Around Africa: Part Four

In which I explored the city of pyramids

14.12.2023: Tour Day 3, City 3

Today was a big day for the explorers for we were to visit the city of pyramids, Giza. I got up at 7am and had breakfast at 7:30am from a variety of croissants, muffins, pastries, etc. 

We got into the bus, there was no luggage hustle, and drove off to Giza at 8am. Mohammed mentioned about two extra sightseeing: hot air balloon ($150) and Nubian village ($45). I opted for the Nubian village and not the hot air balloon (kept it on hold for another country). We saw the first glimpse of the three pyramids at 9am. 

We got the ticket scanned and reached the second pyramid at 9:30am. Mohammed was busy detailing on the story while a few (including me) were busy with photo clicks. The Giza pyramid complex is home to the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, along with the Great Sphinx.

The Great Pyramid of Giza

It is the largest Egyptian pyramid and served as the tomb of pharaoh Khufu. Khufu's pyramid complex consists of a valley temple, now buried beneath the village of Nazlet el-Samman; diabase paving and nummulitic limestone walls have been found but the site has not been excavated.

Pyramid of Khafre

It is the second largest Egyptian pyramid and served as the tomb of pharaoh Khafre. Khafre's pyramid complex consists of a valley temple, the Sphinx temple, a causeway, a mortuary temple, and the king's pyramid.

Pyramid of Menkaure

It is the smallest of the three main pyramids of the Giza pyramid complex. Menkaure's pyramid complex consists of a valley temple, a causeway, a mortuary temple, and the king's pyramid. We reached the third pyramid at 10am and went inside the pyramid at 10:30am. It was a 20 min sloping and bending downstairs walkway, not recommended to wear flowing dresses and walk down. While my both hands were engaged in picking up my dress, my head hit the top n number of times. The second stairway was a bit easy. 

Post we went till the very end, there was absolutely nothing. As said before, whatever was excavated is in the museums! 

Many enjoyed the camel ride and horse ride. I had already sat once on camel in Ladakh and horse in Mahabaleshwar. We were given quite less time for clicking photos at the first and second pyramid. We further drove to the next monument.

The Great Sphinx of Giza

It is a limestone statue of a reclining sphinx, a mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion. Facing directly from west to east, it stands on the Giza Plateau on the west bank of the Nile. The face of the Sphinx appears to represent the pharaoh Khafre. Done with the four extraordinary structures, we moved ahead to the perfume shop at 12:30pm.

Al Amir Perfumes Palace

We had to pass through the Fouad Farag Fayed handcrafted glass shop, to the first floor. We were welcomed by hibiscus drink. 

Then the process of perfume making was explained by the owner. Post that we were given a pamphlet which consisted of a list of perfumes, oils, scents, blends, Hannah. Then started the perfume testing on our wrist, palm, lower hand, some strong fragrance ones, some mild ones, etc. It was quite interesting for me to note down the order of perfumes tried and tested. It started with the Jasmin perfume, followed by Papyrus and Lotus. Then Secret of the Desert blend, Tut-Ankh-Amon (named after the most famous pharaoh), Five Secrets, Arabian Night. Spice scents included strong mint and sandalwood. The last one was blue lotus. Done with the perfume shopping, we headed for our lunch to Walkway restaurant at 2:15pm. 

The way one sees Eiffel Tower from every road in Paris. Same was the case here to watch the pyramids from every road. 

Post lunch we relished a Sundae ice-cream cone. 

Done with the sightseeing's, we drove back to Cairo and had dinner at Red Elephant restaurant at 7:15pm. Today the food was delicious as compared to earlier days. 

We were back to the hotel. Mahendra briefed on the long day tomorrow. It was actually too much for a day and we had no idea as to how things would be managed but had complete trust on Mahendra and Mohammed. We had to pack our luggage and check out at 3:45am. So then I kept things ready for the morning, or should I say dawn, and dozed off.

Read next: Around Africa: Part Five