WWII graffiti etched into the walls had more impact on me.

Outside the first tourists were descending in droves in bright, hot conditions and loads of camel and horse riders were hassling for business. Time to leave, for now, but I was hatching a plan to return and climb one of the pyramids…

Summer in Santorini

Summer in Santorini

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Thira, Santorini, Greece. 27 June 1987

I recall being entranced by the township of Thira clinging onto the cliff face of Santorini as depicted in the 1982 movie “Summer Lovers”. I traveled through Greece with my London girlfriend Sharon – we used to work together at the Tanners Hall (now The Rochester Castle) in Stoke Newington.

First impressions of Cairo

First impressions of Cairo

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Cairo, Egypt. 3 July 1987

The view from the Rose Hotel – my late night airport arrival taxi-driver choice, due to the youth hostel being “closed”. Not suffering from earthquake damage or bombing – just home-builder syndrome. I moved to the youth hostel at Manial that morning.

Later that morning I was suddenly surrounded by “special police” flashing ID badges who hopped out of a car and hassled me for identification and proof of foreign currency. The leader managed to finger 20 quid before scarpering. Couldn’t believe it – whether this was a scam or abuse of power. Quite angry & disappointed – tainting my perception of Egyptians.

Charmed by Mykonos

Charmed by Mykonos

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Mykonos, Greece. 22 June 1987

Caught the metro train from the square [in Athens] to Piraeus dock. We were late so bought tickets to Mykonos from the first agent, 1,200 [drachmas – pre the euro] each. Virtually ran to the ship, lots of ferries we didn’t know which one, made it with a couple of minutes to spare.

Then a fairly tedious six hour trip to Mykonos stopping first at Sifnos and then Tinos.

Once we arrived after 2pm we were besieged by touts for accommodation. All had photo albums. Quite expensive, settled for one at 1,500 [less than 5 euro]. Extremely hot and bright, we were driven up the hill to a lovely hotel – white-washed cubist architecture with blue window frames. In keeping with the rest of the town. A small room, two beds, separate toilet and shower.

After sleeping out the hottest part of the day we walked into town and checked out the souvenir shops, cafes, bars, restaurants etc. A lovely town, narrow alleys, old women sitting in the shade, cats on wooden stairways, donkeys carrying baskets of bread and vegetables. Everywhere tourists and the ubiquitous tricycles and scooters.

Had an early good meal. Near sunset we wandered round the windmills, very photogenic, the sea-shore restaurants and the dock area. A few large cruise liners berthed in the harbour.