Rather than heading straight to the Great Pyramid of Khufu, we explored the Giza Plateau in a general anti-clockwise direction by heading straight to Khafre and Menkaure's pyramids first (there were so many visitors at Khufu's pyramid). After having a quick lunch (i.e. our leftover breakfast) of bread (AGAIN!!), we visited the Sphinx and then went back to the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

If one would denote the pyramids as the single iconic site of Egypt, then the Sphinx (a.k.a. the Great Sphinx of Giza) would be the all-important icon for the Giza Pyramids. A mythical creature with a lion's body and a human head, it is commonly believed to have been built during the reign of the Khafre (i.e. 2558-2532 BC) using the pharaoh's face as the model. Although the true rationale and purpose of the Sphinx's existence are still being debated among researchers, its appearance and structure is enough to baffle many admirers.

As of all famous tourist sites, one hassle faced by visitors would be the constant soliciting offers made by touts. While it is probably not that irritating enough to classify this as an irritation, we were constantly bombarded by such "deals" (e.g. at least 50 offers for souvenirs, horse and camels rides!) wherever we went in the grounds. Towards the end of the day, we felt really tired and sort of brush potential touts away BEFORE they could come near us. Felt bad for doing this (they were after all doing this for a living) but we really did not require their services.

Though it may seem that these ancient monuments could stand forever (after all, they had been there for more than 4,000 years), erosion (with "help" from pollution and increased human activity) is taking their toll on these mega-structures. Though the authorities takes a moderate stance in visitors' attempts to scale the monuments (strictly enforced for the Sphinx only), conservation is still necessary to preserve such structures to ensure they last for as long as possible.

We made our way back to the city by taking a train from Giza Metro Station (after a short bus ride at the entrance of the pyramids). Took a stroll to the Qasr el-Nil (Tahir) Bridge and admired the Nile covered by a very lovely sunset. I cannot help but to have this strange nostalgic feeling; perhaps I knew we are going home soon.