Sunday, December 13, 2009

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.