Welcome to Egypt (Mizraim)

Welcome to Egypt

If there was such a thing as “time travel”, I would go back to Ancient Egypt. Would love to see who and how the pyramids were built.

 Egypt is a country located in North Africa and the Middle East, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Libya to the west, Sudan to the south, and the Red Sea to the east. With a population of over 100 million people, it is one of the most populous countries in Africa.  Egypt is known for its ancient civilization and rich history, which dates back to the Pharaonic era. The country is home to numerous ancient monuments and artifacts, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley of the Kings.  Modern-day Egypt is a cultural hub, with a diverse population that includes Arabs, Nubians, Berbers, and others. The country has a rich culinary tradition, known for dishes like koshari, ful medames, and molokhia.  Egypt's economy is one of the largest in Africa, with a focus on agriculture, tourism, and industry. The country is also home to the Suez Canal, a strategic waterway that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

1. The Pyramids of Giza: The Pyramids of Giza are one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and are located on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt. The complex consists of three pyramids - the Great Pyramid of Khufu (also known as Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure - as well as the Great Sphinx.  The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest and most famous of the pyramids, standing 147 meters (481 feet) tall. It was built during the 26th century BCE and is believed to have taken over 20 years to complete. The Pyramid of Khafre, which is slightly smaller than Khufu's pyramid, was built by the Pharaoh Khafre and is believed to have been completed around 2520 BCE. The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three pyramids, and it was built by Pharaoh Menkaure in the mid-25th century BCE.  The Great Sphinx is a statue of a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. It is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Khafre and is situated near his pyramid.  The Pyramids of Giza are not only impressive for their size and age but also for their incredible engineering and architectural achievements. The precise positioning and alignment of the pyramids, as well as the methods used to construct them, remain a mystery to this day. The Pyramids of Giza are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remain one of the most popular tourist attractions in Egypt.

2. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo: The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a world-famous museum that houses one of the largest collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world. The museum is located in the heart of Cairo, near Tahrir Square, and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian history.  The museum was founded in 1835 and has since grown to house over 120,000 items, including treasures from the tombs of pharaohs and other ancient sites across Egypt. The museum's collection includes sarcophagi, mummies, statues, jewelry, and other artifacts that give insight into the daily lives, culture, and religion of ancient Egyptians.  One of the most famous exhibits in the museum is the Tutankhamun Galleries, which contain the treasures that were discovered in the tomb of the young pharaoh Tutankhamun in 1922. These treasures include his famous gold death mask, jewelry, furniture, and other items that were buried with him.  Other notable exhibits in the museum include the Royal Mummy Room, which contains the mummies of several pharaohs, including Ramses II and Hatshepsut, and the Akhenaten Gallery, which features artifacts from the reign of the heretic pharaoh Akhenaten.  The Egyptian Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian history, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the world's oldest and most fascinating civilizations.  

3. Luxor: Luxor is a city in southern Egypt that was once the ancient capital of the New Kingdom of Egypt. It is situated on the east bank of the Nile River, about 500 kilometers (310 miles) south of Cairo. Luxor is often called the "world's greatest open-air museum" because of its rich history and many ancient sites.  One of the most famous attractions in Luxor is the Karnak Temple Complex, which is a vast complex of temples, chapels, and other buildings that were built over more than 2,000 years. The complex is dedicated to the god Amun, and it contains many impressive structures, including the Great Hypostyle Hall, which has 134 massive columns.  Another popular attraction in Luxor is the Valley of the Kings, which is located on the west bank of the Nile. This is where many pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, were buried in tombs that were cut into the rock. The Valley of the Kings is home to over 60 tombs, many of which are open to the public.  The Luxor Temple is also a must-visit attraction, which is located in the heart of the city. The temple was built during the New Kingdom, and it is dedicated to the god Amun. The temple contains many impressive structures, including the massive pylon entrance and the avenue of sphinxes.  Other notable attractions in Luxor include the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, and the Luxor Museum, which houses many artifacts from the ancient city and its surroundings.  Overall, Luxor is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian history and culture, and it offers a unique glimpse into the world of the pharaohs.

4. Abu Simbel: Abu Simbel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southern Egypt, near the border with Sudan. It is home to two massive rock temples, which were built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE.  The temples were originally located on the banks of the Nile River but were moved to their current location in the 1960s to avoid being flooded by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The temples were carefully cut into pieces and then reassembled on higher ground, a remarkable feat of engineering and preservation.  The larger temple at Abu Simbel is dedicated to Ramses II and contains four enormous statues of the pharaoh on the facade, each standing over 20 meters (66 feet) tall. The interior of the temple is adorned with intricate carvings and hieroglyphics, which depict scenes from Ramses II's life and reign.  The smaller temple at Abu Simbel is dedicated to Ramses II's favorite wife, Queen Nefertari. It features six statues on the facade, including four statues of the queen, each standing over 10 meters (33 feet) tall.  Abu Simbel is not only famous for its impressive temples but also for its astronomical alignment. Twice a year, on February 22 and October 22, the rising sun illuminates the inner sanctum of the larger temple, lighting up the statues of Ramses II and the gods Amun, Ra, and Ptah.  Abu Simbel is a popular tourist destination in Egypt and is considered one of the country's most important cultural landmarks. The temples are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of ancient Egyptian engineers and artists, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of the pharaohs.

5. Sharm El-Sheikh: Sharm El-Sheikh is a popular resort town located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. It is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, and other water sports.  The town has a range of resorts, hotels, and restaurants catering to tourists from around the world. Naama Bay, located in the heart of Sharm El-Sheikh, is a popular area for shopping, dining, and nightlife.  One of the most popular attractions in Sharm El-Sheikh is the Ras Mohammed National Park, which is located at the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula. The park is home to a diverse range of marine life, including coral reefs, dolphins, and sea turtles. Visitors can take guided snorkeling and diving tours to explore the underwater world of the park.  Another popular attraction in Sharm El-Sheikh is the St. Catherine Monastery, which is located at the foot of Mount Sinai, about a 2.5-hour drive from the town. The monastery is one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can see ancient manuscripts, art, and artifacts, as well as the famous burning bush.  Sharm El-Sheikh is also a gateway to other attractions in the Sinai Peninsula, such as the Colored Canyon and the Bedouin settlements. The Colored Canyon is a unique geological formation, and the Bedouin settlements offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the local Bedouin people.