Egypt and Jordan: it was truly amaazing!
Jun 8th, 2023, 10:42 AM
#221
Original Poster
Market Day
You want to buy a camel? Well, this was supposed to be a visit to a camel market!
I like this one - I’ll take it!
Hey, buddy, ya got something for me?
Okay, let me have it!
Hmm, maybe she’s got something for me, too…
Naah, I think I’ll give her a kiss.
She wants a kiss, too? I guess I’m popular today!
Dominoes!
Delivery!
Lotsa veggies in the market
Choosing
Waiting for a sale
Market day with friends
You want to buy a camel? Well, this was supposed to be a visit to a camel market!
I like this one - I’ll take it!
Hey, buddy, ya got something for me?
Okay, let me have it!
Hmm, maybe she’s got something for me, too…
Naah, I think I’ll give her a kiss.
She wants a kiss, too? I guess I’m popular today!
Dominoes!
Delivery!
Lotsa veggies in the market
Choosing
Waiting for a sale
Market day with friends
Jun 8th, 2023, 10:47 AM
#222
Original Poster
Nubian Village visit
(This is a very simple village - some of the ones set up for tourists are much larger and very colorful)
The “music room” is a 1-room building open to the outside
The oud player - he had a beautiful voice. You can see outside over his shoulder.
Simple paintings on the doorways
I love this sweet painting on the wall
Leaving
(This is a very simple village - some of the ones set up for tourists are much larger and very colorful)
The “music room” is a 1-room building open to the outside
The oud player - he had a beautiful voice. You can see outside over his shoulder.
Simple paintings on the doorways
I love this sweet painting on the wall
Leaving
Jun 8th, 2023, 10:57 AM
#223
Oh, what wonderful pix & memories. Being a nutcase animal lover, getting a camel kiss would be a highlight of any trip for me.
On our Sept. '22 trip to Kenya we hesitated going to a Masai village. It felt like we would be gawking at the locals as if they were in a zoo. But we were convinced to go. We were the only two guests.
Yes, the villagers are paid to receive tourists. That money allows them to buy much-needed goods at a weekly local market. But our guide (who was from a nearby Masai village) assured us that we were seeing their everyday life. They were not dressing up for us. The inhabitants of the entire village came out to greet us with a song. The children were so joyful and exuberant. They clearly loved the interaction.
If the adults did not like meeting us, they sure were good actors. We felt welcomed and it was an eye-opening highlight of the trip.
On our Sept. '22 trip to Kenya we hesitated going to a Masai village. It felt like we would be gawking at the locals as if they were in a zoo. But we were convinced to go. We were the only two guests.
Yes, the villagers are paid to receive tourists. That money allows them to buy much-needed goods at a weekly local market. But our guide (who was from a nearby Masai village) assured us that we were seeing their everyday life. They were not dressing up for us. The inhabitants of the entire village came out to greet us with a song. The children were so joyful and exuberant. They clearly loved the interaction.
If the adults did not like meeting us, they sure were good actors. We felt welcomed and it was an eye-opening highlight of the trip.
Jun 8th, 2023, 11:40 AM
#225
Original Poster
Songdoc, I love your description of the arranged but still intimate events you experienced! Sometimes, they feel very uncomfortable, such as our visit to the first village, and other times, they’re a little self-conscious but still wonderful experience, with a feeling of connection and a taste of another way of life. Our visit to the Nubian village felt like that.
And I’m glad you enjoyed the camel photos! It was fun, and a bit silly, but gives us some wonderful memories!
As far as the amplification, it wasn’t up very much, probably just enough for us to be able to hear it. If you want, I have 2 videos in Vimeo that I could send you, if interested (message me your email, if so).
And I’m glad you enjoyed the camel photos! It was fun, and a bit silly, but gives us some wonderful memories!
As far as the amplification, it wasn’t up very much, probably just enough for us to be able to hear it. If you want, I have 2 videos in Vimeo that I could send you, if interested (message me your email, if so).
