Marla and I were very fortunate to visit Egypt in January before all the recent volatile events in the Middle East. We toured the complex of Saqqara located on the western bank of the Nile and about an hour south of Cairo. The area was used as a royal metropolis as early as 3100 BCE. Marla, my intrepid adventurer, prepares to enter tomb of Teti, the first king of the sixth dynasty. (Circa 2345-2323 BCE)

Rafaat, our excellent Egyptologist, gathers our group for the decent into the tomb.

Bending down low to enter the tomb.

We saw some of the earliest Pyramid texts of spells, ritual chants, and other things necessary to ensure the protection of the Pharaoh in the afterlife.

The mastaba (ancient tomb) of Mereruka, the important chief assitant of the Pharoah Teti was one of my favorites on the tour.

Rafaat points out interesting wall reliefs depicting fishing by a lake.

We tour Mereruka’s tomb.

Fascinating statue of Mereruka in the chamber.

Marla walks to entrance of the Djoser complex.

One walks through 40 columns of the “Hall Colonnade” to the first step pyramid ever built.

We marvel at the the “Step Pyramid Complex of Djoser” in Saqqara, built in the 27th century BC for Pharaoh Djoser. It is the world’s first monumental stone structure.

Our group enjoyed a sumptuous buffet lunch at the beautiful and historic Mena House.  It was built as a royal hunting lodge before it was converted into a hotel in the 1887. It is presently a Marriott Hotel. The majestic pyramids at Giza loom in the background.

Visitors line up at the tomb entance at the Great Pyramid of Khufu built around 2580 – 2560 BCE.

In front of the Great Pyramid.

Nearby is the Great Sphinx of Giza believe to be built during the Old Kingdom’s Fourth Dynasty, possibly for the Pharoah Khafre over 4500 years ago.

The Great Sphinx is truly amazing.

I’ve always wanted to visit this site and am so glad we were finally able to do it!

Marla explores the area next to the Great Sphinx.

This photo of the camels waiting for tourists next to the pyramids almost transcends time. It could have been from a painting by Jean-Leon Gerome (1824–1904), the most prominent 19th-century French painter famous for depicting camels in an Egyptian setting.

Marla on her camel, hanging on for dear life.

I think my camel had a love affair with Marla’s camel.

A classic photo of us on our romantic camels in front of the pyramids.

Everyone were amazingly helpful on our camel riding adventure. To be honest, We both thought we were going to fall off on the whole ride!

My camel takes a little break.

The group photo of our AHI tour group.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.