Egypt

We had a fabulous long weekend in Egypt and thoroughly enjoyed our quick tour of the must-see attractions of Cairo.  There was still lots we could have done, but we think we accomplished seeing the most important things.  Eloise was a compliant traveller and was very patient with us while we spent an awful long time oohing and aahing over pyramids and things at the Egyptian Museum.  I'm sure she didn't see what was the fuss with all that rock!  

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It was awesome, although we were glad to return to the order & cleanliness of home.

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View from our Hotel Room.  Can highly recommend The Oberoi Mena House if you ever head to Cairo.  It is out of Cairo a little, but the location for the Pyramids is sensational!

DAY 1

The Bent Pyramid at a distance.  They started building this one at a 54 degrees and then decided that wasn't working (theory says it would collapse because of the steep angle) so completed it at a shallower angle of 43 degrees.

The Bent Pyramid was built somewhere between 2680-2565BC and is 105m tall.

Free photo of man on camel because he wasn't looking!  

(They all ask you to take a photo of them and then request a tip.)

This Pyramid was finished off with smooth sides once finished - some of it still is in tact.

Impressed with the 4500 year old angles

Duane & Eloise at the Bent Pyramid.

Lisa, Baby #2 and the Bent Pyramid - won't be able to say we didn't take them to Egypt!

Duane & Eloise at a smaller pyramid near the Bent Pyramid - not in as good condition.

Views of the Red Pyramid from the Bent Pyramid

The Red Pyramid standing at 101m tall.  This was built by the same Pharaoh as the Bent Pyramid and was thought to be his second attempt.  No-one is really 100% sure which one he was buried in.

The Entrance of the Red Pyramid (about a third of the way up)

At the entrance of the Red Pyramid

Duane carrying Eloise down the steep incline of the Red Pyramid

The passageway from Chamber One to Chamber Two in the Red Pyramid

Inside Chamber One (out of 3) of the Red Pyramid.  This is looking up at the ceiling. 

Eloise sitting at the bottom of the 63m tunnel entrance in the Red Pyramid

After the "inside the pyramid" adventure...now for the climb down.

Duane, Eloise & the Step Pyramid built around 2560BC for Pharaoh Zoser.  This is the world's earliest stone monument.

The Selman's at the Step Pyramid

Duane & Eloise

On our drive home after the Pyramids.  The fertile lands on the floodplain of the Nile

Day 2

After a long morning at the Egyptian Museum (no photos allowed), we headed to the Citadel which provided us with amazing views over Cairo.

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Duane & Eloise at the Citadel (Giza pyramids in the very distant background on the left)

Views over Cairo

We were spoilt to an "adult lunch" and Eloise managed to stay asleep for the entire meal.  This has NEVER happened!!!!  Thanks to a busy morning at the Egyptian Museum.

Lunch on the banks of The Nile.

Day 3

Duane, Eloise & the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza (the largest pyramid in Egypt) at 146m tall (originally - now 9m shorter) and was completed in 2570BC

Duane, Eloise and man on Camel at the Giza Pyramids and the Pyramid of Khafre at 136m tall in background.  This photo we had to tip!

Sitting on the largest pyramid at Giza

A different perspective

Duane & Eloise on the Pyramid

At the Giza Pyramids.  The Pyramid of Khafre (2nd largest at Giza but largest in this photo) is interesting because it maintains the smooth limestone outer layer at the very top.

Duane & Eloise enjoying the views of the Sphinx

Eloise at the Sphinx

Pyramid of Khufu and another free photo of man on camel! :-)

Me & Bump overlooking third largest Giza pyramid.  This one only 66m tall.

We finally managed a family shot at the big Giza pyramid after lots of stalking of potential photographers (someone who 1.. spoke English and 2.. wouldn't ask for a tip and 3..knew how to use our camera and 4... wouldn't steal our camera!)