Eyeflare - Travel Articles and Tips

Posted: 12 Oct 2011 02:00 AM PDT

One of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Egypt, the Sphinx at Giza is the world's largest statue carved from a single piece of rock. It is also the oldest monumental sculpture known to man. Most historians believe that the sculpture was built between 2558 and 2532 BC. It stands more than 66 feet high, and is 241 feet long. Although the statue is most famous for its missing nose, it has also believed that the statue had and later lost a ceremonial beard.

There is a rich mythology surrounding the mysterious statue. Some believe that the Sphinx was once used to worship sun gods, while others think the Sphinx is a depiction of the Egyptian god Hor-em-akhet. It has been hypothesized that the statue was originally designed to have a lion's head. Not even the identity of the Pharaoh who ordered the statue be built is certain, although many believe it to be Khafra. The uncertainty surrounding the sculpture's origins is among the many reasons people have been intrigued by it for so long.

Over the years, many efforts have been made to restore the Sphinx. It has been excavated several times, and more extensive restoration attempts have been going on since the 1980's. However, the statue is made from soft sandstone, and the condition of the statue continues to deteriorate. Because of this, it is important for people to try to see this majestic statue while they still can. While there, visitors can also check out nearby sites like the three Great Pyramids, a Papyrus Institute, the Egyptian capital Cairo, and the local bazaars.

Photo by [ALHanouf _ Photography's]²º¹¹ on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/sphinx-giza-egypt/

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The RAF Museum, London

Posted: 11 Oct 2011 02:00 AM PDT

The Royal Air Force Museum in London was opened in 1972 by Her Majesty, The Queen. The museum now contains over 100 aircraft from across the world that have been used in wars since the beginning of the 20th century up to the present day, including some of the earliest aircraft designs, and best of all the museum has free admission for everyone.

The museum is located on the site of the old London Aerodrome in Hendon, just 30 minutes from central London and has a wide range of 3D and interactive attractions, for kids and adults alike. Although it's better to go on a war commemoration day, as the museum organize family activities, such as egg hunts and petting farms. The RAF museum serves as a historical memorial to one of Britain's longest serving army branches, but also as an educational device for children, adults and foreign guests. It's also a great day out, just outside of the city.

Royal Air Force Museum London address and hours

RAF Museum London
Grahame Park Way
London
NW9 5LL

Phone: +44 (0)20 8205 2266

The museum is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 6 pm.

Admission is free.

Photo by < J > on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/raf-museum-london/

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National Museum of the United States Airforce, Dayton

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Wednesday, October 12, 2011