Pyramids at Giza

The bus continued on to the pyramids at Giza.

There are six pyramids in the complex but we mostly think of this one, commonly known as the Great Pyramid since it is the largest. It's the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one to still remain intact. It has reduced in height a little since it was built and is currently 138.8 meters high (455').

It is possible to go inside the pyramid to one of the three internal chambers. Some of the group went inside and said they were glad they did it, but that it was quite a strenuous climb. It was quite claustrophobic and apparently the lights went out briefly which must have been unnerving.

I just opted to walk around it. 

An example of how closely the rocks fit together. It is incredible how the ancient Egyptians built this huge structure in such a short time and with such accuracy. Engineers are still puzzled.

Off in the distance, the second largest pyramid called Khafre. It's 136.4 meters high.

One of the corners. It is not as sharp as the photos taken at a distance suggest.

Khafre again. The slope of the sides is steeper than the Great Pyramid and the top is covered with casing stones. 

On the right is the Solar Boat Museum which houses a ship that was found in a pit beside the pyramid  in 1954. I must admit I had never heard of it.

The three smaller temples inn the complex.

Looking down at the Sphinx which is at a lower elevation.

I was puzzled by the black rocks which were only on one side of the pyramid. They make a good viewing platform.

There are camels available for riding.

The pyramid complex is on a plateau beside the Nile Valley which floods every year. It seems incongruous to see a golf course just down the hill. I suspect the British built it back when they were in power.

Lots of vendors and touts are everywhere. You just keep walking and ignore them when they approach.

Our bus took us to a viewing point for all three of the largest pyramids. Our guide Michael is to the left. I finished my stroll around the Great Pyramid fairly quickly and went back to the bus since it was very windy. I sat and talked to him for quite a while. He has a University degree that qualifies him to do this kind of job. Obviously a large part of the degree is knowledge of Egyptian history and he seems to know his stuff and is passionate about it.

Curiously, he is only allowed to have this kind of job and can't moonlight in another occupation. Tourism levels have dropped dramatically with the uprisings and occasional attscks on tourists.

Your hero posing. Other members of the group keep asking me if I want to have my picture taken so I give in. No doubt it proves I have been there. perhaps I will post it on Facebook.

Lawrence of Arabia arriving in the distance.

Members of our group heading off for their 15 minutes camel ride.

A bunch of dogs lazing in front of our tour bus. They were the only dogs I saw in the area.

Our group heading down the hill.

They all said they enjoyed it, but 15 minutes does not compare to my 1.5 and 1 hour rides in India. At least they can say they have ridden a camel.

Two of our group had purchased head-dresses which suited them.