Pyramids, at long last

First stop: Sakkara
a vast, ancient burial ground serving as the burial place for the ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis. Sakkara features numerous pyramids, including the world's oldest standing step pyramid.
The step pyramid at Sakkara was designed for King Djoser (c.2667-2648 BC). It is the oldest complete stone building complex known in history. (see below)

The only entrance to the area near the pyramid was through the mortuary temple. We had to pass between stone block walls built in the shape of large open doors into the hall you see below, with two rows of tapered stone columns carved to resemble papyrus bundles. A modern roof has been placed at the same height as the original roof. This hall leads into the great court.

Around the corner from the first step pyramid we came across another tomb where visitors were allowed to enter. See below...

I had to leave the photos below in color so you could see how the hieroglyphics have maintained much of the color after so many years! .
.
.

We then took a short trip over to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt.

The Colossus of Ramses II is a 33ft tall statue first found in 1820. A small open-air museum was built around it, in order to protect it.

And you will notice the other guy in the picture. While I was photographing Ramses, he asked me to take a picture of him. I thought at first maybe he worked there but after I took the photo he left. Pretty funny, but I think it turned out pretty good. I mean look at him! He's a natural.

Another statue of Ramses outside the museum.

.
.
.

The sphinx of Memphis statue found outside the museum.
Its disputed whether or not this is Ramses.
The facial features are a little bit different.

As you can see the first photo the sphinx, the side is rough and in the second picture the side of the sphinx is smooth. This is because when they first found the statue, it was on its side. They had to roll it over and stand it upright.

.
.
.

LUNCH!

Fresh pita anyone?

.
.
.

ONTO THE MAIN EVENT: PYRAMIDS of Giza
and watch out for the officer on the camel

I'm really small but I'm standing in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza also called Khufu's Pyramid. It's the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in Giza.
And the Great pyramid is the only member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World remaining. On the right side of the photo you can see Khafra Pyramid. According to some authors he was the son and successor of Khafu (Great Pyramid guy).
.
.
.

There I am again. Standing in front of the base of the Great Pyramid. The blocks are GINORMOUS.
.

a view where you can see two sides
.

The photo above is take next to the Great Pyramid. I wanted to show how close Cairo is to the pyramids. For some reason in my mind, I always thought they were way out in the middle of the dessert. But not the case here. They are located just a few minutes drive outside of the city.
.
.
.

Grand Finale with the Sphinx in front of the Khafra Pyramid.

The Great Sphinx is a statue of a reclining lion with a human head. It stands 65ft High, is 241 ft long, and 20 ft wide. It is the oldest known monumental sculpture but basic facts about it, such as who was the model for the face, when it was built, and by whom, are still debated. The Great Sphinx faces due east and houses a small temple between its paws.

and a lil' kiss from moi.

All in all it was a truly amazing day and I was happy we were visiting in the winter vs. summer. The weather was perfect and we had to pinch ourselves a few times while looking at these monuments. The only way it could have been better is if we were taking the tour on a magic carpet with Aladdin.

Salaam.