Pyramids - 2009 Vacation Part 11

Saqqara (or Sakkara) is a vast, ancient burial ground in Egypt. This is the massive funerary complex of Djoser dated back 5000 years.

Inside of the funerary complex of Djoser.

Step pyramid - one of the oldest pyramids in the world (5000 years old) is in danger of claps with weather decay. Major restoration work is in progress. The desert wind is strong.

Museum of Memphis: This giant Ramses II statue was discovered in the sand. With all the modern heavy lifting equipment, it was still too heavy to be lifted to upright position. The museum is built around it. I wonder how ancient Egyptians had lifted standing up.

I have found that there were multiple sphinxes in the Memphis Museum. Ancient Egyptian must really found of the power of lion.
We went to a 5 star hotel to have buffet lunch. This is such a beautiful view of the great pyramid of Giza.
The Great Pyramid of Giza.

I went inside! It was a fitness exercise for sure. The tunnel was low and narrow going steep down and then up. Everyone had to bend their knees and bow heads to get through. There was not enough air!!! Fortunately it was not too hot. I cannot imagine going inside in the summer. It was such a mighty human achievement. Stones are all cut and smoothed to the same size. Back then, all this was done by hand! Each stone is so huge. I don't know how they transport and then build to perfection. Thousands of years later, I am standing marveling this last remaining 7 wonders of ancient times.

This is the Great Pyramid of Giza.
The Great Sphinx of Giza.


Visiting the papyrus gallery.

Bethlehem - 2009 Vacation Part 10

We have visited the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem. Bethlehem is under the Palestinian control so our tour guide from Jerusalem had to leave the bus before the gate. A new tour guide was with us in Bethlehem.
Entrance to the Church of Nativity. Door is built low and small to prevent donkeys from getting in.
Inside of the church. We were all waiting in line to see the birth place of Jesus.


Decoration of the entrance to the lower level where Jesus was born.
This is the place where Jesus was born.
The hall of the church.
Stained glass on window.
A sculpture depicted birth of Jesus.
Out side in the court yard.
In the court yard of the Church of Nativity.
Walking in the street of Bethlehem.

Jerusalem - 2009 Vacation Part 9

Our cruise ship left Haifa and docked at Ashdod - the largest port for Israel. We got on a tour bus going to Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Standing on the Mount of Olive, we see the old town of Jerusalem with the new town afar.
We have visited the Church of All Nations. It is just next to the Garden of Gethsemane. It enshrines a section of bedrock where Jesus has prayed before his arrest.
Garden of Gethsemane.
The right aisle.
Center section
The bed of rock where Jesus prayed on before his arrest.
The main doom ceiling of the Church of All Nations.
Dung Gate
The Western Wall
The Western Wall
Via Dolorosa - the path that Jesus walked, carrying his cross, on the way to his crucifixion.
Station V.
Walking through Via Dolorasa
Station VI
Station VII
Outside of the Via Dolorosa
Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Under the table is the rock where Jesus was crucified. The altar at the traditional site of Golgotha.
Ceiling of the church.

Rock where Jesus was wiped after his death.
Tomb of Jesus
The Ceiling above.
Door way of the church.
At Jaffa Gate
Tower of David