Travelers visit Egypt to see the pyramids, but most people think of only the surviving pyramids, often called the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The great pyramid of Giza, often referred to as the Pyramid of Khufu, is the last of the Seven Wonders because it was the last to be built and functioned as a practical whole in the Old World. Khufu was a city of great importance, close to the port city of Alexandria.ley, the trip to Egypt would not be complete without visiting these wonders.
The great pyramid is located on the top of a extinct volcano near Giza, a major city in the western part of the Nile Delta. The city of Cairo can be found at the foot of the mountain. By the time this article was written, we found ourselves traveling towards the summit and going through the passageway to the top. It seemed like many years ago, not much had changed since then.
At the foot of the mountain, right near the visitor’s center, there are two footpaths, one going up and one going down. Walking up the path to the top is the only way to go around the whole site since it is difficult and steep at the base. The top path is lined with a great number of statues, some of which were ritual offerings to the gods. At the foot of the mountain, there are two buildings, the hidden temple and the temple on the peak of the pyramid. It seemly the most important building was the temple on the peak.
When Islam swept across the Middle East and North Africa, it brought many changes in the lives of the people, some of which were quite drastic. Traveling to Egypt can be a particularly intense experience because of the large degree of tolerance for other religions. It is important to be aware of these changes when touring the country.
Religion can be found in all areas of Egypt, but is most prevalent and strong in the rural areas. You can find a majority of people talking and living their lives predominantly in religious terms. When you do see a Muslim traveling to an un- Islam destination, it is Usually a tourist that is surprised by how many people in the Christian and Jewish communities are comfortable with each other.
The good news is, that despite Egypt’s overall push towards religion, it is all getting easier to see that all religions have the same basics. No religion is superior or superior to another, simply different ways of interpreting the same God. We all suffer from our differing beliefs, we all feel attraction to our own religious beliefs. We are not better or worse, we are just different.
It seems that the push for tolerance has not faltered, despite a negative outcome. The push for tolerance and openness, has its roots in the Rousseau era, when the French crafted a settlement in Egypt, that was attacked heavily by theawkighty Nile crossed during the creating years. Giza, was home to a community of highly esteemed VIP’s inclusive of the then Thirty Grand Lord of the Rings. I had the privilege of visiting several of those suites, built by the French afford a view of St. Catherine’s Monastery, a former seat of the Grand Lord, during a fortunate occasion.
It is interesting to note, that despite the variations in religion, the people of Egypt are a consensus of peace. As one local said, ” Mohammed and Buddha are different, but more alike than different.Religion is not the solution. Peace is the solution.”
Travelers to Egypt should be aware that demonstrations and unrest are not uncommon, especially in the protestant/secular ongoing conflict, so use your best judgment and take the appropriate steps. Do not respond to stones, bricks, or gasoline, but rather ignore it. Only in a similar self-sacrificing manner will you observe the end result of any conflict.