Ancient Wonder of the World? Yes, oh yes.

Seeing the pyramids rise from the desert sand is a sight to behold, even in midday sun, closely watched by armed guards and pestered by local hawkers.  It is worth wading through Cairo traffic.  It is worth choking on the bus exhaust that clouds the air.  But seeing the pyramids is only one thing.  Climbing inside the pyramid of Khufu, walking bent over up the 100 meters of steep, narrow tunnel through the corbeled grand gallery into the red granite burial chamber is indescribable.  Does your heart pound feeling the weight of 4500 years of history pressing down on you? Yes.  Does sweat drip from your nose smelling the stagnant air that once held the ruler of a mighty civilization? Yes.  Does the air feel cool and sweet and better than ever once you emerge from this wonder?  Yes.  I shook the Sahara from my shoes this evening feeling blessed to have this opportunity.