Jun 9th, 2023, 05:57 AM
#227
No, you are not off the hook, Nelson. I actually never had a burning desire to go to Egypt. Maybe it was overexposure due to all of the movies, the artifacts in every museum and the media constantly feeding our fascination with ancient Egypt. Something twigged after I saw progol’s report, however. I realized that I needed to see the monuments of Egypt – up close and personal - to really understand their magnificence and historical grandeur.
And besides that, it is Africa. And even though it is always rough around the edges, it is different. Maybe it is just me but every time I visit Africa, I feel an instant familiarity. It is like an echo of ancient memory.
And besides that, it is Africa. And even though it is always rough around the edges, it is different. Maybe it is just me but every time I visit Africa, I feel an instant familiarity. It is like an echo of ancient memory.
Jun 9th, 2023, 11:26 AM
#228
Original Poster
Nelson, I’m glad you’re enjoying this trip report, but I’m with Ian - there is nothing like actually being there! Up close and personal - actually being in these incredible sites and experiencing the power and mystery of them.
I know I mentioned it earlier, but we really loved seeing the series, “History of Ancient Egypt” by Bob Brier on Wondrium (formerly The Great Courses). It’s a series of lectures, shot quite a while ago as it’s just him at the podium with occasional cutaways to pictures of scenes or objects, but he is an expert in the field and is a passionate lecturer. I can’t tell you how often we referred to him on our trip. If you have the time, it’s worth it to subscribe to Wondrium just to watch it. It’ll really enhance the experience of the trip.,
I know I mentioned it earlier, but we really loved seeing the series, “History of Ancient Egypt” by Bob Brier on Wondrium (formerly The Great Courses). It’s a series of lectures, shot quite a while ago as it’s just him at the podium with occasional cutaways to pictures of scenes or objects, but he is an expert in the field and is a passionate lecturer. I can’t tell you how often we referred to him on our trip. If you have the time, it’s worth it to subscribe to Wondrium just to watch it. It’ll really enhance the experience of the trip.,
Jun 9th, 2023, 11:27 AM
#229
Original Poster
And on to Abu Simbel
And so it ends. We finished our 4 day trip on a dhabiya, a wonderful 4 days of traveling on a traditional boat, with a congenial group and fabulous crew. The morning was spent packing, saying goodbyes and waiting for our driver. We are off to Abu Simbel, 280km south and a looong 4 hour drive. Just before we made the trip, I found out that there is, in fact, a flight (which are limited) from Aswan to Abu Simbel, but our current itinerary was already fixed and it wasn’t worth shifting things around at that late date. Suffice it to say, the flights and routes in this region leave something to be desired.
We were picked up by the Djed driver around 9:45am and Hamesh was assigned as our guide. He is an easy companion for the long drive. The drive goes though large stretches of desert, much of it built up by the army. The desert here is described as “spectacular” but I’d beg to differ - it was mostly pretty dull, with a lot of construction much of the way. It was only when we came to one of the canals in the region where there is a great deal of farming (again, the military) that it becomes somewhat interesting. I loved the green fields - and they’re so green, I wondered if it was due to chemical sprays.
We arrived in Abu Simbel exactly 4 hours after leaving the boat dock, and stopping first at Kabara Nubian guesthouse, our stop for the one night. The place is charming with its many colorfully painted exteriors. The room is very simple with some woven “plates” for decoration, but the bathroom is modern. It’s more than fine for one night.
We’re picked up for The Visit around 3pm. And, finally, we arrive at Abu Simbel.
First however, we stop at the small museum with illustrations and text outlining the fascinating process of how Abu Simbel was moved more than 60m above its original location. This was thanks to the rising Nile waters after the construction of the new Aswan dam in the early 60s. In 1968, Abu Simbel was dismantled and moved to protect it from becoming submerged - a massive job.
