We enjoyed a leisurely morning onboard with a full breakfast, some massages, and deck time. The skies were blue and crystal clear. The smoke from cooking fires had disappeared by morning. By 10 AM it was already hot for at least for us-the Egyptians were wearing sweaters and jackets. Funny how 85 F feels to different people!
We met Remon after lunch and set off to visit several sites on the East Bank. The first was the temple for the god Amun, also known as the Temple of Karnak. It is the largest temple in Egypt and was built by successive kings starting in 1991 BC and then for more than 200 years until completion. It was linked with the Temple of Luxor by a 3 KM road flanked on each side by hundreds of sphinx.
The temple was massive with rows of columns, all lined up and standing 85 feet tall-226 comprised just one of the courtyards. The collection of obelisks were also impressive. On each column, on most every inch of walls, on almost every doorway there were carved reliefs of battle scenes and hieroglyphs telling the story.
The entire complex was originally painted in magnificent colors, almost all faded. There were some parts still with paint. The temple being 4,000 years old alone was impressive.
Next we visited the Temple of Luxor right in the heart of the city and across the street from the cruise ship dock. This temple was built by Queen Hatshutsup, enhanced by Ramses II and adorned by Alexander the Great. Huge columns again and magnificent carved reliefs as well a stunning oblique with some unique magnetic energy properties.
We returned to the boat for high tea on the sun deck (just for our group) and a short rest. Then it was back to the Temple of Karnak for the Sound and Light Show. As we entered the temple grounds lights, music, and narration, triggered by motion sensors, followed us. Even though we had been there earlier, it was a totally different spectacle. At the reflection pool we sat on bleachers for the rest if the show. It was really quite good!
Back at the boat we had another lovely dinner. The chef tried once again to ki Tom with coconut in the desert! Yikes, three days in a row.
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