The Great Pyramids of Giza

Some places that I visit give me an overwhelming sensation of connection with the past and a profound sense of awe; the Great Pyramids certainly fall in this domain. We all have images in our minds of the only surviving wonder of the ancient world; yet, the pyramids continue to be both breathtaking to see and intriguing to visit.

Pyramid of Khafre

The Great Pyramid of Giza (Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops) is the oldest and largest of the pyramids in the complex. It is thought that the tomb was built over 10 to 20 years ending around 2560 BC, as a tomb for the Fourth Dynasty Egyptian pharaoh Khufu (or Cheops). Originally a limestone casing covered the tomb, forming a smooth outer surface. The Pyramid of Khafre, appearing taller, is the second largest of the Ancient Egyptian Pyramids of Giza and the tomb of the Fourth-Dynasty pharaoh Khafre.

Now it is illegal to climb to the top of the pyramid; however, one can climb on parts of the pyramid which my husband and son enjoyed.

This photo gives one a good sense of the size of the blocks used in the pyramid's construction, clearly, not small.

There are horses and camels one can hire for a ride. We have all three ridden camels before so we really did not have interest in that; however, this ride takes you to a truly amazing vista, and for that I was all in. After mounting a camel, Mike decided it was a bit uncomfortable for him, so we took off over the desert, Ethan and I on camels, and Mike in a carriage pulled by a horse.

Our prize vista was this view of the nine pyramids at Giza in one view with hardly a person in sight. I don't recommend taking a camel ride at the pyramids unless you are a vista person like me; however, if you fall into that category, I highly recommend it. It is truly a gorgeous, priceless view. We lingered here and enjoyed our surroundings.

I don't understand all of current photography ideas or why our animal handlers asked us to outstretch our arms, but we did. They took a number of different "fun" shots of the three of us, both together and individually.

Our guide, Shimaa Shaban, my son and husband.

Thank you Shimaa. This venture was indeed a lot of fun for us all.

I hope you enjoyed my photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.