And finally, after a walk down a long ramp, we finally behold the temple itself, the “Mount Rushmore of Egypt.” What a sight this site is! This is Ramses the Great’s temple with 4 colossal statues of himself on the front. It is truly something to behold! And the interior is also remarkable. Hamesh points out a series of reliefs where Ramses is inspiring his demoralized army in battle as he conquers the Hittites - powerful stuff! I’m awed, once again.
Next door, we visit the Temple of Hathor which Ramses built to honor his wife, Nefertari. The facade has more Ramses statues, along with his wife and some of their children. The art work is lovely and more graceful here.
We had tickets for the light show, but it’s still a couple of hours away, so we return to the guesthouse, where we have an early supper of chicken tagline and grilled meat.
And the light show. Well, I don’t know. We both thought it was really cheesy and honestly, not very well done. M disliked it while I was merely neutral. I found the animation dull and the audio overly schmalzy. The best I can say is that it wasn’t too long.
We were asked if we wanted to get up early to see it in the morning when the sun lights up the temple facade, but we were happy with our experience of it and didn’t need to see it again.
And so it ends. We finished our 4 day trip on a dhabiya, a wonderful 4 days of traveling on a traditional boat, with a congenial group and fabulous crew. The morning was spent packing, saying goodbyes and waiting for our driver. We are off to Abu Simbel, 280km south and a looong 4 hour drive. Just before we made the trip, I found out that there is, in fact, a flight (which are limited) from Aswan to Abu Simbel, but our current itinerary was already fixed and it wasn’t worth shifting things around at that late date. Suffice it to say, the flights and routes in this region leave something to be desired.
We were picked up by the Djed driver around 9:45am and Hamesh was assigned as our guide. He is an easy companion for the long drive. The drive goes though large stretches of desert, much of it built up by the army. The desert here is described as “spectacular” but I’d beg to differ - it was mostly pretty dull, with a lot of construction much of the way. It was only when we came to one of the canals in the region where there is a great deal of farming (again, the military) that it becomes somewhat interesting. I loved the green fields - and they’re so green, I wondered if it was due to chemical sprays.
We arrived in Abu Simbel exactly 4 hours after leaving the boat dock, and stopping first at Kabara Nubian guesthouse, our stop for the one night. The place is charming with its many colorfully painted exteriors. The room is very simple with some woven “plates” for decoration, but the bathroom is modern. It’s more than fine for one night.
We’re picked up for The Visit around 3pm. And, finally, we arrive at Abu Simbel.
First however, we stop at the small museum with illustrations and text outlining the fascinating process of how Abu Simbel was moved more than 60m above its original location. This was thanks to the rising Nile waters after the construction of the new Aswan dam in the early 60s. In 1968, Abu Simbel was dismantled and moved to protect it from becoming submerged - a massive job.
And finally, after a walk down a long ramp, we finally behold the temple itself, the “Mount Rushmore of Egypt.” What a sight this site is! This is Ramses the Great’s temple with 4 colossal statues of himself on the front. It is truly something to behold! And the interior is also remarkable. Hamesh points out a series of reliefs where Ramses is inspiring his demoralized army in battle as he conquers the Hittites - powerful stuff! I’m awed, once again.
Next door, we visit the Temple of Hathor which Ramses built to honor his wife, Nefertari. The facade has more Ramses statues, along with his wife and some of their children. The art work is lovely and more graceful here.
We had tickets for the light show, but it’s still a couple of hours away, so we return to the guesthouse, where we have an early supper of chicken tagline and grilled meat.
And the light show. Well, I don’t know. We both thought it was really cheesy and honestly, not very well done. M disliked it while I was merely neutral. I found the animation dull and the audio overly schmalzy. The best I can say is that it wasn’t too long.
We were asked if we wanted to get up early to see it in the morning when the sun lights up the temple facade, but we were happy with our experience of it and didn’t need to see it again.
