Following from our earlier blog, our trip continues…

The tickets prices differ for locals and foreign visitors. Keep in mind that there is a separate entrance fee for visiting the Giza compound and entering the Pyramids. The ticket collection offices are brick enclosures which can get very crowded and are easy to miss. Don’t look for signs. There are none. As for the taxi drivers, it is customary for them to stop before the main entrance, for a camel or horse trip. If you don’t want a ride, politely ask the driver not to stop before the main entrance. Also make sure that you do not take any sharp items with you as the security checks are rigorous. Once inside the compound, you will encounter numerous vendors who insist on initiating a conversation so that the visitor may buy. Do not start haggling if you don’t want to.

The most famous of the monuments remains the great Pyramids at Giza. The compound is located just a few kilometers south of Cairo. Due to the massive intrusion of the nearby real estate, the last house is just a few hundred meters, from the Giza site. Yet, the entire site feels a world apart. What attracts visitors most is the location of the three larger pyramids and sphinx. The complex also contains many temples, outer buildings and other places of worship.

It is not only the great pyramid that demands attention but the two sister pyramids also offer a glimpse into an intriguing art of ancient engineering. On arrival, the pyramid of Khafre greets the visitors which to an on-looker looks larger than the Great Pyramid. Experts believe that it was purposely built on a high mound with steep angles to create an illusion of its greater size. Just for this reason, it is mistaken as the great Pyramid, itself. The smallest of the three is that of the Menkaure. It too has its fair share of legends and myths that far outweigh its larger neighbors. The pyramid is half limestone, half brick and the mechanical engineering and design doesn’t match its cousins. Stories abound and the pyramid reveals its secrets every year. Talk about the giant and fully functional boats discovered beneath the Great Pyramid.

The temples at Karnak are one of the greatest architectural achievements besides the Pyramid. Located a few kilometers north of Luxor, it spreads on approximately 250 acres. This is the largest religious complex in the world. The construction continued over an elongated period of thousand years and was contributed by more than thirty Pharaoh. The temple of Amun is the centerpiece of the site which is surrounded by a multitude of giant columns, obelisk, pylons and many statues.

Further down the site, the magnitude of the Hypostyle Hall leaves visitors breathless. It is the most documented site outside Cairo. The ceiling was 82 feet high and supported by twelve columns in rows of six. Natural earth tones are used to provide a dazzling effect of limited light that crept into the halls. Once inside the hall, visitors can feel how it would be like to stand in the great hall underneath the shadowy reflections of great columns, which itself created a powerful image of foreboding.

If you plan to stay late, don’t miss the light show at night. It covers the history of the complex and that of the great city of Thebes. The show is presented in six different languages. It is a good idea to hire a tour guide who will provide you an overview of the history and guide you to the locations seldom visited by other tourists. Later on, you may continue your tour, in private. It is a huge site that can take hours to uncover. Therefore, it is suggested that you take a lot of water with you and wear comfortable shoes.

Egypt boasts extensive network of air, train and bus routes that connects all the major tourist destinations. As with any country, it is far easier and quicker to travel by Air. Egypt’s national carrier has routine flights to more remote destinations such as Luxor, Aswan and Sharm al Sheikh. The tickets are little expansive and are sixty percent higher then the first class train tickets. Normally it will cost anywhere from £60 to £80 for a round trip train ticket between Aswan and Cairo. The journey on popular routes to Upper Nile Valley can take 12 hours from train and is usually carried out on night sleeper cars. It is not very safe to travel in the regular commuter train in third or fourth class. These trains stop at every station and are very crowded.

Major tour operators can arrange for a car rental. The streets of Egypt are notorious for wayward traffic. There are few rules, if any. Without proper signs in outskirts of Cairo, you will need a NASA quality GPRS to reach your destination. While, it is not a problem asking for directions from friendly natives but getting the exact direction might still pose a major problem. What if the old Oak tree on the second left, has been cut down? If you ever want to visit a non-tourist site outside Cairo, make sure that it is with a private chauffer of a reputable agency. Try to accompany someone on such trips and inform the local Police Station before embarking on such a journey.

All the major airlines in the world serve Egypt. Depending upon your country, it is much better to fly, without the hassle of changing flights. Apart from United States, European and Asian operators fly non-stop to Cairo. From US, only Egypt Airways will fly non-stop to Cairo. Always check in advance for the visa requirements. Normally, Western passport holders can get a visa on arrival but it is highly practical to apply for a visa beforehand. It will not only save your time on arrival but limit you from problems encountered by many first time tourists.

There are lots of quality hotels all over Egypt. Taxi drivers understand English and French. Some even understand a multitude of languages. If you ever decide to take your car, better think again. Normally it is much safer to rent a car or take a Taxi. There is a variety of international food available in restaurants and side stalls. Their flavors also vary and the taste is usually mild but visitors less accustomed to spice should have an antibiotic. Remember! the quality of the food differs from street vendors to shops to popular restaurants.

Bottled water is cheap and easily available in Egypt. Don’t drink tap water; only if necessary. For a taste of adventure, try staying at many boutique establishments which provide a unique insight into culture of this ancient civilization. A few boutique hotels are located inside old bazaars and souks and provide much privacy.

Welcome to the most insightful and interesting holiday blog on the bloggosphere.

The Team.