As a child, I was fascinated by the pyramids and the Sphinx. I loved watching the National Geographic tv specials that provided views above, around and even inside the monuments. Seeing them in person was a lifelong goal and proved to be a most enjoyable experience.

This was not a photography-focused trip. The goal was simply to see these magnificent structures first-hand and gaze at the last remaining wonders of the ancient world. However, there were a couple of moments when I was happy I had my camera with me.

I was traveling alone, but I hired a local guide on my first day to drive me to Saqqara, the pyramid of Djoser, Memphis and, lastly, Giza. My guide, Haitham, was a great host and happily shared numerous details about each of the places we visited. We walked around step pyramids, bent pyramids & black pyramids. I even ventured inside the red pyramid of Snefru, traversing its 200-foot center shaft to reach the underground chamber (amazing!). Haitham seemed to know everything about the structures and the history of an ancient civilization. We ended the day at the most famous site, Giza.

If you have had the pleasure of visiting the Giza Plateau, you know that there are two main areas to view the pyramids. The first is up close to the Great Pyramid of Khufu, right after you enter the gates. This area is perhaps the most touristy with merchants, camel handlers selling rides and guides directing large groups. Despite the noise and commotion, nothing can take away the awe of standing so small next to this massive structure.

The second area that all of the guides take their guests is a short drive away. It is an elevated viewing area (basically a parking lot) that overlooks the entire complex and provides a spot for guides to take photos of visitors with the pyramids in the background. It is a nice view, but I had researched a better spot before arriving in Egypt. After Haitham took my photo here, I asked him if we could walk to another area that provided a different perspective. He seemed surprised at my suggestion, but he graciously agreed, saying it was my tour...we will go where you want to go.

I pointed to an area about 1.5 kilometers to the south. We left the rest of the tourists behind and started walking. It seemed close enough, but the soft sand made the hike slow and more difficult than I had expected. We arrived at the spot about 20 minutes later. Haitham and I sat down to rest and enjoy the view. There was an occasional camel handler giving a ride, but otherwise, we had the area to ourselves.

Haitham was uncharacteristically quiet. He stopped sharing details of the complex, the pyramids or how they were constructed...we just sat there in silence. Eventually, he turned to me and said with a smile, "What a wonderful perspective!" I am not sure if the pun was intended…

He then confessed that he had never been to this spot before. He told me he grew up in the shadow of the pyramids and had been a tour guide for over ten years, but had never ventured the 1.5 kilometers we just finished to see this alignment. I found his statements hard to believe, but his joy seemed genuine. He then asked if I would take his photo and I knew he was being honest. There I was, the tourist, taking a photo of the local guide with the pyramids in the background.

The next morning I was first through the gates and again made the hike to this spot. I stayed here for at least an hour by myself. The light was gentler this morning with pleasing shadows. When the first camel handler dotted the foreground, I captured an image.

I happily sat here for another hour, in awe of the panorama in front of me…appreciating the wonderful perspective. Thanks for the image title Haitham. :-)