Ancient Egyptian history has been fascinated me since my early days in school and Egypt was always my ultimate destination I want to visit once in a life time. After two decades of waiting, finally, my dream came true. I traveled to Egypt this early May.

Day One: The Great Pyramids of Giza & Great Sphinx, Step Pyramid of Saqqara

I started my memorable journey with The Great Pyramids of Giza; the only remaining monument of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

This Giza pyramid complex consists of the Pyramid of Khufu (also known as the Pyramid of Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre (or Chephren) and the Pyramid of Menkaure (or Mykerinus)

In fact, there are nine pyramids, one Great Sphinx, along with the tombs of high officials and other monuments located all on this Giza Plateau but the most recognition is the three pyramids and the Great Sphinx.

Among the three, the oldest and biggest pyramid is Khufu’s pyramid. Archaeologists believe that it was constructed in the 25th century BC as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu; the second king of the fourth dynasty. Its current height is 138.8 meters (originally: 146.6 meters). Each base side is measured 230 meters wide and the total mass of the pyramid is estimated at 5.9 million tones.

(Note: Riding camel is another great way to explore the Giza complex. It was fun and exciting to see the pyramids from different view)

The Pyramid of Khufu might be the most famous pyramid but the Khafre’s pyramid get more attention from visitors all over the world from its one and only Great Sphinx that guards his pyramid.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is a statue with the face of a man and a body of a lion. It stands 73.5 meters long, 6 meters wide, and 20 meters high. It lies on the east side of the complex, facing east. Most Egyptologists believe that the head of the Great Sphinx represents the likeness of King Khafre.

Before the Giza pyramids were developed to the “true pyramid form” The Pyramid of Djoser or Step Pyramid is consider to be the earliest large-scale stone construction.

The step pyramid was built for the burial of Pharaoh Djoser, the best-known pharaoh of the Third dynasty of Egypt, during 27th century BC by vizier Imhotep. The pyramid originally stood 62 meters tall and having a base of 109.12 x 125.27 meters. It is located in Saqqara.

Day one of my journey ended with joy and happiness. Tonight I will take a long-ride train going south to Luxor. More stories will come. Please stay tuned.