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The Pyramids are obscured, but the show goes on Real 28K 80K Windows Media 28K 80K

January 1, 2000
Web posted at: 11:33 a.m. EST (1633 GMT)

From Ben Wedeman
CNN Cairo Bureau Chief

CAIRO, Egypt (CNN) -- Bad weather and a ban on alcohol didn't dampen New Year's Eve spirits in Egypt, as thousands attended the country's concert celebration at the Pyramids near Cairo to mark the dawn of the year 2000.

Fog shrouded the Pyramid of Cheops, and stymied a planned laser graphic show by French composer Jean-Michel Jarre, but revelers didn't seem to mind as they basked in the history surrounding them.

At least 10,000 people, of an audience that officials said had topped 123,000, were still making merry at the foot of the pyramids when Jarre ended his "Twelve Dreams of the Sun" opera.

"The music, there's life," said a man visiting from Milan. "Everybody's happy. It's a very difficult area. A lot of conflict in this area. But this night you'll have 60,000 people from around the world to celebrate to have a good time."

Two Israelis savored a special night in what was once enemy territory.

"I always wanted to visit Egypt," said one. "Israel has had two wars with Egypt. For me to see it is like the furthest peace to come here. To sit here with a big smile."