Making a Lake

In the 1960s a dam was designed for the area around Aswan. The dam would create Nasser Lake which ultimately covered over 17 Nubian villages and many ancient monuments. The Nubian villagers were all relocated to an area north of Aswan. As for Ramses II's temple - countries throughout the world united to send money to Egypt to save the temple and relocate it.

Why I Came To Egypt

This one photo is why I returned to Egypt. It is the Temple at Abu Simbel built by the Pharoah Ramses II (one on the left) as well as the temple he built for his wife Nefertari (smaller one on the right). Twice a year the sunrise shines into the Pharoah's Temple all the way to the back of the temple where it illuminates his statue. This special illumination happens on a day in Feb and a day in Oct (the Pharoah's Birthday and coronation day). Seeing the temples from the air as my plane flew into Abu Simbel was a complete surprise.

Dance of the Feluccas

Aswan Swans

This was my first trip to Aswan, home of the famous dam and I must say that it is now my favorite city in Egypt. The ancient faluccas glide over the water like swans. It's hypnotic to just sit on the deck of the hotel and watch them soundlessly pass.

Hillside Village

Temple Destruction

Every face in the entire temple has been destroyed and I couldn't get a reason.

Nileometer

This is a stairway down to the 4000 year old engineering invention to measure the level of the Nile River and predict the success of the upcoming growing seasons.

Ancient Masterpiece

Give Me Money

Kids everywhere in Egypt beg for money "Baksheesh."When you do give one money you have to be careful not to start a riot. I gave this girl a dollar and the crowd grew so large that one girl rushed out in front of our van and was almost hit. I've learned that when I walk down a street I don't make eye contact with anyone and I don't answer any questions. It's the only way to keep salesmen and kids from following you for blocks. Also, I wear a big hat whenever I go out. Nothing says "Stupid tourist" like blonde hair.

Resting in Luxor

Nefertari's Tomb Layout

The Most Beautiful Thing That We May Never See

One of the most beautiful tombs in the Valley of the Queens is for Queen Nefertari, the beloved wife of Ramses II. The tomb is now closed and is predicted to be closed for at least 10 years. It has the most vibrant and beautiful paintings, but the damage done by the 1000s of visitors to the tomb has caused the officials to close it. This photo was borrowed from a book of photos taken in the tomb before it was closed. The name Nefertari means "beauty of beauties." She was the favorite wife of Ramses II and was the only queen to have a statue made that is the same size as the King.

Hard Worker

A Lasting Signature

One of the Pharoahs predicted that later pharoahs would come into his temple and reuse it. To be sure that his signature lasted, he made his Kartoush almost 7 inches deep.

Blue Ceiling in Luxor

Amazing Temple Colors

Colors That Last

To me the most amazing part of the 3000 year old temples in Luxor was the vibrant colors that have lasted all of these years.

Temple for a Queen

The top floor of this exquisite ancient temple was oncee used as a Christian meeting place.

Tombs Below!

Luxor is famous for its Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens but it also has hundreds of tombs for the builders and officials of the time. Two weeks ago, the Egyptian government moved all of the people who lived in these homes and provided them with new houses. It is believed that more tombs are hidden below these houses and digging will begin once the houses are torn down.

Unified Egypt

This is an engraving that depicts the unification of north and south Egypt and the official beginning of the country that we today know as Egypt.

Bad Romans!

When the Romans conquered the Egyptians they decided to use the ancient Egyptian monuments and turn them into their own. This is a heartbreaking photo of Roman plastering and painting over heirogliphics that are over 3,000 years old.

Luxor Line-Up

The end of the Desert adventure is Luxor, the ancient capital of Egypt and with more ancient monuments than any city in Egypt. This is a photo of cruise ships lined up side by side, 5 or 6 deep at the Luxor dock. This is the way most tourists get to Luxor - aboard a cruise ship that travels south (up) the Nile.
Which reminds me - thank you Paul for telling me that there are more than 20 rivers that flow in a south to north direction - not just the Nile and St Charles River as I had previously written.

Sugar Cane Harvest

Such a Face

Camels 2 Go