The Pyramids of Giza

We woke early today to travel to the pyramids.

As we traveled to the site we could see the pyramids in the distance. The three main pyramids of Giza are named after the pharaohs for whom they were built: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. They were the father, son, and grandson.

Khufu, also known as the Great Pyramid, is 147 meters tall, or approximately 482 feet.

Bruce and I did not go into the pyramid and those who did, said it wasn’t worth it. All they saw were butts.

We stopped at an area where several people were going to ride camels.

Part of the Giza Pyramids is the Sphinx which was part of Khafre’s pyramid complex.

We also got snookered by a vendor who dressed us like Lawrence of Arabia.

After lunch at an Egyptian restaurant, we headed to Memphis the first capital of Egypt during the reign of King Narmer during the first dynasty around 3000 BC.

A huge statue of Ramses II was found at this location.

Nothing much remains of this noble city but the museum also has a large alabaster Sphinx.

Our next stop is Saqqara which is an active archaeological site. It is where a famous step pyramid is located. It was originally erected as a single-level tomb but as the ruler wanted his wife and then children to join him in the afterlife, levels kept being added.

It was a long day and luckily it was overcast so it didn’t feel as hot. At one point we even felt a drop of rain. Our guide Bob said that it was a first in three years.

This took place at what he called the building where they mummified the bodies.

Some random photos of our day!

And finally a little sunset!