August 7th, 2009
Egypt’s Great Wonders
Egypt: A mystical country at the top of every explorers destination list. After all it houses the greatest monuments on earth. Its temples and pyramids are world famous and they have intrigued the human race for centuries.
Time stands still in this country. People dress traditionally and as you walk the streets you can hear the call to prayer being played over loud speakers throughout the city. Horse carts weave through busy traffic and fruit stands line the streets. The city is alive with energy and you can almost feel the ancient Pharaohs presence in every corner. Nowhere is this more prominent than a visit to the greatest temples on earth.
Pyramids of Giza Built in 2500 BC, it is unfathomable how they have survived the desert and elements for over 4000 years let alone how they were built in the first place. Seeing the pyramids by camel is highly recommended. You are away from the tour buses and crowds of people, and you are free to explore them way that they were meant to be seen, in peace and quiet and the footsteps an ancient people. You imagine yourself in a Lawrence of Arabia scene as you walk past the stones of this spectacular sight.
Another must see destination in Egypt is the Valley of the Kings. Located in Southern Egypt near the city of Luxor, a great valley houses 63 chambers of great kings. The most famous is King Tuts tomb, but there are many more to explore.
Your camera will be confiscated at the gate if they see it around your neck. The don’t seem to do a thorough search, so if you want to have memories of your time in the Valley, keep it in your bag until you enter the grounds. However, be respectful and do not take any photos inside the tombs. Flash photography can damage the fragile walls and you will be in trouble with the guards if you are caught, which will most likely occur. Some harmless photos of outside however will give you lasting memories of this incredible sight.
King Tuts tomb may be the most famous but it is hardly the most impressive. There are only a limited number of tombs open and one time and some of the other tombs are far more interesting of a visit. Rameses IV and Merneptah are two that are interesting. Mernaptah is located in a deep chamber and the walk down and up is steep. Rameses is large and very well preserved. Bright paintings on the walls depict scenes from various scriptures.
The large size and bright colours make you feel comfortable and the fact the they don’t contain any sarcophagi anymore keeps it from becoming and eerie experience. You also won’t find any jewels or hidden treasures here, they have been either looted or excavated. If you want to see most of Egypt’s treasures, you will find them at the Antiquities Museum in Cairo.
While visiting the Valley of the Kings, you can also visit the Temple of Hatshepsut. A woman ruler from 1479-1458 BC, she was one of Egypt’s most successful rulers. Egypt was run by a woman for 21 years. Our modern world has not been quite so liberal.
It is one of the most successful temples blending harmoniously with the land. Built into the side of an imposing cliff, it is thought to be one of the most dramatic temples on earth. Massive and intricate it is a sight not to be missed.
It was here that a massacre occurred in 1997 killing 60 tourists. Over a decade later, peace has been restored and tourism is back to normal. However you will see many armed guards around grounds
Your tour may take you to the Luxor Temple located right downtown Luxor. A massive structure of pillars, statues and temple spans along the Nile River. It is an impressive sight that is even more beautiful at night when it is lit up for your viewing pleasure. If you are looking for internet and have a laptop, the McDonalds across the street has free Wifi and a great view of the entire Temple.
Standing on the banks of Lake Nasser enroute to Sudan is Abu Simbel this temple was originally built on lower ground. With the creation of the Aswan Dam, an enormous undertaking was initiated in the 1960s to move the ruins to higher ground to keep them from becoming submerged under water.
Abu Simbel was built in 1265 BC. Four great images of Rameses II stand 20-metres high overlooking the great lake. It is definitely worth the over 200km trip from Luxor, or you can see it from the ferry to Wadi Halfa in the Sudan.
Egypt is a destination that everyone must make time to visit. It is one of the most ancient locations on earth. Filled with grand temples and monuments, blessed with the Nile River and alive with energy and excitement it has something for every explorer to see.