A Guide to the pyramids, Giza, Egypt

The world-famous pyramids of Giza are located in what are now the suburbs of Cairo. Being the only remaining site of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Giza pyramids possess a long history as a tourist destination. Modern Cairo makes it unbelievably simple for the modern tourist to encounter the glory of the past as Giza is a suburb of Cairo as Ealing is to London. When I visited it was for the Millennium. The milestone seemed to mean something somehow.
A cheap transportation option to pyramids 
In order to get to the pyramids at Giza, probably the most affordable method of transportation from the heart of Cairo is on the buses that run from Midan Tahrir, the central square in Cairo. It is simple to find the buses that will take you. 
An easy way to get to the pyramids
The simplest method is to take a taxi. Be warned, as in many other countries, make sure you agree a sensible price with the driver before you depart. It might be worth while enquiring with a local as to what the trip on average should cost. Don’t forget that your hotel might offer a bus/tour package and that may be the best and easiest method, particularly if you are not the daring kind.
Travel options for the seasoned Traveller
For the tourist wishing to experience the region on a more traditional mode of transport, you will find camel and horseback services dotted around the city. Nothing surpasses exploring ancient Egyptian historic sites from atop a four-legged beast. Some people recommend horses over camels as camels can be somewhat problematic at times, especially if you have long hair, which I found out. But that, as they say, is another story.

See how I had envisioned my first camel ride, what can I say, I'm a romantic at heart:

When you arrive at the pyramids, you will no most likely be surrounded by tour guides and sellers of cheap tourist items, often children. Be resolute if you don’t intend to purchase then politely say no and move on. They will follow but will loose interest when the next coach load appear. You can always ask your hotel staff or a local ahead of time what the honest price should be for one of several possible tours prior to arriving or, indeed like I did, arrange a tour beforehand. You will find likely to be many who wish to separate you from your well earned money. Don’t forget that these guys, no matter how small or smiley, are hard seasoned professional sales men. Bartering is part of the culture so give it a go. It’s a great way of interacting with the locals. No one will be offended if you drive a tough bargain. If you’re not interested show no interest and keep walking.

Did you know? As of 2008 there are 138 pyramids discovered in Egypt. Most of these were built as tombs for the country's Pharoahs (Kings) and their consorts (Queens) during the Old and the Middle Kingdom periods (c.2630BC - c.1814 BC). The largest pyramid is the Pyramid of Khufu (also known as the "Great Pyramid" or the "Pyramid of Cheops"). See inside the Great Pyramid of Giza:

There is also the somewhat smaller Pyramid of Khafre (or Kephren) and the relatively modest-sized Pyramid of Menkaure (or Mykerinus). There is also a number of smaller satellite edifices known as "Queen's pyramids"; and of course the Great Sphinx. Have I whetted your appetite? Yes? Great! Then see this video about the secrets of the pyramids at Giza. If not, then move on down!

Sound and Light Show 

There's not much that I can say that those on Trip Advisor haven't and I quote:

"My boyfriend and I went to the Sound and Light show January 2010 and I wouldn't recommend people schedule this into the itineraries. If the seats add have been more comfortable we would both have gone to sleep. Definitely not worth the entry price." AMarilyn, Mebourne, Australia
"Great show . I felt like I was living with the ancient Egyptians during building the pyramids ,watch them and live with the kings and queens of ancient times." Denskot, Mexico City
Summary: It's like Marmite; you either love it or hate it. Here a short clip of the Sound and Light Show, Giza, Egypt. Make up your own mind.

If after that clip you are busting to see the show you can then see more, much more, at the Sound and Light Show website.

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Castles in Great Britain

Great Britain is a country full of castles and fortifications open for us to explore. Some are large, famous and easy to find, while others are almost forgotten ruins but each castle has it's own story and magic. I love visiting castles and I hope this blog post will inspire you to read about and visit some our national treasures.
Castles in this Blog:
Hever Castle, Kent
The Tower of London, Central London
Windsor Castle, Berkshire

Hever Castle, home to Anne Boleyn

Hever Castle
Some might say that I have an unhealthy relationship with Tudor history. I find it fascinating and Hever castle has a significant role to play within the Tudor period. Hever Castle itself is an attractive fortified manor house surrounded by a moat. The original moated castle was built in 1270 and consisted of a massive gatehouse and a walled bailey, approached by a wooden drawbridge. It was in the late 15th century that the castle became the home of the Bullen family who built a comfortable Tudor house within the walls. The castle was the childhood home of Anne Bullen (Boleyn), future wife of King Henry VIII and mother of Queen Elizabeth I. After failing to provide Henry with the son he wanted, in April 1536 she was executed at the Tower of London. It is said that Henry VIII stood on Snow Hill at Windsor Castle awaiting news of Anne Boleyn's execution which was to be signalled by gunfire from The Round Tower. 
You would perhaps presume that the set for the 2008 film The Other Boleyn Girl with Natalie Portman and Scarlet Johannsen was filmed at Hever Castle. See some behind the scenes clips of The Other Boleyn Girl. But I'm afraid this was not the case. Watch a clip of The Other Boleyn Girl, a scene which supposedly happened at Hever Castle. The film is an adaptation from a book also named The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. Read a review of The Other Boleyn Girl book. 
Back to Hever castle, following the death of Anne Boleyn, her father (Thomas Boleyn) was replaced as Lord Privy Seal and died two years later. Henry VIII then seized the castle and gave it to Anne of Cleves, his fourth wife who has the distinction of being the last of Henry VIII's wives to die. She remained at Hever Castle until her death in 1557, when the castle was bought by the Waldegraves. Sir Edward Waldegrave became the first Baronet of Hever Castle in 1642.

