Pyramids vs. Sphinx

For what it’s worth (since I’m headed to the area shortly) I’m more of a Pyramids person than a Sphinx person. The sheer size of the Pyramids is thrilling at every distance, including when standing at the very base of them looking upward. If memory serves, not until the construction of the Eiffel Tower was a taller building constructed by humans. (Don’t quote me on that, but I seem to remember hearing so.)

My gripe with the Sphinx is also size-related. From photos witnessed since childhood, I would have expected something of mammoth proportions, when it’s really just a glorified statue in its proportions. Nice enough, I suppose, but not the sort of thing I would be excited to re-visit if not for its Pyramid neighbors.

Incidentally, one of the people who disagrees with me about this is none other than Gustave Flaubert, though his disagreement is surely the least reprehensible feature of his unforgivably appalling letters from Egypt.