The Great Pyramid of Cheops, a requisite stop on any visit to Egypt. We spent the day with our newfound traveling companions, Michael and Sarah, from Portland.

Everyone's out to make a buck. Just for being in my photo, this camel's owner wanted money.

Although the Pyramids look like they're far out in the desert, the Giza plateau is actually very close to the city.

Posing in front of the ruins. Yes, the camera bag was heavy.

Each block of the pyramid is as tall as a person

At the base of the Great Pyramid, Sheri poses to give the stones some scale.

The view of the Giza plateau with Cairo in the background

Hawkers sell trinkets all around the plateau

Waiting for unsuspecting tourists.

It was easy to spot the tourists. As with most Middle East countries, we read that we should dress conservatively. Obviously, these people didn't get that far in their guide book.

At night, colorful lights illuminate the pyramids

This is the typical scene at most tourist sites in Egypt

Fighting the crowds to get a glimpse of the Sphinx.

A rare opportunity to get a photo without throngs of people.

Stepped Pyramid of Saqqara

Entrance to the Tomb of Ka-Gmni. Note the date.