Blogging Out of Luxor

(Slightly delayed by a day or two) It is now officially day... whatever... and after a cruise through the Nile we've made it to Luxor. After managing the early wake up today, we took a shuttle in the company of our two armed security officials to the Valley of the Kings. We all scattered after a short introduction to the tombs and went out to explore whatever ancient sublevels we chose. I immediately took to the hike to the tomb of Tutmosis which involved venturing down deep corridors and having the generator, and thus, the light and ventillation supplied to the tomb, go out. As you can imagine, being lost in utter darkness by yourself in the thousand year-old subterrainian rooms was quite an experience. After making my way out, I took to two other lesser-known tombs and then hired an Egyptian sherpa to take me out on a hike on the ridges surrounding the valley as a means to kill my remaining half hour before regrouping. On top of the ridge I could see the temple of Hatshepsut (Which is much more impressive from afar than it is up close) as well as the Nile beyond a plains of farmland and a small Arabic village.
Then we went to to the temple of Hatshepsut itself. Nothing special besides it's architectual beauty from a distance. A short lunch back at the boat ensued, and then we went to the temple of Karnak. The massive temple put everyone in the group in utter awe as the pillars, columns, and and obolisks towered in multitudes above us. This place was massive.

Then we had the shuttle take us to a nearby internet cafe so that everyone else could check up on e-mail and whatnot, and so I could write this blog. Rather than immediately get started on this entry, some of the others and myself went to a nearby shisha patio to unwind after a day of hiking. Unfortunately this proved to be poor time management as I ended up posting this entry two days later.

Edfu, God Horus and on to Luxor by Kathleen Patrick

Greetings from our cruise on the Nile! Today, is our second day aboard the Semiramses II. A luxurious cruise ship, we have enjoyed banquets fit for a King relaxing in the African sun, and sharing our experiences with one another. For many of us, it has been a pilgrimage back in time to discover and learn how the ancient Egyptians lived. For others, it has been a time for quiet reflection and appreciation of a culture vastly different than our own. What many of us have discovered is that these people have embraced us as if we were family. Greeting us wherever we go, excited that we have come to their land to share in their culture and eager to speak to us in English. Our group sailed from Aswan on Monday and arrived in Edfu on Monday evening. Here we visited our first temple in Edfu, the Temple of Horus which has been buried for nearly 2, 000 years in silt and sand. Before I describe the Temple, let me share with you the context or background if you will of the significance and role the Temples played in ancient Egyptian life. To them, the universe was made up of two dualities, life and death, chaos and order. The Goddess Maat, was the balance between the two forces and therefore, great Temples were erected to the Gods. The Temple was erected in 237 BC under Ptolemy III . The Temple is very imposing at 118 feet, and shows the King defeating his enemies with the Gods Hathor and Horus near his side. There is a large courtyard behind this wall and interior chamber where Kings brought gifts to the Gods. There is a stairwell leading to the roof depicting scenes of the New Year. As you walk up these stairs, you can feel the Pharohs’ presence and the rituals that must have taken place during those times. There are many little inner chambers depicting fertility, and nature scenes all paying homage to the Gods for protection of the Pharohs in the afterlife. There is a tale inscribed on one of the walls of a man having one arm and one leg cut off as it was discovered that he impregnated many of the village woman whose husbands were sent off to war.
We will be enjoying our first soiree this evening in full Egyptian regale and learning how to belly dance. Stay tuned for more---------------------