Winter break 2021. The school shuts down for 17 days and we're all off. Most people head back to the states. A buddy shot up north to Spain. Couple other people went up to Iceland to see the northern lights and play with snow. I chose to jump on the 2-hour flight and visit the great pyramids of Egypt.
It was a short trip and colder than expected, but an eye-opener when it comes to culture. I stayed in Old Cairo, densely packed with late 19th century Victorian architecture and street stalls. It was a bustling city with cars honking, people playing frogger as they cross the street, and the wafting scent of shawarma permeating the air.
The first morning I begin to make my way towards the museum, but quickly change my mind. The pyramids are 35 minutes away. That's it. What if I got hit by a bus as I crossed the street and died 18 kilometers from the pyramids, but never saw them?! No way. I jumped in a cab and headed west.
I found a guy offering a camel tour service (not hard) and began my exploration of these awe-inspiring structures.
The thing that really hit me wasn't just the size of the pyramids (although it is incredible), but both how fast they were built (20 years) and technology & procedures used to build them. As the wheel hadn't been invented yet, they dragged each block on a sled.
The workers (previously thought to be slaves, but recent research indicates they were free men) were shown respect by being given nice burial sites.
The Pyramid of Khafre was originally about 480 ft. high (146 meters). Natural and unnatural erosion has it topped out at about 450 ft. now.
The stones were just laying around. Want to walk up and touch it? Not recommended or permitted, but no problem.
A friend of mine told me it is worth riding a camel while there. And she was totally right. It was exciting and fun to be Lawrence of Arabia, but I can see why he would loudly lament extensive camel trips. There is definitely some wear and tear on the butt and inner thighs.
The photo above is one of the three "small" Pyramids of Queens.
As I circled around the see the Sphinx, I was able to observe some of the building design up close. The geometry was astounding. And this was just a small sample size.
A purely outstanding civilization in so many ways.
The Great Sphinx of Giza.
My guide said the research and restoration is a continual process. I'm excited to visit again and see what's new.
As we wrapped up an afternoon well-spent, we began our return to town. Let's see what the kids are up to.
Always running.
Or petting.
And we turn our corner through the back streets.
Local Egyptians on the move.
Thanks for the good times, Cario! See you soon.