Egypt, with its unparalleled ancient architecture and captivating landscapes, has been on my travel list for quite some time.

In my 37 years in the travel industry, I have always felt travel has been my gateway to understanding the world and my recent journey to Egypt has given me a greater appreciation of history and culture.

The intent of this trip was to attend a conference for an organization we recently joined called the Agricultural Tour Operators International. It is a network of professional agricultural tour operators from 42 countries providing high quality tour experiences.

During this trip, I had the privilege of visiting several iconic sites, including the ancient necropolis of Sakkara and the world-famous pyramids. I also visited a few farms in the area to see how they grow their food desert. This experience was nothing short of breathtaking and inspiring.

Sakkara: The Birthplace of Egyptian Monumental Architecture

Located about 30 kilometers south of Cairo, Sakkara is often overlooked by travelers in favor of the more famous Giza Pyramids. However, Sakkara is a treasure trove for those fascinated by the origins of Egyptian civilization. Stepping onto the sands of Sakkara felt as if I was stepping back in time to the dawn of one of the world’s greatest civilizations.

The Step Pyramid of Djoser is undoubtedly the highlight of Sakkara. It is considered the world’s first large-scale stone structure, built during the 27th century BCE by the legendary architect Imhotep. Imhotep’s vision revolutionized Egyptian architecture, creating a precedent that would shape the construction of all future pyramids.

No trip to Egypt is complete without visiting the Pyramids of Giza. As I approached these monumental structures, I was struck by their size. There are three main pyramids: the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Built over 4,500 years ago, these pyramids have fascinated historians, archaeologists, and travelers for centuries. Standing before the Great Pyramid, I couldn’t help but wonder about the sheer determination and ingenuity that must have driven the Egyptians to construct such an architectural marvel.

The Pyramids of Giza: Monuments of Majesty

Giza Plateau: Great Sphinx

Close by on the Giza Plateau was the Great Sphinx. This enigmatic statue, with the body of a lion and the face of a human, is believed to be a representation of Pharaoh Khafre. The Sphinx, despite its weathered appearance, continues to evoke a sense of mystery. Its symbolism, associated with strength and wisdom, makes it a fitting guardian of the pyramids.

Want to read more? Check out Part 2 of Exploring the Sands of Time here!

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