So, when did my love for Egypt start? Honestly, I have no answer to that. All I know is, ever since I can remember, I wanted to visit the pyramids, tombs and the mummies. It was there, on my bucket list, forever, till recently, when the dream became a reality.
When we finalized Egypt, just like always, many people talked about the safety, and we had to check a few things. The weather was another concern. However, to our surprise, both were pretty pleasant. We found the country (at least the places we visited) very peaceful and traveler friendly and the weather was extremely pleasant, at the end of April.
This is not really a travelogue. I wanted to share some of the happiest days of my life. Yes, I have been to other countries, but Egypt was magical. Hence, some bits and pieces from my trip.
When we finalized Egypt, just like always, many people talked about the safety, and we had to check a few things. The weather was another concern. However, to our surprise, both were pretty pleasant. We found the country (at least the places we visited) very peaceful and traveler friendly and the weather was extremely pleasant, at the end of April.
This is not really a travelogue. I wanted to share some of the happiest days of my life. Yes, I have been to other countries, but Egypt was magical. Hence, some bits and pieces from my trip.
Cairo-
I thought our flight was at night, turned out it was almost in the morning. I was sad of losing those few hours in a country that I was dying to step my foot in. I tried looking for the pyramids from the flight, but alas! They were not visible from there. The city seemed claustrophobic from the air and rightly so. After all, with 22 million people living in Cairo, it's full of hustle and bustle and in the wake of globalization, too many things are happening there.
We got into the cab sent by the hotel. I started feeling restless, longing to see the pyramids, looking outside the window, when it started raining (good omen for me, always). After half an hour, the cab took a turn toward the ring road and I exclaimed, startling our cab river, "WHOAAA"... Yes, I could see the pyramids, with my own eyes, not on the travel blogs or in history books... I was in Egypt! Yes!! I was in Egypt!! The land of Cleopatra, Nefertiti and Tutankhamun! One of my Dream destinations!
The first day we rested a bit and Marvel Palace Hotel, Giza really offered the best view of the Great Pyramids. Opt for Room no- 417, and you will get uninterrupted view of the 3 pyramids and The Sphinx. We watched the Light and Sound show from the window, while the cold breeze warmed our hearts.
Next day, we went to see the Step Pyramid in Saqqara.
The step pyramid was built by Imhotep, for Pharaoh Djoser. Apparently the Pharaoh wanted a higher burial ground and because of the tall boundary around the Saqqara Necropolis, multiple layers were added one by one and the end result was the Step Pyramid of Saqqara. There is very little remaining of the rest of the complex and the 42 pillars (21 represents lower Egypt, 21 Upper Egypt) are not in best shape but you can still feel the grandeur of this place.
After Saqqara it was time to see the The Pyramid of Snefru or the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur
The Pyramid of Snefru (Bent Pyramid)
The Bent Pyramid is actually the first pyramid that was planned to be a pyramid with smooth sides. However, the 45 meter high pyramid is not perfect as initially the slope was of 52 degree that changed to 45 degree after a point, hence "Bent Pyramid". This also marks the transition period of the pyramids in Egypt.
The Red Pyramid of Dahshur
Built by Khufu's father Snefru, the red pyramid has slightly smaller base than the Great Pyramid of Giza. This pyramid is also known as the perfect pyramid and the first capstone of "The Old Kingdom" was found here. The Red Pyramid is as grand as the Great Pyramid of Giza but unlike Giza pyramids, here we were the only people and we could enter the pyramids hassle free. However, to enter the pyramid we had to climb to a place that is located at the middle of it, and from there going down inside was quite a "steep" experience. It was the first time we entered inside a pyramid. The lack of oxygen and the certain eeriness in the complete silence was compelling.
I was pretty done with the experience of "inside the pyramid". Hence, in Giza, taking our guide's suggestion, we avoided entering into the pyramid and instead opted for camel ride in the the desert.
Camels are extremely well behaved animals, but the riding is not always very comfortable. However, it was an amazing experience to see and touch the Giza pyramids, while posing a bit here and there. The guides encourage a lot to pose for typical touristy pics and the place and its magic is something, that you wouldn't really mind.
The first phase of our staying at Giza came to an end that day, as we had a train to catch in the evening. Next stop- Aswan.
to be Contd in next post...
https://bhulbhal.blogspot.com/2018/06/egypt-land-of-mysteries-and-history.html
The first day we rested a bit and Marvel Palace Hotel, Giza really offered the best view of the Great Pyramids. Opt for Room no- 417, and you will get uninterrupted view of the 3 pyramids and The Sphinx. We watched the Light and Sound show from the window, while the cold breeze warmed our hearts.
Next day, we went to see the Step Pyramid in Saqqara.
The step pyramid was built by Imhotep, for Pharaoh Djoser. Apparently the Pharaoh wanted a higher burial ground and because of the tall boundary around the Saqqara Necropolis, multiple layers were added one by one and the end result was the Step Pyramid of Saqqara. There is very little remaining of the rest of the complex and the 42 pillars (21 represents lower Egypt, 21 Upper Egypt) are not in best shape but you can still feel the grandeur of this place.
After Saqqara it was time to see the The Pyramid of Snefru or the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur
The Pyramid of Snefru (Bent Pyramid)
The Bent Pyramid is actually the first pyramid that was planned to be a pyramid with smooth sides. However, the 45 meter high pyramid is not perfect as initially the slope was of 52 degree that changed to 45 degree after a point, hence "Bent Pyramid". This also marks the transition period of the pyramids in Egypt.
The Red Pyramid of Dahshur
Built by Khufu's father Snefru, the red pyramid has slightly smaller base than the Great Pyramid of Giza. This pyramid is also known as the perfect pyramid and the first capstone of "The Old Kingdom" was found here. The Red Pyramid is as grand as the Great Pyramid of Giza but unlike Giza pyramids, here we were the only people and we could enter the pyramids hassle free. However, to enter the pyramid we had to climb to a place that is located at the middle of it, and from there going down inside was quite a "steep" experience. It was the first time we entered inside a pyramid. The lack of oxygen and the certain eeriness in the complete silence was compelling.
I was pretty done with the experience of "inside the pyramid". Hence, in Giza, taking our guide's suggestion, we avoided entering into the pyramid and instead opted for camel ride in the the desert.
Camels are extremely well behaved animals, but the riding is not always very comfortable. However, it was an amazing experience to see and touch the Giza pyramids, while posing a bit here and there. The guides encourage a lot to pose for typical touristy pics and the place and its magic is something, that you wouldn't really mind.
The first phase of our staying at Giza came to an end that day, as we had a train to catch in the evening. Next stop- Aswan.
to be Contd in next post...
https://bhulbhal.blogspot.com/2018/06/egypt-land-of-mysteries-and-history.html
