The following is my top seven list for Egypt when I get the chance to visit.

Number One:-

The Pyramids at Giza. For most of human history the Great Pyramid (Khufu's Pyramid - 2589-2566 B.C.) was the highest human structure at 230 meters. It is not the height alone that impressive but the size containing over 2 million blocks of stone. I pity the poor workers who build it but the end result has lasted the aeon's. Proof of its is size is the fact that despite having thousands of blocks removed to build other buildings over the ages it appears little diminished in size. Apart from the many other pyramids also on the field the Sphinx is nearby. Thought to be older than the pyramids on the Giza Plateau research on the Sphinx has raised more questions than answers. Nearby is the huge city of Cairo with 16 million inhabitants.

Number Two:-

The Pyramids at Dahshur. Although not as large as the pyramids at Giza the pyramids at Dahshur probably hold more interest for the historian. The Bent Pyramid shows us that the Pyramids weren't built by some alien race or other outlandish theories, rather here one can see the humanity well and truly displayed. How? Because the builders made a mistake and had to alter the angle to stop the whole thing from collapsing. The result is perhaps the most unusual pyramid in the world. Another great advantage of the bent pyramid is much of its outer limestone casing is still visible giving the tourist a more accurate picture of what a completed pyramid looked like. Also here is the nearby Red Pyramid, the second largest in Egypt.

Number Three:-

A cruise on the Nile. Although not so much a place to visit but more of an experience to undergo. To me the thought of cruising the Nile River brings one bring in time to a pace where being a tourist is as much about the overall experience as the sights one sees. The Nile River itself is the lifeblood of Egypt. Without it Egypt would just be a unoccupied desert. With it Egypt became one of the fertile hotspots of history.

Number Four:-

A visit to El-Alamein. Whilst El-Alamein was the turning point of the North African Campaign in World War Two and along with Stalingrad represented the turning of the tide of that great conflict, for me the visit it not just to visit a historic battlefield. Rather it is personal. A visit to the commonwealth war cemetery is a matter of personal honor, for it is here that Ivan Harris my Great Uncle lives buried. A New Zealand solider who gave his life in that great battle. A visit is an obligation not just for me, but as a representative of my family and country - Lest we Forget.

Number Five:-

The Egyptian Museum at Cairo. Just to see Tutankhamun Gold Face Mask would be reason enough. But to see all the other artifacts, the gold, the history, the mummies it would be difficult to get me to leave. From what I hear though the crowds are so large you've forced to move along due to volume of other people. Totally understandable.

Number Six:-

Alexandria. Egypt is not just about Egyptian history. Due to its agricultural output and source of wealth it has been desired by many empires. Persians, Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, Mamluks and others. Alexandria still has much Greek and Roman history is still visible and gives an idea of this stretch of history. To visit a city founded by one of the great conquerors of history is also a novelty. A look at Fort Qaitbey, the habour, the beaches and Pompey's Pillar. There is much in Alexandria to fill the time.

Number Seven:-

Luxor and Thebes. A visit to the great Karnak temple, Hatshepsut temple and others makes this a must include in the list. The statutes, the Obelisks, painted reliefs and more. A must see for the visitor to understand where the Egyptians went after giving up on pyramid building.

Alastair HARRIS
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