From DXB to CAI
Having watched the movies like Gods of Egypt, The Mummy Series, The Immortals and many more, ancient history of Egypt always enticed us. Working with Egyptians inclined our thoughts towards the magnificent cities, monuments and architects of Egypt, mainly Cairo and Luxor. Finally, we got the chance of visiting Cairo in July 2018. It was a work-related trip but I had the coolest bosses during that period who allowed me to take Dee for the trip. It was our first adventure together. The Great Pyramids of Giza and one of the ancient wonders of the world was out there waiting for us for little more than 4,500 years now.
Suitable for: Egypt as a country, caters to the need of different types of travellers. Sanai Peninsuala with Sharm-el-Shiekh offers you a beachy vacation whereas central Egypt’s Giza, Cairo and Luxur takes you towards the route of ancient civilization of Pharaohs. It has something for everyone.
It is a country located in Northern Eastern part of Africa and in the recent years have been marred by geo-political issues. A note of advice to the travellers hoping to see modern city like Dubai, Riyadh or Kuwait, please don’t be disappointed or terrified to see abundance of old buildings, cars and jampacked roads. It’s decently safe place to travel, atleast we didn’t face any problem.
Overall, we would suggest you to take this trip if you really want to see, feel and experience ancient architecture or go inside one of the wonders of the world. Travelling and staying Egypt is dirt cheap especially if you are from the West. You can easily buy or consume hard drinks and freely smoke in public.
The Experience:
The Great Pyramids of Giza (Gizah):
Seeing the pyramids will feel like you are seeing an old and time rotten structure (which actually it is). But one need to know and understand the purpose and the story about why and how these were built. Historians says that these are the tombs of the Pharaoh of Egypt. The then Egyptians, were one of the first civilizations to believe in an afterlife. They believed that a second-self called the ‘ka’ lives within every human being. When the physical body expires, the ka enjoys an eternal life. Pyramids were built to help them a comfortable after live.
To feel the enormity of The Great Pyramids, we need to understand that a structure was constructed around 4,500 years ago. Standing at a height of 481 feets The Great Pyramid of Khufu remained the tallest manmade structure for 3,800 years. Built with 2.3 Million stone blocks some weighing even 80 tonnes are linked with such precision that the structure still stands tall after several earthquake. What’s wonderful is that there were no modern techniques or equipment’s to lift and set those stone blocks. Exact technique or technology used to build the pyramids is yet to be discovered or proven.
I suggest you go near the structure, touch the outer walls and spend a few moments to feel the structure before getting into modern day obsession of taking pictures or videos. If you don’t feel claustrophobic, would recommend you to take a tour inside to witness its majesty. Please take advise from your local guide before going inside the pyramids. After a few climbs and / or crawls, you will reach the chamber that used to contain the mummy of great Pharaoh. You can spend as much time you want in or around the pyramids. You would normally require 2-3 hours near the pyramids. Your local guide would suggest you to go to the panoramic point from where you can see all the three pyramids. It is worthwhile.
Nearby, you can also see the beautifully carved statue of the Great Sphinx of Giza. Sphinx is the statue of mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. Your local guide would tell you several stories associated with the pyramids and sphinx. You can also attend the light show near the sphinx.
Travel tips:
Locals including camel drivers, hawkers and photographers could be a hassle and harassment. Be prepared to be continually chased by them throughout your visit. Easiest way to get there is by Uber, and costs are quite low or you can hire a local taxi for a good bargain to visit Memphis, Sakkara and Giza in a day. Allow a half day to see the site properly and best to go early to minimise the crowds.
Best time to visit: Cairo along with entire Egypt is an extremely hot place from April to September. Pleasant weather lasts from October to April. December and January are extremely crowed and cold.
Food: There are plenty of popular QSR and Arabic food points nearby. For vegetarians like me, would suggest you to go for Egyptian vegetarian dish ‘Kushari’. I promise, you won’t regret it. Fun fact, Kushari combines Italian, Indian and Middle Eastern culinary elements. Do try and let me know.
Must buy: Nothing specific. You can easily find same souvenir across Cairo / Giza. Would suggest you to buy it in the traditional market of Cairo ‘Khan el-Khalili’
