Egypt: Aswan Dam and Temples and so much more!

 March 24, 2023 - March 29

Catching up on blogging after such a wonderful trip on the Nile is nearly impossible.  Our ship was lovely, the food, while not spectacular, was interesting and plentiful.  Everyone working on the ship was friendly and helpful. We had trouble with the internet service which is minimal. I don't think I've ever been on a cruise anywhere that this is not the case. Detaching for a while is a nice change. 

Mr. Famous!! The one who started it all...King Tut!
Once his tomb was found (1st by an Egyptian kid and the Carter) Pharoah fever spread world wide.  

Tuts empty tomb. See his treasures in museums all over the world!

King Tut's tomb discovered 

King Ramses tomb

Valley of the Kings

The Nile makes for a calm and comfortable trip. We also traveled in a falucca sail boat. One similar to those used in ancient times. We were transported to an island to visit a temple by a motor boat. Then, in Luxor,  by a horse drawn carriage to see yet another amazing temple.  Our driver called his horse "Ferrari." 

Ferrari 

Egypt's main commodity seems to be tourism. Then gasoline, petroleum, and raw cotton imports. Since the war in Ukraine they are attempting to increase their wheat production by turning unused fertile soil into wheat fields. You can travel extremely safe here. Not once did I ever feel unsafe. I would return and make all my own arrangements.  Guides are a dime a dozen and inexpensive to hire for each site. It nice to have a driver who waited for us at each stop but I'm sure that could be arranged.  

I worried about what to pack having read so much about dressing conservatively. However, I saw many women in sleeveless shirts, slacks, skirts even shorts. The main attraction is visiting open air temples, pyramids in Giza, and tombs in the Valley of the kings near Luxor. Wear what you like. 

Tennis shoes or supportive sandals are a must. We walked 5-7 miles in sand, over uneven stone walkways, every day.  We were lucky it was fairly cool as the sun could be brutal. I recommend carrying a light shirt or shawl to cover up. One minute i was cold, another too warm. Carry a back pack with water and a snack. An umbrella also helps to protect from the sun. Hats and sunglasses are a must!!  Visiting in March has been perfect. Warm enough but rarely too warm. 

The tombs in the Valley of the Kings are magnificent.  We could have stayed all day just going from one to another.  However,  visitors are allowed 3 tombs on one ticket. The rest of the tombs cost extra which is minimal. We saw four.  Each one special and historically significant in their own way. 

The artistry, the feat of engineering,  calculations of positioning for the the sun was impressive.  We marveled at how they calculated perfect dimensions of rooms, columns,  the height of many was impressive with no mechanical equipment at their disposal.  All this is certainly a mathematical exercise that we would now leave up to A.I. 

In one temple, built by the Greeks (the Romans and Greeks traveled everywhere!) but using Egyptian symbols there was an inscription of medical instruments,  cupping cups, incense urns and a birthing stool. 

Medical & surgical instruments

Each temple had a story. The beauty and skill in artistry must be seen to fully appreciate.  We were in awe of each one and never got tired of visiting them. Each one was unique and beautiful in its own way.  

Our visit to old Egypt is over. We are now relaxing in a resort town of Hurghada on the Red Sea. It is beautiful here with cool turquoise water and protected coral reefs. Many come here from Romania,  Russia,  Germany and other places in Europe. Egyptian's travel here for vacation.