The same sense of anticlimax persisted when we set of on our tour to the famous pyramids of Giza.

Finally the moment of truth had arrived. The magnificent pyramids were in front of us. Though all of us have seen countless pictures of the pyramids, those imposing structures never fail to impress. We may have seen buildings twice its size but when you think about the times and the technology it seems truly amazing. But the whole effect is marred by the fact that the approach to the pyramids is flanked by numerous seedy hotels and guest houses. ‘The sphinx guest house’ competes with ‘The pyramid lodge’ and ‘The Giza hotel’. There are buildings, papyrus, ‘itr’ (perfume) and Egyptian cotton shops everywhere. Thankfully the other side of the pyramids is still untouched by civilisation. The camel riders in their traditional garbs riding through the desert take us back in time.

Standing at the foot of the pyramids, one feels really small. One can’t help but marvel at the gigantic feats humankind had achieved much before the advent of pushbutton technology. I had always pictured the pyramids as a smooth structure on the outside but they were actually like little steps with visible stones. Like a typical tourist, I tried to climb on those steps for a better photographic view, but was soon shooed away by the security personnel. My guide told me that the three pyramids were built near the capital city of Memphis for he fourth dynasty kings Khufu (Cheops to the Greek), Khafre and Menkaure who ruled through 2589- 2504 BC. The Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza is the largest of the pyramids of ancient Egypt, and was regarded by the ancient Greeks as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Unfortunately, the pyramids became obvious targets for tomb robbers. The Giza Pyramids were plundered long ago of the bodies and anything entombed with them. Originally, the Giza Pyramids were encased in lighter limestone that must have gleamed in the harsh Egyptian sun.