Between 1749 and 1903 the castle was owned by the Meade-Waldos, but by the end of the 19th century the castle was in a state of neglect. In 1903, the wealthy American, William Waldorf, purchased Hever castle and commenced an extensive restoration of the castle, the creation of the lake and gardens and the construction of a Tudor style village to provide more accommodation.
Visitors can view the restored castle including see Anne and Mary Boleyn's room and look through the window they would have done themselves. You can also explore the very pretty gardens, which also contain a Yew Maze, a Splashing Water Maze and an adventure playground for those with a little more energy and a little less height.
You can also get married at Hever Castle which can provide romantic accommodation, an opportunity for formal pictures in the gardens and the Moat Restaurant can be transformed into a venue for music and dancing for up to 120 people. 

Ticket Prices for Hever Castle
You do have the option to visit either the castle and gardens or just simply the gardens. An adult castle and gardens ticket costs £14. A family ticket (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children) costs £36.  Group passes and annual passes for Hever Castle is available.
If you are not a UK resident then I have a great bit of news for you: The Great British Heritage Pass - 1 ticket - 580 attractions. The pass enables FREE entry to nearly 600 attractions around England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland including Stonehenge, Edinburgh Castle, the Roman Baths, Shakespeare's Birthplace and much, much more. As a pass holder you will benefit from being able to skip long lines with fast track entry plus they receive an informative guide and full UK map with their purchase. Passes are available for 4, 7, 15 and 30 day durations as individual or family passes. The pass includes Hever Castle & gardens plus 579 other attractions within Great Britain.

Walk in the footsteps of traitors at The Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the world’s most famous fortresses and has seen service as royal palace, prison, armoury and even a zoo. The ancient stones reverberate with dark secrets, priceless jewels glint in fortified vaults and pampered ravens strut the grounds. At least six ravens are kept at the Tower at all times, in accordance with the belief that if they are absent, the kingdom will fall. Constructed over 900 years ago by William the Conqueror, the Tower of London is steeped in a rich history. This fortress was expanded by many medieval kings and is a grand structure used by Royals through the years as a refuge and powerbase. 

The ghost of Queen Anne Boleyn (mother for Queen Elizabeth I) was beheaded in 1536 for treason against King Henry VIII, allegedly haunts the chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, where she is buried. It is said that she walks around theWhite Tower carrying her head under her arm. And so goes the song I used to sing as a wee lass “With her head tucked underneath her arm she walks the bloody tower…”

Raven at the Tower of London

Lady Jane Grey was Queen of England for just Nine Days from Monday 10th July 1553 to Wednesday 19th July 1553. Edward VI a devout Protestant and Henry VIII's only son, died of tuberculosis/ His father’s will had specified that Mary should become Queen if Edward died without any heirs but Northumberland had different ideas. He persuaded the dying Edward to leave the throne to 'the Lady Jane and her heirs male.' She was proclaimed Queen of England and the Protestant Queen Jane and her husband Guildford Dudley were taken in full state from Syon House to the Royal Apartments in the Tower of London. On 19th July 1553 Queen Jane was deposed as Queen, she raised no objection - the Catholic Princess Mary was the rightful heir. Lady Jane Grey and her husband were imprisoned in the Tower of London. On 12th February 1554 Lady Jane Grey and her husband Guildford Dudley were executed at the Tower of London. Lady Jane watched her husband go from the Beauchamp Tower to his death on Tower Hill, a few hours before her own execution on the Green. Jane's death warrant was signed by Queen Mary later known as 'Bloody Mary' for her persecution of Protestants. Lady Jane Grey was just 16 years old, a puppet in the hands of her father as many women have been and many in the world still are.     

In February a group of my girlfriends and I went to The National Gallery in London to see a special exhibition: Painting History Delaroche and Lady Jane Grey. I have a copy of Deleroche's 1833 painting 'The Execution of Lady Jane Grey' in my home.  Even though not historically accurate (with regards to the dress of the executioner and Lady Jane Grey herself) and the location (she was executed on the green at a private execution) I find this painting fascinating. There is such tenderness, sorrow yet vulnerability within this theatrical scene. See the painting for yourself at the National Gallery, London.

Read more things to do in London.

Windsor Castle, Long Walk

Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and is notable for its long association with the British Royal family and its architecture. Built over 900 years ago in medieval times, the castle's floor covers a massive 480,000 square feet and is the royal residence of Windsor. The castle is surrounded by some beautiful gardens and the picturesque English countryside. St George's Chapel, inside the grounds, is a fine example of gothic architecture and features the tomb of Henry VIII. Windsor Castle remains an important ceremonial location. The Waterloo ceremony is carried out in the presence of the Queen each year, and the annual ceremony of the Order of the Garter takes place in St George’s Chapel/ When the Queen is in residence (often at weekends) the Guard Mounting ceremony occurs on a daily basis. The Royal Ascot procession leaves the castle each year during the annual meeting. Watch this space for a more detailed blog post. Depending on the train you get it can take from 1hr to 90 mins from London Waterloo and is most certainly worth the trip. Read my post of a lovely 9 mile walking trail you can do from Egham to Windsor.

Visiting attractions in and around London can be expensive. The London Pass is a great way to save money and does include Windsor Castle.

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