EGYPT PART TWO

Monday morning we went to the Luxor Temple which was just across the Esplanade from where we were moored. The Temple covers several acres and is mind boggling in the size of the Pylons,Statues,Obelisks . There was a record of a high water mark where the Nile had flooded many years ago, which must have been a pretty impressive sight. Of course, the temple was partly buried by sand and debris until reclamation work started in the 19th century. It is remarkable that nearly all of the ancient tombs,temples and other ancient features, remained virtually untouched for thousands of years. Nowadays there is continual exploration and digging being carried out by both Egyptian and overseas Universities, which means that there is still a great
deal to be discovered.

The it was on to Karnak Temple.This is the largest temple complex anywhere in the world and represents the work of successive Pharaohs.

One of the outstanding features in Karnak is the Obelisk pictured top left. This monument was commissioned by a Queen Hatshepsut and is hewn in one single piece of Aswam Granite (we later visited the Aswam quarry) and is some 97 feet high weighing 320 tons. It was then floated down the Nile on barges, carried ashore and erected in the Luxor Temple. The hieroglyphics on the base of the Obelisk reveal that it was completed in 7 months from start to finish. I can't help thinking that those guys would have built the Eiffel Tower in a couple of weeks!

The other incredible feature is the Hypostyle Hall which comprises 132 Columns each over 40 feet tall and is absolutely awe- inspiring.

. While this is some three kilometres away from Luxor Temple, it was originally connected by an avenue lined with Lion statues. Parts of this avenue are still visible, but most of it has now built over and whether it will ever be completely restored remains in the lap of the Gods. Karnak is on the original site of Thebes , the ancient City.The Temple is again spread over several acres and contains several large statues of Pharoahs and a lake which was used for entertainment. It was here that we enjoyed a "Sound and Light" show on the last night of our tour.

Back to the boat, lunch and we sailed for Edfu passing through the Esna water lock. While waiting for our turn to enter the lock, several Bum Boats came alongside with shouts of "Hello" and displayed their wares to the passengers. They threw shawls,scarfs,dresses etc up onto the deck of the Viking Premier and bargained their hearts out. Rejected items were simply thrown back!!

That evening there was a "cocktail" party at which the various officials of the crew were introduced. Just as the emcee introduced the Skipper as a qualified Nile skipper, there was an almighty bang as the boat hit the side of the dock. Dinner (more food) was interrupted by a birthday cake celebration with the waiters parading through the dining room banging drums and singing -I'm glad it wasn't my birthday!