We Visited The Middle East And Explored The Egyptian Pyramids

We visited The Sphinx in Egypt

For the last 12 days we were in the Middle East. Lulu had a conference in Dubai - so we got to spend a long weekend in Egypt. Ever since I studied Egypt in 7th grade - I wanted to visit the Pyramids. They are the last remaining of the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World." They are over 4500 years old. The Great Pyramid is 250 feet tall. Its base would cover about 8 football fields.

Since I was very cautious about going there - Lulu bought a package with a full time car - driver - and guide. We were very pleased with the results. Our package included 5 days in Egypt - 4 nights in a 5 star hotel - meals - - car - admissions - for $1100. The hotel had a list price of $275 a night - so that alone was worth the $1100. We learned so much thanks to our guide - Mohammed - and we enjoyed our 5 days without any fear. The hotel breakfast was divine - we started every day right.

250 feet tall pile of limestone

I did not put anything on my web page or Facebook while we were there because I was paranoid. I did not want to look for trouble. Now I can release our adventures. Just like I play cards - I will play my aces first.

The Pyramids. The city of Cairo has 20 million people but the pyramids are actually in Giza - another city of 5 million. On one side of the historic site - homes come right up to the the fence. The Pyramids are made of millions of blocks of limestone. At one time they were covered with a layer of smooth limestone - most of that has been stolen to built other buildings.

The visitor entrance to the Great Pyramid -
No pictures inside

The Sphinx is much smaller than the Pyramids. It is on the funeral road that leads up to the Great Pyramids. It is not a burial site as far as we know.

Lulu had organized a list of things we wanted to see. Since the Pyramids topped our list - we wanted to go there first - in case anything happened.

Two Tamaqua Blue Raiders
and The Sphinx 

It was a lovely sunny day. It is just like you imagine it. There are camels around - mostly to give tourists rides. For a few coins - the locals will do almost anything for you. They are very friendly - and not a bit pushy. They loved interacting with Lulu. She was the girl with the golden fleece.

I will be doing a series of articles about different adventures on our stay.

Pyramids are slanted 52 degrees

You can climb the rocks

This is the original entrance

The pyramid eclipsed the sun

Horse carts ride you around the base

This camel jockey liked Lulu

The camel was giving kisses

Typical tourists

Pictures are original - untouched - free to
anyone that wants to use them

Proof these Raiders saw the Sphinx

Napoleon is blamed for shooting the nose off -
but that damage was done by the Mamlucs
in the 1300s. 

The road in the foreground is the
funeral road to the pyramids.