Egypt boasts so many great wonders, unequaled in any other destination in the world. Cairo just doesn't boast the Pharaonic monuments. It is a cumulation of the legacies of the Greeks, Romans and early Christians and the profusion of art and architecture accumulated from centuries of successive Islamic dynasties.
There's nothing that compares to a visit to the Pyramids. The Pyramids of Giza is the oldest tourist attraction in the world and the only remaining icon of the original Seven Wonders.
Must See in Person
Unfortunately, pictures do not do the Grand Pyramids any justice. One has to actually visit them to fully appreciate the full height and breadth of beauty and mystique that it fully emanates -- the air of serenity, the amazing masterpiece of architecture rising in the shifting sands, its spectacular tomb glistering in the Egyptian sun.
Pyramids Integrated with the Sphinx
And you cannot look at the Pyramids by themselves. Each lies within a group, connected and integrated with the Sphinx and with each other.
Worn and Weather Beaten
Unlike a visit to the Statue of Liberty or the Lincoln Memorial, the Pyramids is not well-polished or manicured. In fact it is a little bit rough around the edges -- which makes it interesting and provides the irresistible allure that makes one feel that you are an Egpytological explorer uncovering hidden catacombs and ancient hieroglyphics.
Unexplored Caves
Makes one wonder whether an undiscovered network of labyrinths and catacombs full with new and exciting artifacts still exists today.
If you explore around on the western side, you can discover old caves tucked away from the public eye. If you scurry down a cave and follow the scent of musty lavender, you can find tombs where for thousands of years, carried the mummies of ancient Pharoaohs and Queens.
Hawkers
Yes, the Pyramids is definitely a tourist attraction like no other. It is nearly impossible to enter the Pyramids without being accosted by an whole host of peddlers begging you to be your guide or offering a camelback ride. All around the sands, there is camel dung everywhere as ubiquitous as the trinket hawkers and taxi peddlers. But the Pyramids rises above these earthly digressions. The scintillating Pyramids of Giza are bold and beautiful and full of artifacts to touch and discover beyond your wildest dreams.
Yes, even I could not resist the obligatory pose with a camel.
When I got there, the taxi driver was aggressive and misled me by dropping me off a hundred yards away in the midst of souvenir hawkers and camel ride sellers.
I finally pushed my way through the mess of scammers insisting that I wanted to see the Pyramids by myself, on my own and with my own eyes. Read more about the scammers and hawkers
But eventually, the hawkers got the best of me, and I allowed this kid to take some interesting shots of me. He even led me to this cave in which I explored with zeal and amazement.
Seeing the Pyramids, un-rushed with your own eyes, trying to understand how, why, and the reason they were built is the best way to fully appreciate its true grandeur.
Today, many people flock to the Great Pyramids to experience something spiritual. They go there to receive emotional healing -- they go there to receive wisdom. Many come back feeling energetic, inspired. How can one not visit the sacred grounds of Egypt and not be inspired, rejuvenated.
Mystery
The Great Pyramids have always been enshrouded in mystery. Many famous individuals throughout history such as Alexander the Great, Napoleon and Sir Isaac Newton were mystified by the Pyramids. Just looking at the Pyramids leave one in awe. Were they built for architecture, mathematics or astrology? Do they provide any hidden information, or are they just a tomb to bury their admired ones.
