EGYPT …..the land of the Pharaohs and Camels, and a sneaky KFC!
Egypt ....A place I have come to love since moving here over a year ago. Cairo is a city that is both cosmopolitian and biblical, juxsapositioning itself along side the winding River Nile. In amongst this thriving cocophony of noise, the hustle and bustle of a vibrant city, on its outer edge, sits one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. The ancient PYRAMIDS OF GIZA.
So with this in mind STEEMERS, I would like to share with you my very first visit TO THE PYRAMIDS. There are 3 main pyramids and 5 smaller ones; These smaller tombs are for the Pharaoh Khufu's Queen and his great-grandchildren. The other 2 are his son, Cheops middle Pyramid, and his Grandson Menkaura.
This was my first glimpse of the Pyramid as we passed by – not what I had expected, but totally mesmerising. The street was a collection of cars, horses, tuk-tuks and a camel or two and then came along the requisite donkey and cart, totally oblivious to the chaos around it, head down and ploughing through the mele on its way to where......
I have always had a longing to visit the Pyramids, and the knowledge that I was now on my way there was exhilirating. Once there, came the decision to go camel or horse ??? Then I saw her and Camilla won the day - (secret longing to ride a camel around the Pyramids – tick box now doing it) This is Camilla, I know cheesy, but she suited the name and I would be riding her for 3-4 hours so had to make friends somehow... not sure if she appreciated the name much, I was just another tourist!
Just a quick note here to 'bartering' do barter it all adds to the experience and its part of the culture –honest - They will always give you their best price !! In our case we bartered well, managed to get 1 camel, 1 horse, 1 carriage and a guide all for 400 EGP = approx $40
This is the street leading towards the entrance to the Pyramids. Its a myriad of colour and noise as people go about their daily lives – felt a bit like the Queen of Sheba on Camilla as we headed towards the gate. People were waving at me and shouting 'Welcome, Welcome to Egypt” - or at least thats what it sounded like.......
One of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World- built by Khufu in 2566B its the biggest Pyramid- looks smaller due to it being built on lower gound to his sons Pyramid – the middle one. Khufu's Pyramid is the first one you see as you start the trek up the hill. This is the fathers tomb. As Camilla made her way over familiar territory, it allowed me the most fantastic views back across the plateau towards Cairo and beyond.
You can see from this picture how much the city has crept up the plateau towards these ancient wonders. I have also shown a before picture of how they looked in 1920 ! - wow just look at the difference in 96 years
Taken in 1920!! wow
(also known as Cheops)
This is the 'main' Pyramid that is most photographed world wide. When it was first built, it had an outer lining of white limestone which would have shone under the sun; all that is left of it today is a bit at its apex. Khafre is also the Pharoah that built the Great Sphinx - Her face is said to represent his face - I thought she looked sad but regal.
Camilla resting up – this is at the back of the main pyramid – the road then heads towards the 3rd pyramid – this is the grandsons tomb, Menkaura – in front of this tomb on the outer plateau is 3 smaller pyramids housing the great-grandchildren of Khufu.
For those of you who make this trip, here you will find the most photographed camel in Egypt, “Michael Jackson”- yes honestly thats what he's called. They bring him in each day for a photoshoot and then take him home! Priceless – yes you will have to pay to be photographed with him, but I had Camilla .....
This gives you an idea of the vastness of the plateau and where the pyramids sit. It must have been a wonderful site to see in Ancient times with the Nile flowing past.
pit stop for the horse – yep he did!!!
Stand by for Part 2