Pyramids of Giza

July 1996 -- I signed on for a month long assignment with ACDI-VOCA to Egypt. My partner (Earl) was a retired veterinarian from Minnesota. I didn't know him. We met for the first time in Cairo. We had a day or so to sight-see before beginning our assignment. Of course, we went to the pyramids. I don't recall there being an admission fee. However, we were quickly identified by two camel drivers as "rich" American tourists. I wonder now what I spent to ride a camel around the pyramids. 

Yep, that's me!

The Pyramids at Giza are one of the most spectacular things I have seen in all my travels. When I was riding a camel among the pyramids, it was one of those "pinch-me" moments in life. I felt like Danny DeVito in the movie, Jewel of the Nile. After a few minutes, I lost track of Earl. His camel group rode off in a different direction. I was quickly separated from the only person I knew in Egypt (and for only a brief time). It was a little unnerving, but who cared, I was on a camel in Giza.

Earl's camel group

Oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

The Pyramids of Giza were built between approximately 2600 and 2500 BC. I have since visited sites that are older. Construction of Stonehenge started around 3100 BC. The passage tombs at Newgrange and Knowth (in Ireland) were built around 3200 BC. Carrowmore's megalithic monuments are even older. The Great Wall of China is way younger, no more than 500.

A donkey to spoil the view

Riding through the desert on a camel

I visited the pyramids almost 30 years ago. They haven't changed, but I'm sure the area around them has. It wasn't very touristy when I went. You probably have to take guided tours now. I felt like I got to see the pyramids "unspoiled."

My pictures aren't the best. They were scanned from pictures taken almost 30 years ago. Not to mention the film was probably Seattle Filmworks, a less expensive option than Kodak.