Note: No gurantees whether my descriptions are correct or not, I was too busy taking photos and looking around to really pay attention to the history stuff. Left that to *Shinta!
The Great Pyramids
Each pyramid is actually a "pyramid complex" with the main pyramid surrounded by temple areas, buried boats and smaller pyramids for the Queens. Shown here are the 3 most well known ones, from right to left, Khufu (aka Great Pyramid of Giza aka Pyramid of Cheops), Khafre and Menkaure. You can pay extra to climb into Khufu, or head to the back where one of the guards might let you into the smaller pyramid of a Queen for free.
Limestone still adorns the top of the Khafre Pyramid, giving it a "snow-capped" look.
It's never been confirmed who exactly the Sphinx was carved to look after. Rumours abound though!
We had some free time one afternoon, and decided to go riding in the desert just behind the pyramids...
It's deceiving how pictures show that the Great Pyramids are in the middle of nowhere. They're actually just next to the town of Giza, quite a few hotels have rooms with views of them. If you want to get a shot with all 3 together however, you have to ride out to the desert. In the photo below, you can see some of the minor pyramids belonging to Menkaure on the left.
Memphis
Memphis was the ancient capital of Lower Egypt. There's not much to the ruins right now, but a collection of ancient artifacts have been gathered in the location, including this Colossus of Ramses.
Sakkara/ Saqqara
Sakkara is also part of the great necropolis of Memphins. The Limestone entrance to the Great Step Pyramid Complex was restored.
Step Pyramid, the oldest known of Egypt's 97 pyramids. Each "step" was actually an additional viewing platform.
It's one of my favourite pyramids for the "rocky look"!
Egyptian Museum
Most of the treasures that were discovered in the pyramids and tombs were brought to the Egyptian Museum. Viewing the collection properly would probably take you a whole week. The wonders of King Tut's tomb on the second floor are really amazing, while paying extra to view the Royal Mummies is something one probably has to do at least once. Unlike skeletons, you can see the actual features of the face, sometimes even the hair as well. A new Museum has been planned near the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Khan El Khalili Market
The market is an interesting place to wander around if you don't mind the touting/hustlers.
It's a good place to pick up souvenirs, but do be careful of overpaying and buying poor quality stuff.
Coptic Hanging Church
Located in Old Cairo, the church appears to be suspended because while the main building is at today's current street level, it is actually built way above the base.
Look at how deep it actually goes...
Inside of the church is in the Basilcan style with the arches and the hall divided into 2.
To be continued...
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