Pyramids and the Sphinx

Today went and visited the Pyramid and the Sphinx...  great day and well worth the trip.  Brigit and I went there as most others had already gone the day before.  Today was the Egyptian holiday of Christmas so the sites were fairly abandoned.  We arrived about 9 to find the place deserted of tourists (a good thing I think).  It is as the guide book says, a haven for peddlers and sales pitches.  But it is not as the guide books say, disappointing.  It was absolutely awesome.  It is amazing to see these wonders of the world and think that they were built over 3,000 years ago and without any heavy machinery.  The civilization back in that time had to be something to behold.  The size, scope, magnitude, design and architecture are truly awe inspiring.  This is in sharp contrast to the areas and people we passes through on the way to get there.  The city itself is dirty, dusty and trash strewn.  There are half built buildings which are evident of poor construction techniques and or no building codes.  There are abandon buildings and apartment complexes that are falling down all along the way.  There is a waterway/river that flows through the central district that is clogged in places with trash and plastic bottles. The banks of the waterway are covered with bags of garbage.  You cannot even see the actual bank of the river.  When the wind blows and it has the last couple of days, the plastic bags and garbage fill the air. You would think that the resource of water being so scarce and being absolutely essential for survival that it's protection would be critical. It is as I said, a sad contrast to archeological marvels that stand nearby. 

At the site of the Pyramids we took both a camel ride and a horseback tour.  The first we were taken for a ride literally.  We were conned into a camel ride to see the sites even though we did not want a camel ride.  Ahmed was excellent at getting you sucked in little steps at a time to just get a picture on the camel.  Once he had you on the camel for a picture, you were had!   He started the camel walking and lost his understanding of the English language.  Sentences like...  Ok, enough I don't want a camel ride.  Stop the camel I want to get off!  We're answered with...  It is ok!  Good camel, no problem.  Once he had us way off the beaten path he brought in the closer who demanded 250 pounds each for the Camel ride and photos.  That went way south quick.  We arrived at the sum of 100 pounds ($13) for both of us which he said was insulting.  I told him that I in no way wanted to insult him so I withdrew my offer and started to walk away.  He then change his demand to 200 each.  I responded that that amount was insulting to me and that I would offer him 100 for both again but I did not want to insult him.  You can see how the dance went until Brigit gave him 20 more above the 100 I offered.  He reluctantly accepted.  It was then that the camel driver who supposedly spoke no English quite effective started demanding a tip.  

The second ride of the day was on horseback.  This one was by choice pre-negotiated and fabulous.  He took us round to see all nine pyramids and out into the Sahara a mile or so to get the best hilltop view of all nine.  At one point my horse decided he wanted to take a quick lye down and scratch her back.  The only problem I was still on her.  She rolled on my leg before I could get out of the stirrup.

Here are some great pictures of the day...

This is the camel con and his camel Oscar

In the two pictures above what appears to be clouds is not.  It is dust and sand blown high in the sky from the winds coming off the Sahara.  It covered everything and got in your eyes and teeth.