Jun 9th, 2023, 11:56 AM
#230
Original Poster
The Drive and Kabara Nubian Guest House
The Djedmobile
A mirage in the desert - a small line of water appears in the near distance
Arrival at the guesthouse - loving the colors
Wonderful paintings
Views of every day life
Views of the guesthouse
Love the details!
The Djedmobile
A mirage in the desert - a small line of water appears in the near distance
Arrival at the guesthouse - loving the colors
Wonderful paintings
Views of every day life
Views of the guesthouse
Love the details!
Jun 9th, 2023, 12:12 PM
#231
Original Poster
Abu Simbel - at last!
Which way?
And there it is!
Ramses II
We are officially at Abu Simbel now!
My favorite adventurer- Indiana Rogol
Interior statue of Ramses II
Ramses II smiting the enemy
Captured!
Temple of Hathor
Interior of Temple of Hathor
Love the delicacy of the art in the Temple of Hathor
Abu Simbel at night
Which way?
And there it is!
Ramses II
We are officially at Abu Simbel now!
My favorite adventurer- Indiana Rogol
Interior statue of Ramses II
Ramses II smiting the enemy
Captured!
Temple of Hathor
Interior of Temple of Hathor
Love the delicacy of the art in the Temple of Hathor
Abu Simbel at night
Last edited by progol; Jun 9th, 2023 at 12:22 PM.
Jun 9th, 2023, 09:56 PM
#234
Ian and progol, thanks for your gentle prodding. Of course I'd love to go. Our favorite trips have usually included archeological sites, but it just may be that we never make it to some of the big ones. So I'm happy progol has, and is sharing this fabulous report and stunning photographs. Now you are on the hook, Ian!
progol, we have the Bob Brier Great Courses DVD and just watched within the last year. It was wonderful, a keeper that bears rewatching. (That is how I was aware of what was happening in one of your mummification photos.)
You are probably aware of his several books, including Cleopatra's Needles: The Lost Obelisks of Egypt. It's on my to-read list. Now, due to this report, I'll bump it higher up. Seems like it should be a good read.
Thanks again and safe travels.
progol, we have the Bob Brier Great Courses DVD and just watched within the last year. It was wonderful, a keeper that bears rewatching. (That is how I was aware of what was happening in one of your mummification photos.)
You are probably aware of his several books, including Cleopatra's Needles: The Lost Obelisks of Egypt. It's on my to-read list. Now, due to this report, I'll bump it higher up. Seems like it should be a good read.
Thanks again and safe travels.
Jun 10th, 2023, 04:50 AM
#235
Original Poster
Ian and progol, thanks for your gentle prodding. Of course I'd love to go. Our favorite trips have usually included archeological sites, but it just may be that we never make it to some of the big ones. So I'm happy progol has, and is sharing this fabulous report and stunning photographs. Now you are on the hook, Ian!
progol, we have the Bob Brier Great Courses DVD and just watched within the last year. It was wonderful, a keeper that bears rewatching. (That is how I was aware of what was happening in one of your mummification photos.)
You are probably aware of his several books, including Cleopatra's Needles: The Lost Obelisks of Egypt. It's on my to-read list. Now, due to this report, I'll bump it higher up. Seems like it should be a good read.
Thanks again and safe travels.
progol, we have the Bob Brier Great Courses DVD and just watched within the last year. It was wonderful, a keeper that bears rewatching. (That is how I was aware of what was happening in one of your mummification photos.)
You are probably aware of his several books, including Cleopatra's Needles: The Lost Obelisks of Egypt. It's on my to-read list. Now, due to this report, I'll bump it higher up. Seems like it should be a good read.
Thanks again and safe travels.
Another Bob Brier fan! You’ll appreciate how excited I got when we were at the Cairo Museum and saw the Narmer Palette!*
(*Narmer Palette - an engraved stone palette that depicts the uniting of Upper and Lower Egypt during the first dynasty. An incredibly important artifact!)
And I haven’t read his books but you’ve inspired me to do so. I see that Cleopatra’s Needles is in the local library so now I must read it! Living in NYC, we have our very own, which M&I have even visited recently. It’s amazing to see it.
