Egypt, Sakkara step pyramids and Coptic Cairo

On our last full day back in Cairo, we toured the Sakkara step pyramids in the morning. This was a necropolis for the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis beginning in the 29th century BC. The remaining step pyramids are surrounded by mastabas, which are tombs made of mud-brick. Nobles and high officials were buried in the mastabas.

The step pyramid above is the complex of Djoser, second king of the third dynasty in the mid 26th century BC. 

Inside the tombs, we realized these earliest pharaohs also had highly decorated/inscribed burial rooms. Just as we saw in the later burials of pharaohs at the valley of the kings, tombs held depictions of daily life, as well as flora and fauna of the region. Plus the usual hieroglyphics.

In the pic above, I can't help but wonder... is that leg of meat his next meal, an offering, or both?!

The entire time we were in Egypt, we had a member of the national tourism police with our group of thirteen (see pic of our fellow travelers in pics near top of post). Our assigned tourist police was always a male in a business suit, and he carried a sidearm at all times.

 I couldn't help but notice a member of the Sakkara security team off in the distance, patrolling atop his camel.

In the afternoon, we toured "Coptic Cairo". This included some Roman ruins and a couple old churches. The Hanging Church that we visited is one of the oldest churches in Egypt. It is built atop the gatehouse of an old Roman fort. We also visited Abu Serga, known as the Cavern Church. Built in the 4th century, it is traditionally believed to have been built on the spot where the Holy Family - Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus - rested on their journey into Egypt. We also visited the Ben Ezra synagogue, but pictures weren't allowed. According to local folklore, this synagogue was built on the site where baby Moses was found.

Above is a baptismal font from the 4th century AD.

We had lunch at a great restaurant where we saw the bread made fresh in an outdoor oven as we were entering. 

We also visited a local artisan's shop where they make rugs by hand.

We ended our day back at The Four Seasons where we enjoyed a lovely farewell dinner with the rest of our travel group: Susanne & Bob (CA), Jo & Mare (NJ), Pat & Cindy (PA), Patricia (RI), Susan & Alan (FL), Max & Jeanette (Australia), and our Egyptologist guide Ahmed. I highly recommend this Abercrombie & Kent itinerary!

Above was the view from our room on the 16th floor, and below was the view the following foggy morning from our 2nd floor breakfast table.