I met the rest of my group last night and for the most part they seem like a great bunch. Its so nice to be having someone else organise my accomodation, transport etc for a change. I can finally relax! Although the hotel is revolting and most definitely has not seen a cleaner in many many years. The rooms are filthy and the sheets hadn’t been changed in my room since the last guest as the sheets were filled with chip crumbs, as well as a belt and lip gloss.
We headed out to the Giza Pyramids this morning and the first thing I realised is that they aren't located in the desert anymore! The city of Cairo has crept closer and closer until now there are houses (and even a McDonalds and KFC) just metres from the base of the Great Pyramid.
The Giza Pyramids consist of the Pyramid of Khufu (the Great Pyramid), Pyramid of Khafre (Chepren) and the Pyramid of Menkaure (Mycerinus)-the smallest. From a distance Khafre’s pyramid looks larger than the Great Pyramid but its just an illusion due to the structure being built on higher ground. Originally when the Pyramids were built they were covered in a gleaming white limestone casing but over time it has been removed and all that remains is a small amount on the apex of Khafre’s Pyramid.
The statue of the Sphinx is about 300m from the Pyramids and I was surprised (and a little disappointed) at how small it is compared to how big I had imagined it to be. It is nearly 60m long and 20m high, made from a single stone left behind from the quarrying
I attempted to walk into the 2nd Pyramid but alas I was too claustrophobic to go all the way in. I consoled myself with the knowledge that there is nothing in there anyway except an empty undecorated room so I wasn't missing much. I spent most of the day wandering in and around the pyramids and the Sphinx.
They truly are incredible; the sheer size is amazing let along how they have been in place.
After a takeaway lunch; a falafel and salad pita sandwich for one Egyptian Pound (or 25c) I went to the National Museum that houses over 120,000 exhibits. Needless to say I didn't see a fraction of what the museum held but I did get to see the entire contents of Tutenkahmen's Tomb on display there as well as an assortment of mummified animals and a collection of Royal Mummies. Unfortunately all cameras were confiscated at the door and not returned until you exited the building so I don't have any photos.
Tonight I am catching the overnight train down south to Aswan.
