The Pyramids of Cairo

Our first full day in Cairo we spent touring the areas of Sakkara, Dashur, and Giza to see just some of the 109 pyramids located in the deserts just outside the city. We were in good hands with our guide Mostafa and driver Mr. Fattae. The weather forecast predicted temps in the 90's but we were fortunate enough to get an overcast sky which helped keep the heat down. Though by afternoon a sandstorm had rolled in which inhibited some of our views, but we had a great time anyway.

A view of the decline of the Egyptian Dynasties. In the background is the Step Pyramid built in the 3rd Dynasty (around 2800 B.C.) as pyramid building was evolving. In the foreground you can see the Pyramid of Unas which was constructed in the 5th Dynasty around 2300 B.C.

Jill and Matt in front of the Great Pyramid

Check out how big these stones are at the Great Pyramid! You can kind of see me at the bottom of the picture in the yellow shirt.

At Giza just before getting a closer look at the Sphinx. You can see how the sandstorm didn't give us a great panaroma, but was interesting to experience this weather anyway, as it is typical spring weather called Khamaseen or the 50-day wind.

A typical Egytian meal called koshary. It's a vegetarian meal made of pasta, rice, lentil, chick peas, onions, tomatoe sauce, and garlic with optional hot sauce. This bowl of koshary cost $1 USD.

A picture of our guide Mostafa and our driver Mr. Fattae, just after our koshary and before the most delicious warm rice pudding I've ever eaten.