Friday, March 16, 2007

Travel: Saqqara, Dashur and Giza

"So we started at Sakkara (or Saqqara, depending upon the translation). There, we were first taken to the Tomb of Mereuka and the Pyramid (realy a pile of rubble) of Teti. It was mildly interesting in the way of carvings and such, but more of an introduction into the world of baksheesh (Egyptian tipping). Basically, at the door, a “watchman” would strike up a conversation and then follow you to explain the site, expecting to be kicked back some Egyptian pounds at the end. The next and more wonderous site was the Step Pyramid of Zoser, built in 2650 BC as the very first of the pyramids as we know them. We were not allowed inside, but the outside was more than worth it. Some of the surrounding funerary complex has been rediscovered and rebuilt, but mostly there is a lot of desert. In fact, by climbing one set of stairs, we had an expansive view over the Sahara. Truly a site on the edge of nowhere!"

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