The Pyramids of Giza

We spent 3 days in Cairo. One afternoon was spent touring the Pyramids of Giza. 

The pyramids of Giza are the only surviving wonder from the original list of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Giza pyramid complex is a historical site containing three large pyramids and their associated structures, including the Great Sphinx. These pyramids were built as tombs for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, roughly between 2600 and 2500 BC.

There are two main entrances. There is base fee to tour the plateau. If you wish to enter any of the pyramids there is an addition fee per pyramid. We choose to visit the the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

Oookay.. so what I failed to mention in my last post is that we were not in Egypt by our lonesome. My parents, my brother, SIL and their 3 children along with another couple friend of theirs and their 2 children were also with us. So this little dude with D is my brother's eldest. 

I am sure no one will be surprised to hear this but it was so so so hot.. even the wind was hot. Thankfully they have a free hop on hop off shuttle taking you from one destination to the next. 

The three pyramids from afar. For years, people were sure slaves built the pyramids. However, this has turned out to be untrue. In fact, men were hired and paid wages. Writings and other evidence has been found to back this up.

 

D and H with their cousins.

 

Instead of the free air conditioned shuttle you could also rent a camel or a horse and carriage to take you around the plateau but with the heat there was no way I was going in anything without air conditioning. 

The shuttle was a great way to hit the main spots. 

The Pyramid of Khufu is the oldest and largest of the three. 2.3 million limestone blocks were used for the Great Pyramid of Khufu and took over 23 years to complete. Each block weighs 2.5 tons, the size of an average elephant! 

Originally the pyramids were polished with sparkling limestone white casing. So, when the sun was shining, the pyramids would literally sparkle like diamonds. Over time erosion and earthquakes destroyed the casing. Erosion has also caused the Great Pyramid to shrink approximately 25 feet over time. 

The second largest is the Pyramid of Khafre (Khufu's son), and the Pyramid of Menkaure (Khufu's grandson) is the smallest. 

The Great Sphinx of Giza is a giant 4,500-year-old limestone statue situated near the Great Pyramid in Giza, Egypt. Measuring 240 feet. Evidence suggests the Sphinx was built for or by Khafre. His pyramid and valley temple are closely linked to the Sphinx, and the Sphinx's face is thought to resemble Khafre.

There was a second shuttle that took us to the Pyramid of Khufu. While the rest of our party was not interested in touring the inside of the pyramid my brother's friend son joined us. 

It was probably a good thing the others didn't come.. the inside of the pyramid was extremely steep with low ceilings. 

We entered via the entrance and went up the ascending passage and then on to the grand gallery leading us to the King's Chamber. 

A large, empty sarcophagus made of a single piece of red granite is found in the center of the chamber. It measures approximately 34 feet by 17 feet, with a height of 19 feet. No mummy has ever been found inside a pyramid.

So while people may say there is nothing to see in the pyramid, which is technically correct it is still a pretty cool experience. Though not advisable for those with bad knees or claustrophobia. 

A word of advice when travelling to Egypt, they are all, all trying to scam you. You will call an Uber and after you have waited 15 minutes in the scorching heat for it the driver will message you on the side asking for more money and if you refuse they will cancel the ride leaving you stranded with no choice but to start the process again praying for that one honest Egyptian. Many tour guides with force you to visit papyrus making demos or perfume shops and then leave you to deal with aggressive sales people. 

This was my third time in Egypt and M and D's second visit so we came prepared but sadly couldn't escape the Uber issues. 

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