Today we set out for the first pyramids built. The first one was the step pyramid at Saqqara. King Djoser built a temple complex described as his residence for eternal life. Imhotep was the architect for this and other incredible projects. Saqqara is a massive site that is still being actively excavated. The complex was originally surrounded by a large granite wall. The entry way was lined with columns and led to a massive court yard. The site was initially a graveyard filled with Mastabas (little brick rooms or caverns with flat roofs). Important people picked up the pyramid trend within Saqqara and continued for centuries.

We also saw two pyramids that followed upon the trend a little ways away, but within sight of the Step Pyramid. There were two pyramids at the Dahshur site built by king Sneferu. The Bent Pyramid is unique because it has a rhomboid shape. There was an active dig happening inside. Intrepid Dale climbed up to see what was happening. He was able to see down the tunnel into the tomb. They don’t know why the shape was chosen, but our guide was clear, the shape was always the plan. The Red Pyramid was the prototype for later pyramids like the ones at Giza.

Our next stop was a nearby tomb of Kagemni. This temple was disovered in 1843. It revealed a number of intricately carved figures depicting daily life activities. Our guide spent considerable time explaining the images. We then had the option of going into King Teti’s tomb. This required going down into spaces too small for Dale.

We stopped for lunch at a local restaurant. Our pita were made by a woman working in front of a wood-fired oven. We were greeted by a band that played drums, a recorder and had a dancing boy. The music and dancing were not great but we rewarded their efforts with a tip.the food was fantastic and the meat portion was served on a coal-fired hibachi. The hummus and baba ganoush were wonderful with the fresh pita.

The wind picked up as our day went on and was felt the reality of the environment. Windy in the desert means you keep your mouth closed to avoid eating sand. The day was delightful and we made it back in time for a rest, a lecture about the Nile river and supper. Tomorrow we are off to Aswan. I may not have internet access, but I will post again when I can. We have an early morning call to catch our flight. We leave the hotel at 3:30 (gasp!) in the morning.