Upper Egypt

We’ve experienced the wonders the Pharaohs left behind. We started off at the rock cut temples at Abu Simbel created by Ramses II and moved by the modern Egyptians to a higher site when the Aswan Dam was built. Interiors with painted surfaces almost as brilliant as when the Pharaohs worshiped here and were worshipped as gods themselves. Taking the boat from Aswan to the lovely and peaceful temple of Isis on Philae Island made us feel like we were Ancient Egyptians off to worship our goddess.

With each monument or temple complex, you think it can’t be topped, and then you see the next one. Driving from Aswan to Luxor, we stopped at Edfu to see the massive and marvelous temple of Horus, outdone only by the even more massive and magnificent temple of Karnak. The Valley of the Kings, with one tomb entrance after another built into the limestone mountainside, was such an impressive place with, once again, paintings that have barely lost their color after thousands of years.

We have learned to gracefully refuse the ever present appeals for yet another felucca ride, caleche ride or bargain at the market, and Denise has become rather adept at getting the best price at the market. Egyptian food, for us Americans, doesn’t have the same reputation back home as other Middle Eastern cuisines, and it’s very good with many dishes similar to other Middle Eastern cultures. The many varieties of bread are delicious, and there is an abundance of beautifully prepared vegetable dishes.

Judith Rose February 14,2008