November 18. Abu Simbel: Meeting a Glorious and Still Mysterious Past.

We planned it right.  We got up extra early to be at the Abu Simbel monument at sunrise.  It faces east and we were told to make that special place with that special time a priority.  It was walking distance from our boat hotel -- (a triple decker with very comfortable but small rooms, each one looking out at either the river or the docks)  So glad thinking people used the expertise of educated and skilled engineers to save all this from drowning in the rising waters of the Nile after the construction of the Aswan Dam.

Before sunrise.

After sunrise.










We were not allowed to take photos inside the monument.  So I can only share exterior photos.  The inside is an amazing display of ancient Egyptian story telling and homage to the Egyptian gods.

I was told I could hold the Ankh key to the temple but I would have to lead an exemplary life from now on to be worthy of the honor.  I'm standing here trying to look like someone with exemplary potential and sincere intentions.  What do you think?  Behind me you can see some of the statues receding into the halls and chambers of this wonderful monument. Breathing the air in there was an experience.  One can see initials and names carved into the walls by early and mid 19th century explorers. I bet those guys would not have been offered the key.

                   Keith, Colin, Pedro, and Estelle enjoying the Temple of Ramses at sunrise.