EGYPT - Cairo, Memphis & Alexandria

15:10 Travel Bunny 0 Comments

The ultimate target of anyone visiting Egypt is probably the majestic Giza Great Pyramids and the Great Sphinx. It is the only Seven Wonders of The Ancient World that remains intact. How cool is that?


The three Pyramids of Giza which are Khufu, the oldest and largest; Khafre, which seems taller because it is built on higher ground and Menkaura, with a base area of less than a quarter of the others.


Built since 2589BC, the Giza Pyramids automatically qualified for the New 7 Wonders of the World as a Honorary Title.
   

Until the 19th century, the pyramids remained the tallest structure in the world after nearly 5,000 years. Can you imagine that?


I paid USD 100 for the fee to go inside and explore the Great Pyramid of Khufu. I have to climb a steep staircase inside which led to the Pharaoh's burial chamber. No photos allowed in the pyramid! Bring a torchlight for a better view inside.


Stones from the pyramids has been used to erect many of Cairo’s oldest building. This destructive practice only stops until the conservation efforts began in the late 19th century.


Khafre’s pyramid is easily recognised because it still retains casing stones at its apex.


View of the surroundings.


We went for a camel ride in the dessert around the pyramids. It was a unforgettable experience as the camel kept turning its head around and rubbing its nose against my pants!


Another camel rubbing his head against my leg.


No visit to Giza is complete without visiting the Sphinx. The enchanting half lion (representing royalty) and half human with a traditional headdress symbolising power figure is an example of colossal Egyptian sculpture.


Amenhotep II dedicated a temple to Hauron-Haremakhet during the New Kingdom.


The Sphinx was carved out of a huge big stone to guard Khafre’s pyramid.


The Pyramids of Giza is known to be the oldest tourist attraction.


Created within almost pinpoint accuracy, the three pyramids were executed by highly skilled mathematicians, masons, surveyors, stonecutters together with about 100,000 slaves to carry out the task of moving and laying the stones.


You can still see the pyramids in the urban area of the city of Cairo. After lunch, we moved to visit Memphis, the ancient capital of Aneb-Hetch.


Within the open air museum in Memphis lies a giant statue of Rameses II.


Because the base and feet of the sculpture are broken off, it is currently displayed in a lying position.


Sphinx of Memphis is nothing as grand as the Sphinx of Giza. It is found outside the Temple of Ptah.





Taking picture with our Egyptian tour guide in front of the stepped Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, Memphis. Pyramid of Djoser is 62 metres high and consists of six layers built on top of each other. It was built for the burial of Pharaoh Djoser by Imhotep.


The step pyramids were the earliest Egyptian pyramids as a symbol of a Pharaoh's stairway to the Heavens. 


The entrance to the Pyramid. Unfortunately, it’s not open to tourist.


Temple of the festival complex.


Lining up to have a peek inside the complex.


This is the hotel that I stayed in Cairo.


My beau enjoying his Shisha.


The yellow taxis in city of Cairo.


Museum of Cairo or Egyptian Museum has 120,000 items of ancient Egyptian antiquities. I spent several hours here and it wasn’t nearly enough to see all the items. You have to pay extra entrance fees to view the Royal Mummies though. No photos allowed in the museum.


The Mosque of Mohammad Ali is the most visible mosque in Cairo.


The design of this Ottoman mosque is similar to the Blue Mosque in Turkey.


The mosque’s construction completed in 1848 and was built in memory of Muhammad Ali’s eldest son Tusun Pahsa.


Internal view of Mosque of Mohammad Ali.


The cupola of the mosque.


The mosque surroundings.


The brass clock tower which was presented to Muhammad Ali by King Louis Philippe of France in 1845.


Enjoying a nice view of Cairo city from the mosque.


Al-Hussein Mosque built in 1154 is considered to be one the holiest Islamic Site in Cairo.


Al Azhar mosque established in 972 is the first mosque in Cairo.


I was at Cairo’s bazaar – Khan el-Khalili to shop for some souvenirs.


The Cairo Bazaar dates back to 1385.



Hard Rock Cafe in Cairo.


Cairo Tower can be see in the background.


Time to bid Cairo farewell.


Travelled towards the northern part of Egypt. 


We have arrived at our final city in Egypt, Alexandria.


Here at the Bridge of Montaza Gardens.


Some on going construction works being done at the shallow waters of the sea.


Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. 


Its the second largest city in Egypt and is Egypt’s largest seaport, serving almost 80% of the country's imports and exports.


Enjoying the view of the Mediterranean Sea here at Montaza. 


Nice place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze.


Yachting club in Montaza.


Monument of the Unknown Navy Soldier.


El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque.


The most famous of all Alexandria’s mosque.







Roman Amphitheatre.


Built in the 2nd century, this Roman Amphitheatre had marble seats for up to 800 spectators.  


In Ptolemaic times, this area was a pleasure garden surrounded by villas and bath.




Roman Pompey’s Pillar.


This 25m high granite column is an ancient monument constructed in honour of Emperor Diocletian in the year 297. Also seen here is Pompey’s Sphinx made of pink granite.


The road heading towards the column.




Qaitbay Citidel which was erected on the exact site of Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.


Alexandria at the Corniche.


Statue of Alexandrine nationalist leader Saad Zaghloul on top and below stands a statue dedicated to Cleopatra. This location is where Caesareum of Alexandria used to be. The temple was conceived by Cleopatra, the last Pharaoh of Eqypt, to honour her dead lover Mark Anthony.    


The journey across Egypt sure was an eye opener. This historic tour of Egypt will always be remembered by me.    


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