We decided to stop in Egypt to see the pyramids. We can see them from our hotel window. We had a private tour of the pyramids. First we saw the pyramids of Giza and got to ride camels. We named our camel Mike, after the Geico commercial. The pyramids were huge and the blocks to build them weighed from 5-15 tons each!
Next we went to the Sphinx, which is a lot smaller than I expected. The Sphinx is a human head with a lion’s body from the Old Kingdom. I learned that in the Middle Kingdom, they were different with only a human face and the rest of a lion, including his ears and head. That’s how you can tell the difference in when the Sphinx was built.
Next we went to the city of Memphis, which was once the capital city of Egypt. We saw huge statues of Ramses II. He was in the position that stood for life. That means he has his left foot forward, arms by his side and a straight beard. If the statue represents him in death, his beard is curved, arms crossed at his chest and feet together.
Then we went to Saqqara to see the Step pyramid. It was the very first pyramid built. It looked liked six steps instead of straight sides, because they were just learning how to do that. We went into some tombs in Titi’s pyramid and inside we saw lots of hieroglyphics. That was the ancient Egyptian language using pictures instead of letters.
The next day we visited the Egyptian museum and saw many things that were once inside the tombs and pyramids. We saw creepy mummies and they looked like ghosts. I enjoyed seeing the royal chariots that were driven by two horses and many of King Tut’s things found in his tomb, even his beds and little servant dolls that were buried with him.
After the museum we visited the Citadel. It was a military fortress, mosque and royal family palace. There was a quarry nearby where the builders got stone for the pyramids. We visited two churches built in Roman times and a synagogue in the old town. In one of the churches, Jesus, Mary and Joseph lived in the basement after Jesus was born and he had to escape King Herod.
I bought a pyramid souvenir in the Bazaar and enjoyed listening to our tour guide, Ashraf. I loved learning about the pyramids and how they were built.
Out of our Comfort Zone to Explore the World 
Great job sharing your visit to Egypt, Luke! You helped me to see it through you! I loved the camel pictures–did they stink??
LikeLike
Silly Nana! We didn’t think they stunk! Love, Luke
LikeLike
Hey Luke I saw you drinking something what was it?? In costa rica we had so many drinks but my sister and brother both threw it up. Yuck!
LikeLike
Emmeline, It was called Miranda and was like Fanta Orange. So delicious but I can only have it as a special treat! Love, Luke
LikeLike
Hey Luke,thank you for the great post ! I noticed your camel was smiling, he must have enjoyed the ride!! I have a question for you that I have always wanted to know. It is hard to imagine that men could haul those massive blocks very far. Did they make them somewhere else on the property and haul them to put them in place, or did they build them in place. Did they use some sort of measurement for each block or just estimate? Also, did they build the tombs around the stuff or put the stuff in later? Thank you if you have time to answer. The pyramids have always been one of my most intriguing historical wonders. So glad you are having such a great time. Mary Lorraine and Bell are here on their first beach trip. I think she is going to like it!! We love you! Dia,Poppy and all the gang🐫🐫
LikeLike
Dia, Great questions! They quarried the rocks about 10K away and floated them on rafts down the Nile during the flood season. The rocks were cut into different sizes and pulled them up to the site by a sled in the sand. They used measuring tools to make the blocks very precise. The whole pyramid is completely squared, down to one inch! They put all the stuff into the tombs later when the pharaoh died. Love, Luke
LikeLike
Hi Luke! I asked my mom where you were today and I really liked getting to read about your visit to the pyramids! Where are you headed next?? From, Price Swann
LikeLike
Hi Price! We are in Istanbul, Turkey now. Have you started baseball season? Thanks for writing! Luke
LikeLike
It starts today!!!! Can’t wait to hear about Turkey!! Price S.
LikeLike
Hey Luke,
What a great post!! The first graders cannot believe the pictures of Stripes in from of the pyramids. They all said “wow!! Lucky!!” I am amazed at the pyramids up close. They seem so heavy and big–way bigger than I expected. What are they made of? It looked like you were the only family visiting that day! Did you go inside them?? So so cool. We miss you so much!! Love, Becca.
LikeLike