We visited Luxor where the Great Karnack temple is located. This is reported to be the largest temple in the world. It was stunning to see the architecture and innovation within the place. Parts of the ceiling are open at specific heights to allow for a constant flow of air. Thus producing the first form of air conditioning - pretty cool for something built more than 4000 years ago. The open court area has 182 pillars within it - all carved with hieroglyphics depicting different stories and teachings. Kings used these temples to remind the people of their great victories over enemies. However, some Kings were jealous of previous ruler's accomplishments, so carved over the original stories.
We rode to and from the temple in horse drawn carriages given us the sense we were dignitaries tour the town. We were seven carriages in total, so we made quite the procession. On the way back from the temple we went through the local market. The carriages barely squeezed through the tiny passage ways . We were treated to vast diversity of food items, clothing, electronics, mechanical parts and more. And as with all outdoor experiences in Egpyt, we were subjected to countless cat calls and proclamations of true love. Apparently, the average woman in our group would fetch upwards of 300 camels.
We returned to Cairo for a day and visited the Citadel. This houses several mosques, the most famous of which was built by Muhammad Ali (famed prophet, not boxer). The exterior is a series of silver domes that can be seen for miles around the city. However, the real beauty lies within the walls. The main prayer chamber has hundreds of glass globes hanging from the ceiling and a dozen chandeliers all ablaze in warn light. The ceiling has gorgeous fresco and mosaic pieces. It is certain a sight for an Arabian Nights type movie.
Our guide continues to be a bit dramatic and pushy. I think he feels like unless we do all the optional activities then we aren't having fun. He doesn't realize that many of us have done quite a bit of traveling and therefore are more content with some the highlights and the occasional extra. Either that, or his kick backs are adding up like other trips. In Egpyt, every gets paid a tip; most times for doing almost nothing.
We finished our tour in St Katherine and Nuweiba (pronounced new•way•ba). St Katherine is where Moses went up a mountain and received the Ten Commandments. The hike up to the top is reported to be 3705 steps of repentance. I say reported, because I didn't count them nor did I make it to the top. I got to about 1500 steps and figured I had cleared my sins (being such a good girl - hee hee). Most of my group did make it all the way up. Good for them!!
At Nuweiba I had the chance to make a last escape into the depths of the Red Sea. I figure it could be a long time before I find my way back here so I took advantage while I could. It was not as vibrant as my experience in Sharm el Sheikh, but still great to be back in the sea.
Today we are heading across the Strait of Aquaba to Jordan. We are now seeing at the ferry terminal waiting for the boat to arrive. There is no set schedule (this is Egyptian time - a slightly less annoying version of African time), so the most we know is that the ferry should be leaving between 3-5pm.
I am excited to move across into Jordan. I know very little about this country and its culture and people. We have a lot lined up for the seven days we are there. I am sure it will go by so fast.
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment