the Pyramids!

On Wednesday we finally made it to the pyramids of Giza.  We decided to try to get there as early as possible since it has been so hot.  When we arrived around 8am, the park was virtually empty except for three Weddles, a few camels, and a lot of guys getting ready to sell souvenirs.

We hurried over to purchase tickets to go inside the largest pyramid, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, since it has been closed every time I have been to Giza.  By the time we made it to the ticket office, a few bus loads of tourists were streaming into the park.  Fortunately the Great Pyramid was open, so we were able to purchase tickets to go inside.

I have been inside the Red Pyramid at Dashur and the Second Pyramid at Giza, and I assumed that the Great Pyramid would be similar.  But once we climbed up the steps to the pyramid’s entrance and entered a cave-like passageway, I was surprised to see how different it was.  The first passageway led to a staircase; and the staircase led to a ramp that led to another small passageway that lead to a large, empty chamber.  It was quite a climb.  And unfortunately, no photos were allowed, so you’ll have to use your imaginations to envision the spooky experience.

Before we left the plateau, we wanted to get a classic camel photo, so we looked for some of the friendlier-looking camels.  I think we did a good job.

Check out that camel’s smile!

After leaving the pyramids, we set out to find the Wissa Wassef Arts Center located between Giza and Saqqara. We passed all kinds of unusual things on Saqqara Road.  It was a little like Mulberry Street… there were carts with horses, decorated donkeys, bony giant oxen, tons of watermelons, and a pink cow.  (Trust me, I am doing ya’ll a favor by not posting the photo of that last one.)

Anyhow, we made it to the Wissa Wassef Art Center while the weavers were still at work.  (For pictures of the weavers and their amazing work, check out my post from my first visit to the Wissa Wassef Art Center by clicking here.)

We spent some time walking through the weaving and batik studios before heading to the shop where we admired the beautiful tapestries and looked through hundreds of colorful dyed fabrics.  I was amazed by the variety of designs.  Some were more decorative, while others featured birds and botanical vignettes or fish and other sea-life.

I had a lot of fun looking through all the designs with my mom.  I even got this pillow…

I love the magical animal on it.

We had a really wonderful time.  I am sure my parents were glad to finally see the pyramids after more than a week in Egypt, and for me, it’s always fun to get out and see them again.  My parents left yesterday morning.  It seems like the last two weeks flew by, but looking back, I am genuinely amazed at all of the things we have seen and done!