Our continuing quest to see the world landed us in Egypt (“India-Lite” as I like to call it) along with our friends Derick & Theresa. The Pyramids of Giza have always been something I’ve wanted to see, but Egypt was not where I wanted to go. Maybe it’s because there are an estimated 22 million undiscovered landmines out there had something to do with it. I don’t know. But regardless of the reason to hold back, we decided that embarking on this trip with a tour group would make it a safer journey. Because that makes sense. Strength in numbers, right? Uhh, right. Anyway, no regrets about going at all, but the tour group, however…that’ll probably be the last one I do. Sure it’s great not having to worry about transportation or lodging, but when you’re on someone else’s schedule and that schedule means waking up at 3 or 4 in the morning to make sure you see everything you possibly can, it gets a little tiring. But I digress. And really, none of that matters because Egypt was a truly incredible experience. I was in a constant state of awe travelling along the Nile River, visiting the Temples of Isis, Horus, Luxor and others, the Karnak Complex, seeing Ramses VI and Tutankhamen’s tombs (not to mention Tut’s actual mummy!). It was all just absolutely amazing and more so was the fact that so much of it has held up over the course of time.
And of course those Pyramids of Giza are definitely a site to behold. The fact that they put everything else to shame is probably why they were one of the last things we saw. Even while standing on it, it was tough trying to comprehend how something so massive and thousands of years old was possible. I mean, some of these stones seemed as large as our apartment and you’re telling me that way back when, there was even another layer on top of them? There’s really only one explanation – Aliens. Had to be. No Egyptians would admit to it though. But maybe they figure they’re not coming back, so somebody ought to take credit. Who knows?
Oh, and Jennie rode a camel. I walked the camel. Didn’t see that one coming, did you?
BOOSH!**
the flickr set
the picasa set
* Kanye West's song Amazing from his album 808s & Heartbreaks became our theme song for the trip
** copyright 2009 Derick Tsai
