The Great Sphinx is part of the Giza Plateau complex, but deserves a post of its own.  It is one of the most recognizable constructions in history.  A mythical creature with the head of a man, and the body of a lion, facing directly from west to east, The face of the Sphinx is believed to represent the pharaoh Khafre. Sculpted from soft sandstone, many believe that the Spihinx would have disappeared long ago had it not been buried in the sand for so many long periods in its lifetime. The body is 200ft long and 65ft., which when next to the pyramids seem small.  

There is a wall around the Sphinx, and archeologists believe, that as a young prince,Thutmose IV fell asleap in the shade of the Spinx. At the time the Sphinx was buried up to it's neck in sand.  Thutmose, who was not the crown prince,  had a dream where Ra-Hor-Akhty the sun god, talking through the Sphinx, spoke to him, telling the young prince to clear away the sand because the Sphinx was choking on it. 

The Sphinx said to him that if he did this, he would become King of Egypt.  Thutmose did as he was asked, and after completing the request of the Sphinx, Thutmose placed a carved stone tablet, now known as the Dream Stele, between the paws of the Sphinx. The restoration of the Sphinx, and the text of the Dream Stele would be a piece of propaganda meant to bestow legitimacy upon his unexpected kingship.

 It should be mentioned that little is known about King Thutmose's IV reign as king.

You don’t go to Egypt without seeing the pyramids.  In fact they are part of Cairo's skyline, located just 6 miles from the city center, on the west bank of the Nile River is where the Giza Plateau is located.


The Pyramids of Giza are also referred to as the Giza Necropolis because they were built as tombs for kings (and queens) who reigned from around 2613–2494 BC. known as the Fourth Dynasty,  While the most famous pyramids in Egypt are the three largest ones, the Giza Plateau is actually the home to a total of nine pyramids


The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and by far the biggest, tallest, and most intact pyramid in Egypt. It is the final resting place of king Khufu (Cheops), and took approx. 20 years to build. It is built entirely of limestone and is considered an architectural masterpiece, containing approx. 2.3 million blocks ranging in weight from 2.5 tons to 15 tons.  The original height of the pyramid was 488ft.


In case you are wondering, that means that one block would have had to be laid every 5 minutes of every hour, 24 hours a day for 20 years.   In addition to the unimaginable amount of work involved, it is fascinating to learn that the construction of the pyramids was so advanced that even with modern 21st century technology, human race has not managed to replicate the Great Pyramid of Khufu with such precision, and highly advanced mathematical, geological and astronomical science.


For this reason, it is safe to say that unlike popular belief that the pyramids of Giza were not built by slaves, but rather highly skilled masons, engineers, architects, surveyors, and other craftsmen.

If you would like to travel to Cairo to see the pyramids for yourself, please contact me at 703-927-0588 or lene@perfectlyplannedjourneys.com
​

You may DIY your domestic travel, and even trips to international destinations that you are familiar with, but when visiting far away foreign places where the culture and language is totally different from your own taking advantage of a "Meet & Greet" makes all the difference in the world!

During my recent trip to Egypt I got to enjoy the "Meet & Greet Service" provided by my supplier in Egypt Yasser Salah, and it was simply wonderful!

After a very long flight, let me tell you, to be met at the airport by someone who helps you get through immigration, takes care of your visa, picks up your luggage, and walks you out to a waiting car is so nice!

To then have our own guide and driver during our entire trip was priceless!

And of course, when we left to return home, we didn't even need to show a ticket, our airport concierge took care of everything.

Pictured above are the three guys who took all the stress out of our trip.