Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Cairo Egypt – An Adventure To Remember!

Ever since I can remember, I have been mesmerized by the mystery of the great pyramids and it has been my dream to visit them in person.  As luck would have it, last year, I found myself in Africa for business reasons and figured I would have no better opportunity to fulfill my dream.  As soon as my business travel plans were arranged, I booked Virgin Vacations’ Cairo At Its Best five-day city package and began awaiting my adventure.

Cairo is Egypt’s capital and Africa’s largest city.  Others who have traveled there warned me that the city can be a bit overwhelming so I wasn’t freaked out when I first witnessed the chaos, the strange smells, and the dust had.  Despite these somewhat negative attributes, Cairo is beautiful.  My sole purpose of this trip was to experience the pyramids, so this little blog is focused only the pyramids and viewing the Great Pyramid of Giza - the last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the World.

There are actually three main pyramids at Giza, The Pyramid of Kafhre, the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Menkaura.  Each was created as a tomb to a different king of Egypt and in front of these pyramids is the familiar Sphinx, the cat like masterpiece that is a remarkable sight.

Historians postulate that the Sphinx and the three pyramids were build during the fourth dynasty of Egypt’s Old Kingdom (about 5000 years ago!).  Of course, the actual construction date of the pyramids is always under considerable debate, and we’ll probably never know the truth.

To truly experience this unbelievable place, I decided to take a camel ride, but you can just as easily walk or talk a buggy.  If you decide to go the camel route, be sure to bargain as you can usually talk them down quite a bit.  Don’t get caught as I did, if you take a picture of the camel, the owner will expect you to pay.  Despite these warnings, it is well worth the money for this once in a lifetime experience.

They no longer allow climbing up the side of the pyramids, but you can go inside!  Unless you are claustrophobic, be sure to enter at least one of the pyramids.  Be prepared for a steep climb and remember to get there early because they only allow 300 people a day the separate tickets required for entry.

For a touristy experience, you can opt for the sound and light show taking place nightly around the Sphinx.  The shows are in several languages and you will definitely learn something about this awe-inspiring place.

All in all, my trip was amazing.  The package from Virgin was perfect as it included my airfare, a meet and greet in Cairo, transfers from the airport to hotel, five nights accommodation in a lovely hotel, buffet breakfast daily and hotel taxes and service charges.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Egypt and the pyramids, you simply must do so.  These structures are awe-inspiring and their history is amazing and mysterious.  If you ever do visit, post your experience here on the blog, as I’d love to read it! 

Posted by Victor on 10/09 at 10:38 AM
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