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Wednesday, 29 October 2014

EGYPT - Cairo, Memphis & Alexandria

Picture 274The 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?


Picture 242The 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.


Picture 414Built since 2589BC, the Giza Pyramids automatically qualified for the New 7 Wonders of the World as a Honorary Title.
   

Picture 236Until the 19th century, the pyramids remained the tallest structure in the world after nearly 5,000 years. Can you imagine that?


Picture 227I 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.


Picture 229Stones 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.


Picture 233Khafre’s pyramid is easily recognised because it still retains casing stones at its apex.


Picture 241View of the surroundings.


Picture 250We 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!


Picture 253Another camel rubbing his head against my leg.


Picture 260No 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.


Picture 264Amenhotep II dedicated a temple to Hauron-Haremakhet during the New Kingdom.


Picture 269The Sphinx was carved out of a huge big stone to guard Khafre’s pyramid.


Picture 272The Pyramids of Giza is known to be the oldest tourist attraction.


Picture 277Created 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.


Picture 286You 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.


Picture 300Within the open air museum in Memphis lies a giant statue of Rameses II.


Picture 303Because the base and feet of the sculpture are broken off, it is currently displayed in a lying position.


Picture 305Sphinx of Memphis is nothing as grand as the Sphinx of Giza. It is found outside the Temple of Ptah.


Picture 307


Picture 311Taking 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.


Picture 317 - CopyThe step pyramids were the earliest Egyptian pyramids as a symbol of a Pharaoh's stairway to the Heavens. 


Picture 315The entrance to the Pyramid. Unfortunately, it’s not open to tourist.


Picture 320Temple of the festival complex.


Picture 319Lining up to have a peek inside the complex.


Picture 334This is the hotel that I stayed in Cairo.


Picture 336My beau enjoying his Shisha.


Picture 424The yellow taxis in city of Cairo.


Picture 422Museum 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.


Picture 429The Mosque of Mohammad Ali is the most visible mosque in Cairo.


Picture 342The design of this Ottoman mosque is similar to the Blue Mosque in Turkey.


Picture 343The mosque’s construction completed in 1848 and was built in memory of Muhammad Ali’s eldest son Tusun Pahsa.


Picture 432Internal view of Mosque of Mohammad Ali.


Picture 433The cupola of the mosque.


Picture 344The mosque surroundings.


Picture 434The brass clock tower which was presented to Muhammad Ali by King Louis Philippe of France in 1845.


Picture 347Enjoying a nice view of Cairo city from the mosque.


Picture 349Al-Hussein Mosque built in 1154 is considered to be one the holiest Islamic Site in Cairo.


Picture 350Al Azhar mosque established in 972 is the first mosque in Cairo.


Picture 351I was at Cairo’s bazaar – Khan el-Khalili to shop for some souvenirs.


Picture 439The Cairo Bazaar dates back to 1385.


Picture 354
Picture 359Hard Rock Cafe in Cairo.


Picture 357Cairo Tower can be see in the background.


Picture 328Time to bid Cairo farewell.


Picture 441Travelled towards the northern part of Egypt. 


Picture 022We have arrived at our final city in Egypt, Alexandria.


Picture 035Here at the Bridge of Montaza Gardens.


Picture 023Some on going construction works being done at the shallow waters of the sea.


Picture 026Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. 


Picture 027Its the second largest city in Egypt and is Egypt’s largest seaport, serving almost 80% of the country's imports and exports.


Picture 028Enjoying the view of the Mediterranean Sea here at Montaza. 


Picture 451Nice place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze.


Picture 031Yachting club in Montaza.


Picture 453Monument of the Unknown Navy Soldier.


Picture 457El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque.


Picture 041The most famous of all Alexandria’s mosque.


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Picture 464Roman Amphitheatre.


Picture 054Built in the 2nd century, this Roman Amphitheatre had marble seats for up to 800 spectators.  


Picture 461In Ptolemaic times, this area was a pleasure garden surrounded by villas and bath.


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Picture 463
Picture 465Roman Pompey’s Pillar.


Picture 061This 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.


Picture 062The road heading towards the column.


Picture 466

Picture 064Qaitbay Citidel which was erected on the exact site of Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.


Picture 066Alexandria at the Corniche.


Picture 069Statue 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.    


Picture 070The journey across Egypt sure was an eye opener. This historic tour of Egypt will always be remembered by me.    


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