12-03-2010, 07:45 PM
(12-03-2010, 04:40 PM)lvxseeker Wrote: I went to Egypt in 2005 on a small tour of about 6 people led by a man who has written a number of books on ancient Egypt. It was a wonderful experience. Usually with this tour, the group can get a private admission for an hour or so, but the numbers were too small so it didn't happen.
We visited the King's Chamber of the Great Pyramid twice. The first time, the guard came with us and we fortunately had the King's chamber to ourselves. It is a wonderful space - quite unlike anything i have ever been in. It literally vibrates. If the pyramid is out of tune, then it would have been amazing to experience it when it was at full capacity.
The 2nd time we visited we didn't have the chamber to ourselves. People were coming in and out all the time, small talking about whatever, hardly seeming to pay any attention to the fact that they were in this incredible space.
The Cairo Musuem is filled with the most astonishing artefacts. You could spend days there. The temple of Luxor is also worth a visit.
If you do have an opportunity to go, I thoroughly recommend it
You know, I think you make a very salient point about the number of people. It absolutely would affect the experience. When I went in, it was so early in the morning that we only saw 5 other people inside. They were LEAVING as we were entering and we passed them on the way. Except for one person who was freaking out right before the KC, but he turned around and left. Then my wife & I had the KC to ourselves for about 30 minutes, during which time I took the opportunity to mediate.
They now restrict the open tickets to only 50 people per day, so that would avoid the situation Peregrinus describes of thousands of tourists in a single day back in the 90's. But perhaps a private tour with guaranteed quiet access would be better. Maybe I just got very lucky, or more likely my desire for a quiet and sacred experience despite not having a big budget was granted. I dunno, but if you can do it, go for it!
Love to all