The unification of Kingdoms of Lower and Upper Egypt around BC 3180 marks point from when Egypt became a significant power. This event is credited with Menes, who thus became first Pharaoh. Menes went on to establish a new capital at Memphis, just to south of where Cairo stands today. For next 3000 years and under 30 dynasties of Pharaohs, a dynamic and culturally sophisticated civilization flourished. It was not however smooth sailing for descendants of Menes and power was for short periods in hands of foreigners. Historians who as usual want to simplify things, have divided up reign of Pharaohs into three periods: Old Kingdom (2575-2134 BC), Middle Kingdom (2040-1640 BC) and New Kingdom (1550-1070 BC).

It is a curious fact that most monuments of Pharaohs relate to death. Though moderns may view this as an unhealthy preoccupation with death, some scholars see it as an indication of ancient Egyptians great love for life and desire for continued existence. The pyramid was highest evolution in practice of preparing elaborate tombs for departed. Pyramids were final resting place, from where Pharaohs enjoyed afterlife. The most famous of these edifices are Pyramids of Giza, built in 4th Dynasty (2575-2465 BC), when power of these ancient kings was at its peak.

Religion was another reason for great monuments of ancient Egypt. The deities found deserving of worship were truly diverse. And many, many temples were built in honour of these gods. Temples for most esteemed gods were quite elaborate and were administered by high priests. Auxiliary buildings housed libraries, granaries, and what may today be considered as research laboratories for astronomers, biologists and other scientists. Most gods were linked with specific animals and to whom special powers were attributed. Some gods came and went, but sun god was one of most enduring. It has been suggested that design of pyramids had some association with practices of sun cult. The Pharaoh was considered to be a living god.

The Greeks, in name of Alexander Great finally brought Age of Pharaohs to an end in 332 BC. He founded that city that bears his name, Alexandria. The Greeks ushered in a period of comparative prosperity and stability under descendants of Ptolemy. Ptolemy was Macedonian general who was appointed by Alexander as governor. The Pharos Lighthouse, one of seven wonders of ancient world and Great Library of Alexandria were built in this era.

As Greeks declined, so did Romans rise, and they too cast a covetous eye upon Egypt. The last of Ptolomies was notorious Cleopatra, lover to both Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. The Roman Empire too declined Egypt and was torn apart by foreign armies. The most significant event at this time was invasion of Arabs in 462 AD. Though other foreigners including Ottoman Turks, French and British, subsequently ruled country, it is Arabs who brought Islam whose legacy has been most enduring.

Egypt is today a modern vibrant nation that carries burden of its 5,000-year history graciously. Just like in ancient times, Nile sustains country and upto 95% of population live in close proximity of river. The rest of country is desolate desert, mitigated only by a few isolated oases and habitable narrow strips along African Red Sea and Mediterranean coastlines.

According to tourism ministry, Egypt for visitor is best seen as six tourist super-sites. This covers most popular destinations and excludes off-the-beaten-track locations. The six super-sites are anchored on: Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada on Red Sea and Sharm El Sheikh in Sinai. Except for Luxor, none of these destinations relies entirely on ancient monuments to attract visitors. Egypt tours and vacations are very competitively priced relative to other destinations.

Cairo is a huge, sprawling and chaotic metropolis. It has all amenities of a modern city and is usual gateway for visitor to Egypt. Cairo is a young city relative to nearby Heliopolis, Giza and Memphis that are associated with Pharaohs. The city began as a Roman trading post called Babylon- in area now referred to as Coptic Cairo. The area was a settlement of one of world's first Christian communities. This predominantly Christian locale houses a museum that is a repository of religious art, manuscripts, paintings and pottery.

But it is Arab invaders who arrived in 7th century who can be said to have founded city. They settled just north of area referred to as Old Cairo. The medieval district of Islamic Cairo is densely packed with people and lots of mosques and temples. This is where many still go during month of Ramadan to eat and spend night after a days' fast. Giza on Niles' west bank is where you find Great Pyramids. These truly magnificent monuments were one of Seven Wonders of Ancient World. You will appreciate achievement of builders of these edifices when you reflect on fact that until 19th century they were world's largest buildings.

Now one of things that sets Philippines apart from all other countries, is one of there many forms of transport, in particular jeepney.

When visiting Philippines, you cannot miss these colourful additions to Philippine National Transport system. They are means of transport for anyone who wants to travel short distances, whether you are in cities of Manila or Cebu or in mountain provinces, you will find a jeepney to take you where you need to go. Jeepneys are more than a form of transport, they are an indication of resourcefulness and ingenuity of Philippine people. They are a magnificent reflection on capability of all things Philippines, once they put there mind to it.

Jeepneys evolved at end of Second World War. After United States started sending home there troops, following surrender of Imperial Japanese Army, a huge surplus of equipment was left over, which was probably just as well as it gave birth to jeepney.