Some photos of Egypt

When we reach Dubai I will post some reflections on our time in Jordan and Egypt. Presented with a little downtime, coexistent with internet access, I wanted to take the opportunity to post a few photos.

The first three sets of photos, imaginatively titled Pyramids 1 to 3, are of three of the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. The second two sets are of Temple of Isis on Philae island near Aswan. 

The three pyramids pictured are the Great Pyramid of Khufu (completed in around 2570 BC), the Pyramid of Khafre (the pyramid built for Khufu's son) and the Pyramid of Menkaure which was not completed when Menkaure died. As a result Menkaure's pyramid stood at 66.5m (now 62m), as compared with 146m for Khufu and 136m for Khafre. Standing overlooking the pyramids from panorama, even with the ever present hassle of touts, is an experience I will remember for a long long time.

The Sphinx, which is actually one of thousands of varying shapes, sizes and designs in Egypt, is minutes from the three pyramids we visited. 

The Temple of Isis and surrounds, which was built and added to from around 380 BC to 350 AD, was relocated piece by piece to its current site in the 1970s to avoid submersion as a result of the construction of the High Dam. Given the construction dates, the temple shows late Egyptian, Greek and Roman influences. Owing to the dramatic reduction in tourists following the revolution, we had the island almost to ourselves during our visit. Special but, given the fleets of empty and fading boats waiting to take visitors to the island, sad.

In Dubai, if not before, I will post some further photos, including of Abu Simbel, Edfu and Karnak.