Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Tulun

The great thing about studying Arabic in Egypt is that I get to visit the most awesome places. A year ago, I never would have imagined myself visiting the Mosque of Ibn Tulun. This time in my life seems so crazy, I'm still having trouble believing it. That's basically me saying how grateful I am. So part of the curriculum in Arab Academy is to visit places of history, culture and art around Cairo and Alexandria. Our first stop was the Mosque of Ibn Tulun. Here are the photos.

In the morning were my Arabic lessons. To be fair, I'm very consistent. My hand writing is ugly in both Arabi and English. Yay! But really, it's so hard I could cry. Or laugh, depending on my mood.

Then the field trip!

It's so calmingly quiet inside.

I love long hallways.

We were required to wear these.

Since I came here, I've never seen the skies of Cairo cloudy.

This mosque is one of the oldest in Cairo.

Beautiful archways.

I love the carvings on the walls and columns. 

That's one of my teachers, Ahmed.

And that's me!

This is where Muslims washed themselves before praying.

See, this used to be a pool of water for washing.

So, Ahmed asked if I was afraid of heights. I said I might be. In my head : YES, YES! I'm horrified of heights. My palms get sweaty just watching people jump of planes...on TV!

I love the shadows.

This is me with long hair. It's not me being a rebel, it's more of I don't have money fora haircut. hahaha. 

Love these! I'd do some research on this wall feature but I don't want to ruin my impression that these are tiny pharos holding hands.hahaha.

Antique doors.

So we started climbing. 

Around us was Islamic Cairo.

Look at all those satellite dishes!

Old and new, juxtoposition.

Sadly, the mosque is showing its age.

Traces of decay.

Back to climbing the stairs and trying not to have a heart attack.

I'm amazed that I'm able to take pictures while holding on to the tower walls for dear life.

Let's count the satellite dishes!

Bye little pharos!

At the end of the trip, Ahmed and I had some of this wonderful conction of vanilla milk and something else. Ain't I the best travel blogger? hahaha.  Next, the pyramids!