Cape Town
Cape Town , the oldest city in southern Africa , is regularly heralded as one of the most beautiful on earth. The massive sandstone bulk of Table Mountain , often draped in a flowing "tablecloth" of clouds, forms an imposing backdrop, while minutes away, pristine sandy beaches line the cliff-hugging coast. Mountainous slopes sustaining the world's most varied botanic kingdom (some 9,000 species strong) overlook fertile valleys carpeted with vines, and driving from the highway you can spot zebra and wildebeest grazing unperturbed by the hubbub below. Every year brings a slew of new awards ("best value for money," "best city in the world to eat out in," "best destination in Africa and Middle East"), leaving no doubt that Cape Town is now a permanent fixture on the map of global hot spots. Yet the city feels -- and is -- very different from the rest of Africa .
The Pyramids - Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza are the most famous monuments of ancient Egypt . These massive stone structures were built around 4500 years ago on a rocky desert plateau close to the Nile . But the intriguing Egyptian pyramids were more than just tombs for kings. The mysteries surrounding their symbolism, design and purpose have inspired passionate debate. It is likely that many of these mysteries will never be solved.
The pyramids epitomize ancient Egypt , yet the biggest were constructed during a short span of time early in a civilization that was to last almost three millennia. The first large Egyptian pyramid was the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, built during the third dynasty of the Old Kingdom to protect the body of the king Djoser who died around 2649 BCE. It was this feat that heralded the short age of the gigantic stone pyramids of ancient Egypt .