The Pyramids by Dromedary--and Pictures?!?

We have finally seen the Pyramids of Giza, which are right next to Cairo. One of the people from school took most of the American teachers out there and we rode camels into the desert around the Pyramids just in time to catch them as it became completely dark. I must say that riding a camel is quite an experience: they smell horrible, but are fairly comfortable creatures otherwise. The best part is when they stand up. They assemble themselves in two main stages. After they complete the first phase, which seems to involve unfolding their legs above the knee, you think they’re standing all the way up—you’re so high off the ground—but they’re actually not because suddenly you’re being catapulted even higher into the air as they unfold the lower half of their legs and stand up on their feet! They are very sure-footed creatures and took very little interest in us, being focused mainly on finishing their route, glancing around at everything, and occassionally sniffing each other.

Alas, we were not able to get terribly close to the pyramids (the picture represents our closest approach) and we will surely need to return again soon. They WERE very large, even from a distance, and we're looking forward to seeing them close up. Our first view of them was quite striking as we found them abruptly towering above the buildings of Cairo as we were driving down what appeared to be a fairly normal busy street. Cairo runs right up to the Pyramids' doorstep! And yet, they also seem to stand very much apart. They are so ancient, while even Cairo is young compared to them. Maybe they will be there long after Cairo's gone?

Finally, here are some pictures taken by a friend's camera. Some of the photos are a bit spotty, but should still be worth the viewing. Now that I've figured out how to post pictures, we'll try put more online soon. Enjoy!