Perhaps, had our flight to the interior not been cancelled, I would have some lovely photos of Guyana, but bad weather has prevailed, and our scenic views have been of airports.
The beach is mud, the coastline is three feet below sea level, and our beachfront hotel has actually blocked the ocean view because it is so unattractive.
The GT beer is okay, and this is the home of El Dorado rum, so it is not without it’s merits. Since we can’t get to the interior, we will save our stroll in the city for tomorrow, and perhaps I will find something to photograph at that time.
In the meantime, I think we are committed to meet up with an international group of wildcatters (or some sort of oil people) at the bar this evening. Apparently, oil and gas accounts for most of the economy here.
Nile Life
Most of the big Nile Cruise ships make the trip from Luxor to Aswan in three days, but since we were sailing, our trip took five. Plenty of time to relax and watch the scenery go by.
We were a “fleet” of seven boats. I think it looks pretty impressive when we are all under sail.
One of our helmsmen.
Our crew manager, Salem, who always made sure we were comfortable.
Kom Ombo
Kom Ombo is dedicated to the god Sobek, the crocodile headed god. They even mummified crocodiles.
Gebel Silsileh
We stopped at the village of Gebel Silsileh, home of the Temple of Horemheb and more sandstone quarries.
Horemheb was the last pharaoh of the 18th dynasty and was previously the commander in chief of king Tut’s army.
The previous evening we had a sunset walk in the desert. It’s interesting that the Aswan dam provided for 40% more arable land, but how quickly it turns into desert.
El Kab and Edfu
El Kab is one of the places along the Nile used to quarry stone for many of the temples.
It is also the home of the tomb of Nekhbet, who I believe was one of the unifiers of Upper and Lower Kingdoms of Egypt.
We sailed on the Edfu, home of the temple of the god Horus, the falcon headed god. The temple is impressive just from the size of the first pylon alone,
Horus was the son of the god Isis and Osiris.
Perhaps this can give you an idea of scale.
Our Nile Cruise and Esna
We boarded our somewhat unconventional cruise boat (based on the traditional dahabiya) in Luxor and headed toward the town of Esna and it’s magnificent temple.
The temple itself is below the water level of the Nile, and was not restored to this colorful place until five years ago.
They discovered a new tomb behind the temple just three weeks ago, and continue to work on the excavation. I think it looked like something straight out of Indiana Jones!
We settled in and got to meet our fellow passengers who were all fascinating people. We had people from Monaco, UK, France, Lithuania, Russia and the US in our little group of 22.
Our first sunset on the Nile.
Medinet Habu, Valley of the Nobels, Tombs of the Artists and Avenue of the Sphinx
Another amazing day at some of the lesser visited sites. Keep in mind these colors are over 3000 years old!
Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens
I will sort out what photos belong to the appropriate tombs, but in the meantime, please enjoy the magnificent of the tombs/structures. Keep in mind that these colors have been preserved for over 3000 years!
More Karnak and Luxor
Fascinating and beautiful.
Egypt – Number 87 Together
It’s my third trip here, but Eric’s first – so number 87 together!
We are spending a few days in Luxor before taking a Nile cruise. For as hectic as it is on the city streets, watching life on the Nile go by is very peaceful.
Karnak Temple is nothing short of awe inspiring.
We went for a short stroll this morning and scratched the surface. So much more has been uncovered and restored since I was here last.
Amazing that the colors are preserved (my laundry fades after three washes).
I am pretty sure this will be a 1000 plus photo trip!
