Living and working in Egypt has its advantages, besides all year round sun, a varied and vivid tapestry on life, a never ending supply of coffee or chai, I also get to see the Pyramids on almost a daily basis.
These majestic ancient monuments loom up from the desert on the Cairo horizon and your first glimpse can be quiet breathtaking ...I still get this feeling whenever I see them.
Cairo is a city that is both cosmopolitan and biblical in places, juxtaposed along side the winding River Nile. Amongst this thriving cacophony of noise, of 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.
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.
The middle Pyramid is the 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. Khufu is also the Pharoah that built the Great Sphinx - Her face is said to represent his face - I thought she looked sad but regal.
Let me take you on a whirlwind ride of the Pyramids with me and Charlie Brown - yep that's the camels name.
Meet Charlie Brown -
always up for a selfie is Mr Brown
The road leading up to the Pyramids, with Giza City in the foreground - almost a stones throw away !
The Middle Pyramid with the alabaster apex - originally the whole of this pyramid would have been covered
Inside the Pyramid - scary and narrow and oh such a long way down - must have been very small people when they built them as I could not standup to walk down ... !
Quick rest before heading off to the Sphinx
Just admiring the view ....
All in a row from the farside
The Head of the Sphinx
even she needs sunglasses from the glaring sun...
A view from across the city TOWARDS the Pyramids
THE PYRAMIDS - A BYGONE ERA ....see how close the Nile was to them.
http://i.imgur.com/yOMTAhH.
Ariel view Circa 1904
The Great Sphinx before she was completely dug out - circa 1850's
(photo credits to Egyptology Temple for the bygone era photogra
That's it Folks ! I hope you enjoyed your whirlwind ride around the Pyramids with Charlie Brown and I - If you ever get the opportunity to come and visit this fascinating country, then give Charlie Brown a shout, he's usually by Knufu's Pyramid and he will make sure you enjoy your ride....
Maʿ al-salāmah - 'go in peace'
all photo's are mine on a Panasonic