Ancient Wonders

With recent events unfolding in Egypt, I am thankful that I took the time to check out the pyramids when I was there a couple of years ago.  I guess it’s important to take the time to visit places like this when you have the opportunity, as you may not get another chance.

The last surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramid of Giza.

These ancient wonders look very different in real life – not like anything you see in a book or on a screen.  While the Great Pyramid of Giza is the most famous, there are in fact three main pyramids; the Great Pyramid of Khufu, The Pyramid of Kafhre and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaura. In front of the pyramids lies the Sphinx, carved out of a single block of stone.

My favourite photo from Egypt, iconic in so many ways.

Most people don’t know that there are actually pyramids everywhere in Egypt.  Certainly the main ones get lots of attention, for very good reason, however, some of the earlier versions were not nearly so long lived or successful.

Saqqara (Sakkara) ‘Step’ pyramid in the background, an important leap forward in technology – and part of an extensive site that includes remnants of earlier tomb construction.

While I visited these sites by car over a couple of days, I was also able to go out into the desert and get a view from a local’s perspective.  If you want to be a ‘tourist’, there are lots of guided tours to choose from … however, if you want to be a ‘traveller’ it’s often best to take the path less travelled – and the local inside information (and help) will often yield spectacular and surprising results.

The view from a local perspective … unfortunately you can’t see the vast expanse of desert surrounding this spot.

The difficult part of writing a blog entry about this subject, is that there are so many things to say, so many things to see, and so little time and space – it doesn’t do justice to an incredible place, which you should visit if you can.

Dad’s Recommendation:
If you ever have the chance to visit somewhere noteworthy, always go … just in case you never get the opportunity to go back.