Egypt 03

Day 3

Cairo (with Traveltalk)
Sakkarru Giza Pyramid, Sakkarah Pyramid, Spinx
Train Ride to Aswan approx. 16 hours.


The first thing people think of Egypt is the Pyramids! The grand temple was indeed large and magnificent. Though the heat outside was killing us, I am sure this is nothing compared to the heat the workers must have gone through to create such a masterpiece.

At a glimpse, this seems like a random temple. But this is actually one of the entrance to the pyramid. In fact, I found out that my knowledge of pyramid has been quite distorted due to films and movies. I always thought it was in the middle of the dessert. Somewhere far from where the people were living. But, no. Because the city has been rapidly expanding the city is actually right next to the pyramids. It just depends on how you angle your camera, either you'll have the Cairo city background or the sand background.

Also, though the three great pyramids are the most well known pyramids, in Egypt there are many more scattered around the city. Some actually don't even look that big, but its the fact that whats underneath. The one that we entered was one of the smaller ones. Still the underground path was long and quite deep. I almost felt like fainting as I slowly walked down. Because of the high heat outside, as you gradually go down the air cools but with limited oxygen it becomes harder to hold on to yourself. No wonder there are horror movies about haunting ghost stories here. Its a bit spooky down there.

So here are the traditional pyramid cites that we often see on TV. The top picture with the three pyramid is actually a spot where most foreigners come to take this photo. Its the only place you can get all three of them together. Because the pyramids are so big, you have to drive out a bit of distance to get them all. (The second one) You can see the Spinx. Due to tourism and weather the body and face has been smoothed out quite a lot. But you can still see the big sculpture.

That night, we took a Train ride down to our next destination: Aswan. Our tour guide kept emphasizing that this is an Egyptian first class economy train. Egypt's, which means that it will be comparable with other first class trains. Already the moment we arrived at the station, I felt like I was going back time. Not only was it dusty and dirty but the system the sound made me feel like I have been dropped off in the middle of an 80s movie. The inside was equally bad condition. It was my first longest train ride. I think I barely slept. Plus I was already having stomach problems due to the food and the heat, I never knew how much I might miss my home bathroom condition. Never have I had used such bad condition ones. I think I can say it counts as an experience. And so will you, if you were to get in one.

As a snack eater, I had to try what snacks Egypt had. Although these are a few, sadly most of them were Western brands. Bags were dusty of course. And can you believe? The store owner cheated on us, even on these small chips! I mean how much more can you get by cheating on such a small product. It truly reflects it economical situation.