Shalom #7

EGYPT: After a short ride we arrived at the border where we crossed and were met by a new bus, tour guides, and security personnel. Each bus had their own tour guide and 2 security men. It took most of the day to drive to Cairo. We arrived in Cairo around sunset just in time to see the great Pyramids of Giza off in the distance. When Dad pointed them out to the students sitting around us, there was a great shout of excitement on our bus and the cameras started clicking away. We enjoyed watching them and seeing their reactions.

We couldn't pass up an opportunity to say HI from Egypt!

The pyramids of Giza were built as part of the magnificent tomb complexes for three pharaohs: Kufu, Khafre, and Menkaure during the Fourth Dynasty (26th-25th centuries BC). The Giza pyramids sit on the eastern edge of the Nile Valley. The oldest and largest is Khufu which originally stood 481' high. It has an estimated 2,300,000 limestone blocks each weighing an average of 5,000 pounds. Many scholars still debate how the pyramids were constructed and how blocks were transported into place. Many suggest a combination of ramps and pulleys.
The Sphinx was carved out of a single mass of rock. It is sculpted after the body of a lion and the head of Khafre.
Dad is trying to show how there was no seam in the rock....they actually carved a corner out of this magnificent granite!

This gives you a good perspective of the size of these stones which were carved and some how put into place. L to R: Keith Wilson, Linda Wilson, Janet Skinner, Andrew Skinner, Sue & Bob

The tombs are open for people to go inside. What an experience that was. Small, narrow passage way which took you down into the depths of the tomb. It was dark, humid, hot and crowded. One could easily get a panic attack which I almost had. Did that once....don't need to do it again. Everyone needs that experience once in their lives.

Another great day!