Pyramids and the Sphinx

 Very excited today to see the Sphinx and the pyramids of Giza. Early start to beat the heat and the crowds, easy as Egypt is two hours behind Uzbekistan.

So we didn’t really beat the heat as it’s hot even at 7.30 in the morning, but we did get the Sphinx to ourselves. We strategically chose to start here as most people start at the other entrance. The Sphinx is smaller than expected but I had read it in so many places that I had been ready for it. It is still a marvel to see especially with the backdrop of the pyramids. We had security guards giving us tips on how to pose such that we are kidding the sphinx or holding the pyramids. Had to move Jeevan on as he was starting to show his annoyance. 

The Pyramids are magnificent, gigantic and so amazing that they were  built 4000-5000 years ago. We didn’t get a guide so I got the children to do a research project and we knew the names, the pharaohs who built them, the heights etc - they would make good guides. 

We went inside Khufu (the Great Pyramid) and it was a very claustrophobic chaotic event. I would not recommend it to anyone, the only reason anyone should do it is to say they have been inside one. It’s cramped, hot and not much to see. We came out pouring sweat and very happy to see the sun.

There are vendors pedalling a lot of souvenirs and also selling rides on camels and horses. We eventually took a horse carriage as we wanted to go to 9 pyramid lounge which was too far to walk in the sweltering sun. Half way through we were all regretting it, as the man would whip the horse randomly, when asked why he was doing it, he answered the horse did not feel it!! Luckily he stopped doing it there on. He then shared his cigarette with the horse at one of the stops!! We couldn’t get away fast enough from him.

The lounge is worth getting to (by other means would be best), the view is fabulous and the staff are friendly. We spent some time enjoying the view and drinks. The difficulty arose when we were leaving as we couldn’t get an Uber, a tour guide offered to take us but their clients declined and we did not want to go on another horse carriage. Off we went walking in the desert, the distance was not huge but the heat made it seem very long. Iced soda made it all seem better at the other end. 

After spending 6 hours at the site we were finished for the day. We decided to forego the lights and sound show (has poor reviews) as all just wanted to lounge in the hotel. 

Going to bed happy that my childhood dream of seeing the pyramids has been fulfilled.