On a cold wintery evening gazing right through my dorm window back when I was in Birmingham I pondered on what the coming 2011 had in store for me! While all my friends booked themselves to fly back home for thanksgiving and new years, my wanderlust soul had started churning plans of its own. Escaping from the freezing temperatures I very curiosuly booked onto my flight to the land of History, to the land of parching sun and desert.
Why EGYPT someone would ask, I would simply say, "Because the history nerd in me wanted to always see it."
When we talk about Egypt the only visuals we have rummaging around are about pyramids, desert, sand, barren lands.. Not back then, but today this popular sightseer destination has much more to offer and see. This diverse land has not only monuments and history but also has a collective experience of the Nile Valley, the souks, mosques, together with witnessing the grandeur landscapes.
So I hopped onto my 37hrs journey from Birmingham, UK to Cairo, Egypt travelling all solo! Yes that's how long this remarkable land kept me anticipated for history. Starting early mornings, with long flights, elongated layovers, endless bus rides I finally made it to the acreage of History. The anticipation had built in so much that my all weary self became totally excited to visit the Sound and Light show that very night! Gazing to the historic narration about the rule of ancient Egyptians right in between the desert under the stars by the pyramids and the Sphinx. What more would you have needed to start your trip by listening to the most ancient secrets of the world amidst the aura of colourful display.
The next day started with a full day excursion exploring The Pyramids, yes one of the seven wonders of the ancient world! My eyes were awestruck at this magnificent structure failing to believe that I really made it back here.
Of the 3 Pyramids only one of them was available to go inside. Pyramids of Giza, Cheops (Khufu) Pyramid, being one of the largest of the three! So my all thrilled inquisitive soul quickly brushed through the tiny steps, rolling down on knees at some point making it straight through the Pyramid. It was dark and cold within, but the feeling was unearthly.
After my this exploratory quest I couldn't resist going straight up-close to see The Sphinx and then in no time I found myself at Memphis, the Capital of the Ancient Kingdom, and one of the most important cities in Ancient Egypt.
Ending the night by the Nile river cruise, the lifeblood of the land, the day couldn't have been more stimulating. Cruising along the great River Nile, the longest river in the world, little had I imagine 2 weeks back that bringing in my 2011 would look like this. Each moment felt something straight out of a history book.
My one-week in this land of desert had me visiting some of the most historic museums, Mosque, Synagogues & some exciting papyrus making workshops too. Many of these sites taking me back to 50 centuries. The visits included ancient city of Old Cairo followed by some of the most famous souks.
The historic nerd in me left this historic land with a happy heart.
Cannot Miss:
- Sound & Light show - The Pyramids of Giza
- Exploring the Pyramids of Giza, Cheops (Khufu) Pyramid, from the inside
- Midnight Nile river cruise
- Experience and try your hand at Papyrus workshops
GlobeTrotting365Days: EGYPT December 30th 2010.
This blog was originally published on 'globetrotting365days'