February 2008
Went to Luxor on a day trip from Cairo. Getting there was relatively easy. The one hour flight got us into Luxor at eight in the morning. Our private guide with driver met us at the airport, and the sight seeing pretty much started from there.
Ahmel is a history graduate, and most definitely knowledgeable. But we also appreciated how she didn’t try to cram too much information on that one day in Luxor and she also kept the day well paced so we were neither rushed, nor overwhelmed.
Valley of the Kings
Our first stop was to the Valley of the Kings, a necropolis of the pharaohs. For five hundred years, its been the burial place of Egypt’s New Kingdom Rulers. Excavation works are ongoing, new discoveries are still being made at this massive site.
History has it the Kings chose this remote and secluded site as a burial ground to keep away robbers and thieves. This link here provides very useful information on the Valley of the Kings – Luxor.
At this valley, we went to a Ramses tomb, and also to the tomb of Tutankhamun. The tomb of Tutankhamun has a very low ceiling, and if you’re over 5″1 you’ll be walking around with hunched shoulders. No photography’s allowed, this is necessary to help maintain the condition of the artwork in the chambers. The various hieroglyphs and cartouches in the tomb all depict various scenes of worship, the symbolism of raising the dead and other images. It was really cool to be inside the tomb in Luxor, and then seeing the treasures that’s been discovered in this tomb, on exhibit at the Cairo Museum.
Hatshepsut Temple
According to ancient Egyptian history, Hatshepsut was the first queen to rule over Egypt. For more her reign, here’s a link for reference: The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Luxor.
The magnificent temple is divided into three floors, or terraces. And what’s really amazing is how the cartouche (carved tablet) in and around the temples, still bear the colors they were painted in, from hundreds of years ago.
The enormous statues and intricate hieroglyphs all around the temple are highly captivating. Queen H Temple is just one of those places where you can most definitely let your mind wander, for hours and hours.
Valley of the Queens
Next stop, we went to the Valley of the Queens which holds the tombs of many royal wives and children. The most important tomb in the area, and a famous one is that of Queen Nefertari who was the Royal Wife to Ramses the Great.
During our visit, Queen Nefertari’s tomb was shut for restoration. But we spotted a small group of tourists heading to the tomb. Our guide learnt that the tomb was opened specially on that day for this small group of Japanese tourists who had paid US$5,000 for a viewing.
West & East
The valleys and the temple are situated on the West Bank of the Nile River. Our guide Ahmel said she’ll be taking us to the East Bank next, for lunch and the rest of the sightseeing. So we got into a motor-boat for a pleasant 15-minute ride to the other side.
Karnak Temple
We powered on after lunch, and headed to Karnak Temple which is also known as Karnak Complex which houses the Temple of Amun, dedicated to the Kings of Gods.
Yet another massive site, Karnak sits on about two miles of land area. One of the most amazing thing to see here is the Hypostyle Hall, which has over 100 columns! I’m no historian, so if you fancy doing some light reading, have a look here – Karnak Temple – Luxor, Egypt.
Luxor Temple
This was our final stop for the day. The site is a lot more modest in size when compared to the Karnak Temple, but just as beautiful. Luxor Temple was once occupied by a Roman camp. Our guide pointed out to a cartouche of Alexander The Great, ie proof that he was in Egypt, for about six months.
Sensory Overload
Oh yea, that was a lot to take in, in one day.But I’m glad we made the journey and took the time to explore this city that is extraordinarily rich in history and historical architecture.
The highlight for me, has to be the journey inside the tomb of Tutankhamun. That is an unforgettable, surreal an I-can’t-believe-I-did-that experience. And I am most definitely blown away by how the artwork at Queen H Temple has stood the elements and the test of time. It’s just amazing how the colors and the cartouche are still visible after hundreds of years…leaving behind many tales for the next generations to study, interpret, understand or just marvel at.
Back to Cairo
On our way back to the hotel from Cairo Airport, we’d noticed police officers lining the street. There was about one cop at every 20 meters. The driver said they’re preparing for President Hosni Mubarak who was returning from a Dubai trip that evening. The line of cops went on for about 10km, until the Presidential Palace and beyond. They were also on the rooftops of low-rise buildings, in addition to lining the street.
So that’s another interesting ride into Cairo, in addition to our arrival from Rome when Egypt had clinched the championship for Africa Cup of Nations. Never a dull moment in Cairo!
Always Pack Heels 