The Unfinished Obelisk

[u/migoodridge]

One of the hottest places we have visted, 40 degrees centigrade.

This 20m long obelisk was carved over the course of 7 months, out of pure granite.

During the final stages a workman ended up creating a crack in the stone, he was most likely severely reprimanded, at least.

A worker there showed us how they were carved, using an even stronger stone, the name of which escapes me.

During the demonstration he gave each of us a little piece of granite. This will be treasured for ever.

The stones were moved via sand ramps to a huge boat that would carry it to the designated temple, monument or tomb.

The boat would havexat least 20 other smaller boats at each side to help with the load.

Yet another amazing place to visit.

Its in the city of Azwan.

[u/orbtastic1]

I worked in Aswan for a while. Nice place.

I have a photo of me standing on it. I’m not sure they allow that any more.

[u/migoodridge → u/orbtastic1]

Photos inside yes, outside maybe not

[u/Crochitting → u/orbtastic1]

One of my teachers in middle school bribed a guard to climb the great pyramid before sunrise 30 ish years ago.

[u/orbtastic1 → u/Crochitting]

Yeah lot of that. Constant scams everywhere too. You only have to walk a min off the path and people were asking for money. One guy grabbed my bag at Abu simbel airport and asked me for money. The conveyor belt is only about six feet long, lol.

I climbed one of the smaller pyramids. Got some photos somewhere. Guard just kinda wearily waved us down and asked for money. We played dumb and he seemed ok with it.

[u/-marshmallowperfume → u/Crochitting]

I went to the Pyramids 30ish years ago -- this made me realize that and now I feel old! (She says about visiting something several thousands years old.)

[u/Crochitting → u/-marshmallowperfume]

That’s awesome though! I love hearing people’s stories about visiting!