Egypt in NYC - Cleopatra’s Needle in Central Park
Last edited by progol; Jun 10th, 2023 at 05:07 AM.
Jun 10th, 2023, 01:43 PM
#237
Original Poster
The Narmer Palette shows the king wearing a different crown on each face of the palette, signifying the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. This is the bulbed white crown of Upper (southern) Egypt.
The Narmer Palette shows the king wearing a different crown on each face of the palette, signifying the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. On this face, the king is wearing the red crown of Lower Egypt.
—————-
The obelisk, Cleopatra’s Needle, is right behind the Metropolitan Museum. Sadly, pollution and acid rain have badly damaged the hieroglyphs on the obelisk over the 100+ years it’s been standing in NYC, despite having been in relatively good condition when it arrived. But the transporting of it from Alexandria is quite amazing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleopa...(New_York_City)
Jun 11th, 2023, 11:07 AM
#238
What an awesome chronicle of an amazing trip!
I wonder if our going from Aswan to Abu Simbel will feel like overload? One day before the end of our Nile cruise (after Israel & Jordan) will we already be oversaturated with Egyptian temples? We will have a 3-1/2 hour drive each way and will do the RT drive & the visit to Abu Simbel in one day. Whaddya think? Is Abu Simbel different from the other sights we will have visited?
I wonder if our going from Aswan to Abu Simbel will feel like overload? One day before the end of our Nile cruise (after Israel & Jordan) will we already be oversaturated with Egyptian temples? We will have a 3-1/2 hour drive each way and will do the RT drive & the visit to Abu Simbel in one day. Whaddya think? Is Abu Simbel different from the other sights we will have visited?
Jun 11th, 2023, 11:52 AM
#239
Original Poster
What an awesome chronicle of an amazing trip!
I wonder if our going from Aswan to Abu Simbel will feel like overload? One day before the end of our Nile cruise (after Israel & Jordan) will we already be oversaturated with Egyptian temples? We will have a 3-1/2 hour drive each way and will do the RT drive & the visit to Abu Simbel in one day. Whaddya think? Is Abu Simbel different from the other sights we will have visited?
I wonder if our going from Aswan to Abu Simbel will feel like overload? One day before the end of our Nile cruise (after Israel & Jordan) will we already be oversaturated with Egyptian temples? We will have a 3-1/2 hour drive each way and will do the RT drive & the visit to Abu Simbel in one day. Whaddya think? Is Abu Simbel different from the other sights we will have visited?
Of course, people will say to you, “Did you see Abu Simbel?” So if you’re fine with answering “No”, I’d say you’re probably best off passing on it.
Hamesh, our guide, told us of a young couple who he accompanied from Aswan to Abu Simbel. They left Aswan around 2am or so, arriving in Abu Simbel at sunrise so that they could take photos for INSTAGRAM (!!). Then they turned around right after they were done to return to Aswan!! Don’t get me started on the absurdity of visiting somewhere simply to post it on Instagram….
Last edited by progol; Jun 11th, 2023 at 11:55 AM.
Jun 11th, 2023, 12:02 PM
#240
What an awesome chronicle of an amazing trip!
I wonder if our going from Aswan to Abu Simbel will feel like overload? One day before the end of our Nile cruise (after Israel & Jordan) will we already be oversaturated with Egyptian temples? We will have a 3-1/2 hour drive each way and will do the RT drive & the visit to Abu Simbel in one day. Whaddya think? Is Abu Simbel different from the other sights we will have visited?
I wonder if our going from Aswan to Abu Simbel will feel like overload? One day before the end of our Nile cruise (after Israel & Jordan) will we already be oversaturated with Egyptian temples? We will have a 3-1/2 hour drive each way and will do the RT drive & the visit to Abu Simbel in one day. Whaddya think? Is Abu Simbel different from the other sights we will have visited?
