The Great Sphinx
Solar ship of Khufu
Great Pyramids of Giza
Our journey of the necropolis region around Memphis continued on as we reached Giza. Probably the most iconic site in Egypt, the Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza is an obvious compulsory for all travelers in the Middle East.
The site of the Great Pyramids is quite large, despite its close proximity to the town of Giza. Unlike the image appears on most tourist brochure in which the Great Pyramids are always depicted situating in the middle of the desert, the ancient monuments are awfully close to modern roadways and bounded three sides by low-rise buildings of Giza. The site was crowded as expected, so as the plentiful tourist traps of camel rides and small attractions, and even the extra admission to get into the Great Pyramid itself seemed to us a ripoff. The small tombs dotted around the Great Pyramids were interesting, and we spent much time taking photos of the pyramids and the Sphinx. Unfortunately much of the Sphinx's body was covered with scaffolding.
The great surprise to me was the solar ship of Khufu. The life size timber boat made 4500 years ago was found in a pit at Khufu's pyramid. Supremely preserved, the ship might have carried Khufu's body from Memphis to Giza and then buried with the King. Many also believe that the ship carried symbol ritual values for the resurrected King to travel on the Nile and the heavens with the Sun God.
Outside the gate of the Great Pyramids, we waited for 1/2 hour for the bus bounded for Cairo. We told the taxi not to wait for us because we had no idea when we would be done visiting the pyramids. We weren't sure where to get off, but as long as the bus headed towards Cairo it should be fine.
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