The Sphinx and the Pyramid of Khafre, as seen from... Pizza Hut



Conventional photographs of the Sphinx, such as the one featured in this month's issue of Smithsonian magazine, are taken looking west and give the impression that the figure and the three pyramids sit in a remote Egyptian desert. The reality is that urban development of Cairo and Giza have brought the cities to within easy walking distance, as one can see from a Google satellite view.  This photo, taken from inside a nearby fast food location, emphasizes that reality in a dramatic fashion.

Photo credit. Via Reddit.

When we got back from our first trip to Egypt, we had to explain that the Sphinx looks at a Pizza Hut, right across the street. (And a KFC...) It was rather bracing.
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Most thoughts of the pyramids and Egypt stir thoughts of ancient statues, the riverbed of the Nile, old times, interesting rituals, and ancient ways. When I think of Egypt I think of ancient pharaohs, deep meditative moments, of a sun setting in the dusty desert with picturesque camels.

A PIZZA HUT? For *insert curse word* sake. This is very wrong. And i don't mean that in a "lol-kekeke dude thats messed up" way.

I mean: It should not be there. The people of the area should be very VERY offended, and any tourist spotting the eyesore should be completely and utterly ashamed of the USA and EVEN MORE ashamed if they step foot inside.
Pizza hut...KFC? Seriously... No. What the hell is wrong with you, corporate greedy people?
Can't we hold anything sacred? Can't we keep SOME of our dreams without a Nike logo slapped across it?
This is just very profoundly saddening. Seeing that just makes me depressed.

Just plaster a Pepsi logo across the moon already... When I look up at the stary sky in its infinite wonder, I want to be sure I know which brand to drink.
Bastards.
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I suspect the Pizza Hut is somewhat subdued in the greater environment (otherwise, wouldn't there be a more shocking picture showing the gaudiness?) but the point is valid.

They should have a food area, sure. But it should be like a farmer's market/carnival atmosphere for when you're not exploring the sites. Not the smearing of franchises to promote even more development.

I have an idea! Let's gut the Sphynx and turn it into an exclusive casino. :(
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There has been talk of reflecting ads off of the moon, but nothing ever came of it. Giant, floating ads, with the apparent earthbound size of the moon is still being discussed. These "Ad Moons" would float through the night sky, illuminated for all to see.

Should Americans alone bear the shame of the desecration of Egypt's monuments? No, though ultimately it is the amoral crassness of corporations that is to blame.
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I have the same issue with Stonehenge. Pictures make it look as if it's on some lonely moor, far away from civilization. What one doesn't often see is the traffic clogged A-303 passing next to it, a stones throw away (pun intended).
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I was in Egypt back in '91 and the urban sprawl hadn't made it so close to the pyramids.
It was nice to be able to goto Pizza Hut in town to get a decent pizza since I was on a 6 month Med Cruise in the Navy at the time.

But this is just so wrong....
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It's funny how all of the pictures of these places are skewed to show isolation. On a lesser sort of note, all the pictures of Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany.
All of the pictures seem to show this castle on the top of the mountain. In actuality, the castle is only about 1/4 of the way up the side of a mountain. It's basically on a small hill.
Not as bad as having a McDonald's in the courtyard, but shocking when you first see it.
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I am not even shocked.

If you don't want to see corporate fast food joints close to touristic area, first stop patronising the ones next to your home.
No excuse, no exception, no "it's convenient". Period.
This kind of turd is spreading because these big companies have money to open new locations and because they know it will work.

Ranting is useless. Boycott works.
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Back when the first modern explorers "rediscovered" the pyramids they found out that part of their ruinous state was due to people using their blocks as building materials for their homes. Graffiti is also a problem.
When I went to the Acropolis a fat guy "suggested" the greek should install automatic ladders and the visitors lost precious visiting time while the guide argued with the man about such ridiculous notion.
Small minds.
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This is the modern world. Of course there are pizza huts and kfc's. Who are you to think to tell the Egyptians that just because they hold one of the most amazing structures of the world that they have to live like the times that they were built in? You want to deny them modern conveniences just because you think that corporate america is ruining everything? They could have said, no, we don't want them. Just so you know, all you kids of rich parents with nothing to do but protest, your parents are rich because of corporate america. Even you so called "organic farmers," i.e. whole foods market, is a LARGE CORPORATION! Get a job already.
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Perhaps at this point it would be relevant to insert mention of Skylon Tower overlooking Niagara Falls - "In the base of the tower you will find a large arcade, several gift shops and numerous fast food restaurants. For those who enjoy watching movies there has been a newly added 3D/4D Theatre, along with 2 Starbucks franchises, and a bridge which connects the Fallsview Casino.'

This link has a photo: http://www.our-vacation-adventures.com/skylon-tower-niagara-falls/
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It is rather surprising to learn that there's a Pizza Hut/KFC, a Four Seasons Hotel and nine hole golf course all within easy walking distance of the Egyptian ruins. The photos you typically see online are cleverly taken from certain angles to avoid showing these.

While it is surprising, it's not entirely shocking. After all, tourism is a big industry for countries with ancient ruins and they would be stupid to not do everything they could to make the tours as user friendly as possible. I certainly wouldn't want to see a Pizza Hut or McD's logo stamped on the sides of the pyramids or Sphinx, but within walking distance is reasonable.

I wonder if there are restaurants like that around the Acropolis and Stonehenge as well.
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