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Egyptian Odyssey

Author: Osama Rashad
by Osama Rashad
Posted: Dec 20, 2019
mena house

Egyptian Odyssey

Story and Photos By Philip Schweier

Planning our trip to Egypt took the better part of a year, but it was well worth it, and any concerns we may have had evaporated as soon as we arrived at the Cairo airport. We were welcomed by Mohamed – a representative of our tour company, JourneytoEgypt.com, who ushered us through the tourist visa and passport process quickly and efficiently. In no time, we were on our way to our hotel, in the shadow of the Great Pyramid.

Marriott’s Mena House dates back to 1886, and has undergone many renovations to maintain its reputation as one of the finest hotels in Cairo. Famous visitors over the decades have included Prince Albert Victor of Wales, Winston Churchill, Richard Nixon, Frank Sinatra, and many more. Many of its rooms offer spectacular views of the pyramids of Giza.

DAYS 1-3: Cairo and Memphis

In the morning, we were picked up at the Mena House by our driver, Moustafa, and tour guide, Sally, for a day-long tour of the major sites of Cairo. We began with the Pyramids, which were constructed between 2900-2500 BC. Most notable is the Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops, to the Greeks). Adjacent sites include the smaller pyramids of Khafre (or Chephren) and of Menkaure (or Mykerinos) to the southwest.

The pyramids served as tombs for the deceased pharaohs who ruled ancient Egypt. In addition to the embalmed body of the king, they also contained various items he would need in the afterlife. For the people of ancient Egypt, mortal life was of far less importance than the afterlife. Proper care was necessary in order for the Pharaoh to perform his new duties as king of the dead.

The smooth exterior of the pyramid was made of a fine grade of white limestone, which had to be carefully cut to ensure the structure remained symmetrical. Stones were transported from the quarry by barge, and dragged up ramps to the construction site to be fitted together. In later years, many were taken for use in other projects, exposing the inner layer of stone that has gradually eroded away over the centuries.

Adjacent to the pyramid complex is the Sphinx, the oldest known monumental sculpture in Egypt. It is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, believed to be that of Pharaoh Khafre. Cut from bedrock, it measures 240 feet long from paw to tail, 66.31 feet high from the base to the top of the head, and 62 feet wide at its rear haunches.

How the nose of the Sphinx was damaged is unknown. One story suggests it was destroyed in 1378 AD, when a Sufi Muslim found local peasants making offerings to the Sphinx. Enraged, he destroyed the nose, for which he was later hanged. Another story claims the nose was broken off by cannon fire from Napoleon’s soldiers, but sketches of the Sphinx without its nose published in 1757 – 12 years before the birth of Napoleon – disprove this.

In the evening, we ventured into Cairo for dinner at a Mediterranean restaurant. Rather than order entrees, our meal consisted of a variety of Middle Eastern appetizers. It turned out to be quite the bargain. The Egyptian pound (£E) is worth about 6¢ American, and dinner for five came to about $27.

To be continued…

About the Author

Osama Rashad Egyptian Tour Guide https://www.journeytoegypt.com/en

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Author: Osama Rashad
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Osama Rashad

Member since: Nov 01, 2016
Published articles: 60

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