The following journal is from TMN reporter Daniel Saenz, as he documents his summer volunteering in Egypt.
BY DANIEL SAENZ
The Pyramids of Giza are one of the seven wonders of the world. Constructed 4,500 years ago between 2550-2490 B.C., the Pyramids were intended to serve as burial places for the pharaohs as back then, the ancient Egyptians believed that because pharaohs become gods in the afterlife, they needed to have gigantic burial places that could fit both their bodies and all of the treasures they would need in the next life.
The pyramids would go on to become an eternal symbol for all of Egypt, as they would live through not only subsequent pharaohs’ reigns, but also through the various political and societal changes that would take over Egypt centuries later.
Because they are so famous, the pyramids are also at the center of various conspiracy theories. The pyramids were so technologically advanced for their time that many people genuinely believe that aliens created them!
Nonetheless, tourists continue to flood the site and fall prey to the pesky vendors and tour guides that rely on the pyramids to make their living by providing camelback tours, photoshoots, etc. I myself fell for the tourist inclination and visited the pyramids while I was in Egypt.
After a great deal of haggling, I received a camelback ride. I also took many photos that have been posted to Instagram by ten thousand other people from several different nations.
Nonetheless, I had a great time being able to experience such a legendary place first hand. Shortly after this, I also visited the ancient city of Alexandria, which was once the property of Alexander the Great and also served as the location of the famous library of Alexandria that was burned down in Medieval times. Inside, I was able to see a vast array of books as well as ancient artifacts in the museum inside. Overall, it was good to see these sights up close rather than simply watching the discovery channel.
