Sakkara

So you know when you're watching the Discovery Channel and a series about ancient Egypt, the pyramids and all the magical temples comes on and you're immediately sucked in? When words like Luxor, Giza, Karnak, Edfu, and yes, Sakkara, are inexplicably ingrained into your conscious, although you don't fully know what they are or what they mean? Well such is the case with me, as I travel to the outskirts of Giza, to the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis (No Elvis sightings here). 

Here we find Sakkara, or Saqqara, the site of Djoser's Step Pyramid, the first all-stone complex ever built on earth at over 4700 years old. Now that's cool! Here I will explore a few failed pyramids, mastaba tombs (which have sloping sides and a flat roof), and the necropolis which is basically a city for the dead. I'll also make another descent into a pyramid, although much easier at only 10-15 meters down. 

(How cool is this guy who posed for me?)

Egypt is coming alive for me, as the dead guide me through their resting spots, their homes for the last few thousand years. They take my hand and whisk me through, pointing out their ancient writings and paintings, detailing their lives and what they valued most. Who they worshipped and what they believed. So much to take in. 

(Call me King Kev!)

(My group behind me!)

Tomorrow I fly to Aswan, where I will board a ship and sail up the Nile, stopping at various stops along the way to visit the ancient temples and structures. I'm really on an adventure now. Buckle up!