Mohammed was there on time and handed over to the tour guide Hussein. Picked up the second group and off to the Great Pyramids of Giza. Unfortunately very hazy. Is nevertheless impressive. Hussein quickly makes it clear that he is the tour guide and urgently asks not to ask any questions to Fathi the trainee – “if you want to know something, then please ask me, I am your tour guide”. Too bad, actually I always thought that I was an adult and allowed to talk to whom I want, but, well, no more conversation with interns.

Husein impresses with knowledge – only the young man on the camel lets that cold.

Once around the Cheops pyramid and then into the adjacent museum, where the sun beacon of Cheops is exhibited. From the salvaged parts that were “buried” in front of the pyramid, the ship was reassembled in years of work.

Tourist police at the pyramids of Giza

From the panorama point you have a great overview. The three great pyramids and – actually – Cairo in the background. If only it would not be so hazy…

Pyramids of Giza

As is well known, the Sphinx has been missing its nose since Asterix and Obelix, but it still looks good.

Sphinx

Hussein is all in. A few short stories about the schools in Cairo and a short drive to the papyrus store in town. An employee briefly shows how papyrus is made. Elaborate business. And above all: You first have to come up with something like that. Of course, the main purpose is to sell some papyrus (or is it papyri?). The tourist is willing. 600 pounds and you have a souvenir for your mom at home.

Then we drive to Memphis, the old capital. Nothing exciting here but you can see the surroundings of Cairo (and the garbage everywhere).

Last stop is Sakkara. Here the good Djoser gave an example, on which the other 110 pyramids in Egypt were oriented. Master builder Imoteph created the step pyramid. Almost 5000 years old and sixty meters high. Great thing. Meaningful? Hmh, maybe as meaningful as a sand castle at the Sahlenburg beach – only, much bigger. Still, very impressive.

Step pyramid of Djoser

Lastly, a visit to Jewels of the Nile. Looking at gold. Boring, I already have a gold watch…

After a short stress because of the program for the next day off to the hotel. Called the travel agency, and explained that actually a single tour was planned and not a larger group. She calls back and says that this is now clarified. Let’s see tomorrow at 8 o’clock. Then it goes on mosques and museum tour.