Long day of tourism but very interesting. We go to Memphis where the original royal palace is (just foundations), and see large statues of RamasII. Guide gives us a quick run down on statuography : curved beard + legs together == representation of king in afterlife, straight beard + legs striding == king in this life. Sphinx = kings head + lion body (strength and power). Statues impressive, but no sign of the King. Souvenir stalls but they're not even selling his greatest hits CD.... Buy 3 bronze pyramids with genuine sand in them (!). Peter and I get told off for leaning on a granite sarcophogus : just as well we didn't do what we were discussing (try it for size....).
Next to the nearby bit of desert where they practiced on pyramids (Sakara). First known pyramid with stepped sides and small bricks but still pretty large. Can see at least 6 or 7 others off in the desert. Each one is over a big hole dug in the rock where the body was put. No possibility to go into the excavations as apparently not safe....
At the edge of the site, we find several camels and horses with local entrepreneurs offering camel/horse rides. Immediately decide that there is no way I'm getting on a camel - vicious looking beasts. Of course, 10 minutes later I'm doing my Laurence of Arabia impression.... Blame Judith, she started it and then everyone had a go. Richard's impression of a desert warrior was probably the best....
Moving on to the Giza pyramids, where one can go into the 2 of the 3 (the biggest Cheops one is very restricted as it as nice hyroglyphics which get degraded by moisture etc). Only 4 volunteers : Peter, Margarite, Richard and myself. Forgot to bring torch, which turns out to be a major error; the queue goes into a steep decending tunnel, very low, and no lights! In order, we are myself, Peter, Margarite and Richard. Pitch black, following the guy in front, and at the bottom of the descent the handrail runs out! Very very hot, sweaty, airless. Keep going; eventually get a vaguely lit staircase... Don't know what the fuss is about these pyramid builders - the facilities are rubbish... Get to the chamber in the middle (large pitched roof stone room), and behind me : Peter, followed by a load of strangers! Ooops.... However, turns out that Margarite decided to turn back on the descent, and Richard went back with her. Not a lot to see in here, we escape pretty rapidly...
Down to look at the Sphinx, beating off the tourist tat sellers. Interesting to see it has a tail.... Sadly not allowed to climb on it or on the pyramids....
Lunch at a place called "Barry's", in the Cairo suburbs : ie about 100m from the Sphinx.... The terrace where we eat has a great view directly across to the Sphinx and pyramids....
On the way back to the hotel we get taken to a 'papyrus maker' (or tourist trap) - actually quite interesting, and good for presents! Could make own papyrus - cut it into strips, beat it flat, soak for 7 days in water changing the water every day, then weave and press the result flat for 7 more days. Sounds like a good Sunday School activity....
Back at the hotel, some of the ladies decide some shopping is required. Myself and Peter decide to go for the fun.... We order 2 taxis, go to a shopping area called Roxys. Buy some socks and an ice cream, and then come back to the hotel in 2 more taxis. Of course, the decrepit taxis, with no lights, no map, no idea of where we're going or where we are, the half blind taxi driver, etc all make it more interesting than a shopping trip in most places.....
posted by brian.wyld @ 2:04 AM
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