The Giza Pyramids and the real wonders of the world

Today, I spent half the day at the Giza Pyramid Complex, the largest of which, the Great Pyramid of Giza, is one of the seven wonders of the world. My tour guide, Adel, was a middle-aged local Egyptian man who came highly recommended from friends in New York.

Upon entering the Giza Plateau, its emptiness struck me. I certainly wasn’t complaining though I was expecting mass crowds. Tourism has declined since the revolution, explained Adel. Most are from China with very few Americans or Europeans. I validated that, in the US, people have a general fear of visiting Egypt. Likely part Islamophobia and part ignorance. They hear stories of conflict in the media and quickly remove it from their bucket list. I find Egypt incredibly secure and Egyptians so welcoming. While there are parts, like northern Sinai, to avoid at present, it generally feels safe.

We began our tour at the Great Sphinx of Giza, one of the largest single-stone statues in the world, followed by a camel ride around the pyramids, pausing at various points for the unique views. The three major pyramids, each built by a different king, have slight variations. The largest was made of limestone, the second of limestone and alabaster and the third of limestone and granite. As I learned the history, I could not help but fixate on the number of lives lost in the making of these grandiose structures. Over 100,000 people died during construction. In fact, each pyramid is surrounded by tombs built for the workers. Until recently, the builders were believed to be slaves. In 2010, evidence emerged that they were actually paid workers from poor families, highly respected for their work. According to historians, the honorable nature of their burials were evidence that they could not have been slaves. More on this theory can be found here.

Adel proved to be a special soul. He is a native of Giza, residing just a few kilometers from my hotel. As he guided me through the tour, he stopped often to greet his friends along the way. He knew just about everyone we passed – the camel owners, policemen, tour guides and security guards. We talked about life, culture and our mutual disdain for our current respective presidents (a never-ending global theme!).

After the tour, Adel insisted I come to his house for lunch and meet his family. He lives in a modest three level home with his wife, five adult children, their spouses and his 6 grandchildren. He and his lovely wife married at sixteen and twelve years of age, respectively. We were children, said Adel. He wanted a different life for his kids – for them to have choices.

As we sat on the floor and ate lunch – which included fresh tahini and homemade wheat pita – his grandchildren popped in periodically to check on us, inquiring if we need anything. Their admiration for him evident in their voices and his appreciation for them clear in his eyes.

As I visit these extraordinary places, I appreciate most the remarkable people I encounter. My experience with Adel, along with many others over the past two months, reinforce this. For me, people are the true wonders of the world.