FEBRUARY 14 - ABU SIMBEL AND BACK TO CAIRO

Another long day ... checking out of the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV and heading towards the airport for a short flight to Abu Simbel.  Originally, our itinerary called for a 3 1/2 hour coach ride to Abu Simbel and back to Aswan but, for whatever reason, we lucked out and instead of seven hours in a coach, we were able to fly in less than an hour to Abu Simbel.

















 

Abu Simbel is only 25 miles from the Sudan border and security is taken VERY     seriously.  Border patrol is extremely conscious of drugs and weapons smuggling. With the exception of our underwear, top and pants, just about everything had to be removed including:  visor, watch, necklace, medicine, gum, flashlight, jacket, shoes;  Michael's itsy bitsy sewing scissors were confiscated.  Every one was patted down (this actually became routine during all our travels) and women and men went through separate lines (also routine at every airport).  

Abu Simbel is arguably the most beautiful of all the temples in Egypt.  

 

"The Great Temple stands 98 feet (30 metres) high and 115 feet (35 metres) long with four seated colossi flanking the entrance, two to each side, depicting Ramesses II on his throne; each one 65 feet (20 metres) tall. Beneath these giant figures are smaller statues (still larger than life-sized) depicting Ramesses' conquered enemies, the Nubians, Libyans, and Hittites. Further statues represent his family members and various protecting gods and symbols of power. Passing between the colossi, through the central entrance, the interior of the temple is decorated with engravings showing Ramesses and Nefertari paying homage to the gods. Ramesses' great victory at Kadesh (considered by modern scholars to be more of a draw than an Egyptian triumph) is also depicted in detail across the north wall of the Hypostyle Hall."


 










Illuminated wall of the inner sanctuary 

"The Small Temple stands nearby at a height of 40 feet (12 metres) and 92 feet (28 metres) long. This temple is also adorned by colossi across the front facade, three on either side of the doorway, depicting Ramesses and his queen Nefertari (four statues of the king and two of the queen) at a height of 32 feet (10 metres). The prestige of the queen is apparent in that, usually, a female is represented on a much smaller scale than the Pharaoh while, at Abu Simbel, Nefertari is rendered the same size as Ramesses. The Small Temple is also notable in that it is the second time in ancient Egyptian history that a ruler dedicated a temple to his wife (the first time being the Pharaoh Akhenaton, 1353-1336 BCE, who dedicated a temple to his queen Nefertiti). The walls of this temple are dedicated to images of Ramesses and Nefertari making offerings to the gods and to depictions of the goddess Hathor."





 
Relief in the Small Temple at Abu Simbel, depicting Nefertari (left) and Ramses II killing an enemy
 







I did find my little Taweret in Abu Simbel for which I (probably over) paid $20.00.  But it was a very important part of my trip and a great little reminder on this extraordinary trip.


 

 

 

 

 


Our trip back to Cairo involved a stopover in Aswan

In Cairo, we were met, once again, at the airport by our Tour Coordinator, Hossam, from A&K who handled all our baggage.


It was a very long day but it seemed to get longer because some of our companion's luggage took a while to appear in baggage claim.  As I mentioned before, there are no animals at the airport (like in America) but PLENTY of unruly, screaming kids.

Our stay for the next two nights would be at the Four Seasons in Cairo. 


 









We were pretty exhausted by the time we finally got back to the hotel and we were expecting a doctor to arrive at our hotel room to give us our next COVID test required by Jordan (which, of course, was negative).  We did go to the Business Center of the Hotel to complete the pre-arrival registration form required by Jordan as well.  

Finally, back in our room, we decided to order room service.  Caesar salad with grilled chicken for me;  pizza for Michael. 


We had a good night's rest and ready to face the next morning in Cairo.  Views from our room:  













 

Comments

  1. Ron and LauraMarch 24, 2022 at 8:37 PM

    Pizza for Michael in Cairo?? How was Egyptian food?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LeonaMarch 30, 2022 at 9:28 AM

      Food throughout all three countries was absolutely fantastic! Falafel, hummus and, of course, my absolute favorite, babaghanoug were all wonderfully delicious.

      Delete

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