It’s not too often that I’m speechless but at first sight of the last standing ancient wonder of the world….. chills!! I truly got caught up in the moment coming out of the ticketing building and walking up the entry ramp. A warm sensation quickly ran throughout my body and I just kinda froze in place. Now granted it was a scorching morning anyways, but the grandeur of that instant was surreal.
Our very knowledgeable guide was spitting off stats that would blow your mind:
- 2.3 million stones
- 5-7 tons each
- No tools so they used other rocks to cut & then floated them down the Nile to the site
- 21,000 workers
- 21 years to build
- 128 levels high
- The extreme top was stolen as it was believed to be of pure gold
- All pyramids built in at least 3s – smaller ones for each wife or children
We were the first GAdventures tour group to return post Covid, so we were blessed to have most of these historic sites to ourselves and we enjoyed E. V. E. R. Y. moment. I can not imagine thousands of buses and tourists milling around.
Of course the camels and buggy rides harassed us, but we made our own 360 degree jaunt around this marvel. The scope is ridiculous, as even just one stone towered over our heads. Climbing on the rocks is strictly forbidden but on one side there were some extra hidden tombs and the mini versions, so we goofed off. We even went inside the narrow alleyways of the son’s tomb, which were about a 45 degree ramp down for 50 meters. Not for those frightened by tight spaces!
And finally the Sphinx lured us into it’s grasp. The excavation is ongoing and the nose is long gone, but it was a spectacular sight. With the pyramids looming in the background, it felt like you were transported back to ancient times and really drove home that fact that this area is a world wide treasure. Unbelievable day!
We had skipped lunch to enjoy all of our time at the local sites, so we ended our visit with a late meal overlooking all of the above and smiled at just being in the moment.
Onward to Aswan via an overnight train for more exploring!
FearlessAdventures 