Egypt - King Cheops Boat

Located high above Cairo sits the Giza Plain, site of the Ancient pyramids of Giza. Sitting on the highest land for miles around with an ancient dry river valley to the north of the pyramids, it is hard to envision how these ancient monuments could have been constructed. Next to the greatest pyramid of all, the ancient pyramid of Cheops, is a museum containing the personal boat of Cheops.
The boat is 143 feet long and 19 1/2 feet wide with an estimated displacement of more than 45 tons The Cheops Boat is one of the largest ancient boats found to date. The Viking boats, found in Europe, are not more than 100 feet long.
Discovered in 1954 under limestone blocks and plaster, it was in amazingly good condition with both the wood preserved and also the ropes used for rigging and matting. Taking more than 10 years to reassemble, the boat is now displayed in a special building near the pyramid of Cheops(Khufu).
In later years another similar boat has been discovered, possibly belonging to one of his queens, once work is resumed and the new boat is assembled, perhaps more will be known about it. Much is still to be learned of life during this time in ancient Egypt.
Although the boat wasn't intended for traveling long distances, it is linked to the "wia", or boat of the sun-god. The Egyptians believed the journey through creation was a boat journey, comparing a journey through the air as traveling up the Nile River.
The sunrise was very important to the Egyptians as they saw in it their own resurrection after death.Not intended for long journeys, no one knows for sure if the boat was used to convey the dead pharaoh through the various stages of embalment and purification in the actual funeral rites, or if it had been used by the pharaoh during his life time for transport to various functions within the immediate area. Being as large as it is, many supplies and personal assistants could have been carried with him.If it had been used during his lifetime, it was obviously used to carry his body to it's final resting place.
The pyramids of Giza are one of the most interesting places on the planet to visit, much is still to be discovered about this ancient land, most of which has been a fascination and mystery to mankind since the beginning of our time.

Places should be avoided in Egypt

When visiting Egypt, there are so many places you can visit, the length of your trip will never seem long enough! Here, in Egypt, you will always find new places to visit and enjoy.
Adventures in Egypt seems to never end! That's why if you come to Egypt, especially for the first time, not until you lose the opportunity to visit the magnificent places, like the Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel or the west bank of Luxor. There are so many tourists who fly direct to Upper Egypt to see Luxor Luxor and Aswan.
But there are certain places you should avoid, especially the places located in the central Nile Valley! Around 20 years ago there was increased tension in these places, Islamic fundamentalists have targeted tourists in order to destroy the tourism industry and economy. This is part of a larger plan to overthrow the government, seize power themselves, and install the political ideas of their own vision, a vision that no more similar to the rules of the Qur'an than the Christian Inquisition like Christ.
Several specific events also occurred during the 80's and 90's, several events happened again targeting the tourism industry. Without a moment trying to deny the reality of these events, the situation has been blown up from all proportion by the world press, while the situation in other countries with developed tourism industry worse, incidents they rarely make headlines. But in Egypt, if something happens, it becomes front page news! In the mid 90's, which is widespread, and coarse, the government implemented a crackdown campaign to try and stop the threat to tourism and visitors.
A trip to Egypt still need a lot more dangerous than travel to other places in the world. During the violence in the mid 90's, there are certain areas designated as not good for tourists. This area is located in the center of the Nile Valley, especially Minia, Asyout and Sohag. Unfortunately these places happen to have some of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt, such as a beautiful tomb in the Bani Hassan in Minia, monasteries and amazing Asyout Temple of Abydos in Sohag. In time, all sites will be fully re-opened to tourists.
However, be prepared for a police escort with you, as the local police will not let you go alone in this area! I suggest that the safest, cheapest and most informative way to visit these places is through a travel agent who has a good reputation.