Seeing Giza

Giza was visible too, on this clear calm day.

Around Abu Sir

The immediate surroundings, despite the deserty fell of the site itself, were of a lush Nile valley type. Thousands of years of history.

The city

Distant views of a mighty historic city, who seemed so tranquil on this New Year's Eve, a Friday, too, and whose inner dynamism has since become so evident again. The bottom photo actually allows a glimpse of Muqattam, all those miles away on the other end of the city.

Recommend!

Unfortunately, a slight bout of flu (probably over by now, but still resting) prevents me from attending tonight's talk on "Arab uprisings - the beginning of a new era?" exploring understandings of recent developments, at Södra Teatern in Stockholm tonight. Do go and tell me about it!

More: You might want to take a look at this too - Chatham House on Egypt and the Middle East.

My main newssources these 2 weeks have been Al-Jazeera English and selected twitter feeds, btw. I also recommend Swedish national radio.

History in the making

Blogging photos of historic sites and tourist spots feels hopelessly banale - I spend my free time online, watching the mighty standoff of the Egyptian people. I will find more inspiration to see my photos of a strong heritage as a tribute. Until then, join in the spirit of Miydan Tahrir.

Current events

The mighty force of the protest going on right now almost defies comment or description. In tribute, I can only recommend you to follow events, for example by watching the Jazeera live-stream. See history being made.

Surrounding the pyramid

Looking out from the pyramid site.

History in Cairo

Toda is truly a historic day in Egypt's history. We are all still holding our breaths for the outcome, but the importance of the energy of the protests is indisputable, regardless. Let my photos from last month be a tribute to a great people and city.

At a distance

Cairo! We are really on the outskirts of the great city.

Abu Sir pyramid

The actual pyramid.

More details on the way

So much to see, every meter along the way to the pyramid!

Pillars

Pillars along the causeway.

Middle East backdrop

Against the background of all going on right now, I can only recommend yesterday's ILO report on global employment.

It's Executive Summary says the following on the Middle East:

"The downward trend in the regional unemployment rate in the Middle East was interrupted by the global economic crisis, and current estimates for 2010 show a level of unemployment at 10.3 per ...cent, which is the highest regional rate in the world. The youth unemployment rate is almost four times the adult rate. Gender inequalities continue to be a major concern, as the gap between male and female employment-to-population ratios, at 47.2 percentage points, is twice the global average. Economic growth in 2011 is projected at 5.1 per cent, falling short of pre-crisis trends, with little change expected in the region’s unemployment rate."

Sewage?

I can only understand these shots to be of a sewage system under a paved road... - any other guesses?

Morning light

Soft midwinter morning sunlight, when we arrived in Abu Sir on New year's Eve.

Walking up the causeway

Details on the way up!

Approaching the pyramid

A causeway up to the pyramid (we will look closer too, I promise).

Abu Sir pyramids

We visited on a day off, I think, usually Czech archaelogists are said to be active here - but out of bounds for tourists so far. Amazing site and so privileged to be able to go - just on the outskirts of the desert.

Abu Sir!

We had a unique opportunity to visit Abu Sir, a little north of Saqqara, southwest of Cairo - with pyramids not yet open to the public. On the way there, we passed through villages and culture landscapes, eventually reaching the edge of the desert!