Sphinx for the memory...

Today was an early start in a rather vain attempt to beat the desert heat; or at least to get there before it became unbearable.

I left shortly after 9am and after a 20 minute journey by Uber, arrived at the Giza Plateau a little while later. 

It was already 35c and climbing! (It would get to 39c in Giza before I left at lunchtime).

In my bag, however, I had plenty of cool water and so, the great adventure began!

I met my guide, Said, shortly after I arrived and after a brisk 15 minute walk down back alleys in various states of decay, we arrived at the gate to the Giza complex.

It's a fair distance from the gates to the first of the pyramids, so the only way to travel is either horse, cart, or camel. I chose cart, on Said's advice, and it was off at a trot. He also drove the buggy!

We went first to Cheops, the smaller pyramid, which is faced in granite from Aswan.

As granite is harder wearing, it's still relatively intact, even after 7,000 years.

It also has the customary smaller pyramids to accommodate wives etc. (as you do!)

Then it was on to Khafre, which was faced in alabaster, some of which remains on the top. It is the most recognizable from a distance. (Khafre has no queen pyramids)

Then finally, to Menkaure, which has a vertical scar and three queen pyramids also.

So, in total, there are 3 large pyramids and six smaller ones.

It was then off on a camel into the desert to a large mound where one can view all nine in a row. And it was worth it.

My camel was well behaved and quite comfortable!

Back on the buggy then for a trip to see the Sphinx.

I've heard people say that they have been disappointed with the Sphinx, as they expected it to be bigger. 

I wasn't. 

It was quite spectacular and well worth the walk.

It was also terribly crowded however, so a relatively short stay.

I then visited a papyrus shop, where the owner provided some mint tea, and demonstrated how it was made. Quite a fascinating process. 

He also sells fragrances, which are locally made. 

The Lotus was particularly nice!

So, some gifts bought.

After several hours, it was time to say goodbye to Said and grab an Uber.

The first Uber I ordered accepted the job, and then messaged me for cash - about three times the going rate. No thanks.

And then the second, same effort!

So Said, being a proper gent, organized a local taximan to run me back at the proper rate.

A lovely guy and a big Mo Salah fan, so bonus points!

Naughty Uber! 

I never have this problem in Cairo proper.

All in all it was a down day well spent and worth the spectacular heat!

Bucket list item complete!