Nancy
4:50 am
. . . Can someone explain how to add photos to a post? Thanks!
Click on the picture icon (mountain w/ sun) at the right of the tool bar, navigate to the directory containing your photos and select the one(s) you want. Remember you can “preview” your post to make sure it is ok and see the photo before you post it.
Home again. almost. We are sitting* at JFK waiting for our flight to RDU. *on a sore butt, the result of descending 100 feet+ to the bottom of the interior of the Bent Pyramid and climbing back out!
In the coming days I plan to review and update my previous posts, add photo captions, etc. and add new posts, including planning considerations- weather, luggage, food, electrical adapters, and extras to consider. As many of you know, I planned some extras- I did many, but not all. A little more planning and prior knowledge would have allowed more. So stand by. This was a totally awesome tour, truly a trip of a lifetime- my new #1 of all time!!
So glad you’re home safe, sound and satisfied. Jordan and Egypt are both so amazing because both are unlike anywhere in the world. Can’t wait to see your pictures and posts.
Starting back in again. Before I continue the day-by-day with photos, I thought I would address misc administrative, etc, details.
COVID, masks- I'm not going to spend much time here, things can change rapidly. Throughout the tour, all hotel staff, guides, drivers, wait staff wore masks, even when many other people did not. Our TD wore a mask at all times. Those on the tour wore masks on the bus and when close contact with others was possible. Mask wearing lessened as the tour progressed.
COVID Testing- we were tested before we left home for Jordan- it was no longer required. Tauck scheduled a test before we departed Jordan and before we flew home- those staying later arranged to have the doctor come to our room.
Airport Security- In Egypt, be prepared for security like you've never seen. We had to remove everything from our pockets, all jewelry, belts, and shoes, and pass through two metal detectors, often one right after another, and get a THOROUGH pat down, before all flights, even the private charter to Egypt and Abu Simbel.
The crowds at the Egypt Air check-in and security at Luxor airport almost caused some to miss the flight to Cairo. Our TD was nervous- everyone managed to get through (only to learn our flight was delayed).
Schedule It changed from the website to the green book to the Daily Go sheet. It can easily change, depending on how the boat, flight, and bus timing work out and in response to delays.
Ground Travel Security- we had an armed private security guard with us on the bus and while while touring sites. Sometimes a police vehicle followed the bus. Our bus had to make regular stops at security check points. The private guide we hired for post-tour sightseeing had to file an itinerary for the places we wanted to visit and likewise we were stopped and challenged during our private excursions to Meidom and Dahshur/Saqqara.
Tauck Airport Expeditor- as I mentioned, having a Tauck expeditor upon arrival at Queen Alia Airport in Amman was great and even more helpful when departing Cairo Even if flying Business you won't necessarily have a separate priority fast lane when entering the airport or at the check-in counter (at least one that is properly marked or manned.)
Electrical plug adapters The boat and all hotels except the Mena House had conveniently-located 220V outlets and 5V USB jacks. . Unless you only have one device or for maximum flexibility, I suggest you take at least one of each: Type C (w/two round pins), Type G (w/3 rectangular prongs), and a multi-outlet travel power strip:
Weather and Clothing- This will vary considerably depending on the month of travel. I still believe the best time to go is late March to mid-April. Even at this time of year it can be quite cool in Jordan (and everywhere) and can be hot in Egypt (especially in Aswan and at Abu Simbel). It can be a challenge to pack. Layering is the key! The Dead Sea resort area can be 10° or more warmer than Amman, Jerash, Madaba, etc., so a float is possible in March. Since it is a desert environment, temps vary widely throughout the day- hottest at around 3 pm then, once the sun goes down, they can drop like a rock.
Swimming and the wind Though there is a pool on the top decks of both the Oberoi Philea and Zahra, the prevailing wind blows from the north, so when you are steaming north the boat and wind speeds are additive and it can get quite breezy and cool, especially exiting the pool.
Shoes and dust- the sand more fine dust than sand. Remember that when packing shoes.
Local Currency We did not get local currency in Jordan- credit or USD worked everywhere. In Egypt we converted $100 to EGP and managed to spend it all. Our TD handed out 5 EGP notes for restroom tips. The Tauck-arranged going-home COVID test cost $147p/p The doctor accepted credit, however the assistant sent for our test wouldn't or couldn't accept it. I offered to get cash at the hotel ATM but he declined. I suspect he wanted USD like many (the EGP was devalued from 15 EGP to $ to 17 EPG to $ prior to the trip and is now over 18 EGP to $). I gave him cash USD. We only paid $140 p/p, ($7 discount for using cash??)
Photography- In Jordan, there were no restrictions on camera photography, just flash at Mt. Nebo and Madaba. Egypt just relaxed their restrictions on photography. A separate photo ticket is no longer needed and camera photography was permitted everywhere including in Nefertari's and Tut's tombs. Flash is still limited in tombs, etc. In one tomb (we were the only ones there) I asked the caretaker and was given permission to use flash.
Food Everyone has different tastes, so I won't comment on quality of offerings and taste, but be prepared for lots of mezzas- hummus, tabouleh, tahini, pickled veggies, olives, etc. and lots of breads (flat and other.) Meats included grilled chicken, lamb, beef, fish, and Falafel, Shawarma, kabobs, etc. Finding gluten- free was problematic. Meals were both self-served or dished buffet and off the menu.
Vendors They were everywhere, relentless, and sometimes aggressive. If you are not interested- do not engage, do not even acknowledge their existence, do not look them in the eye, just keep walking. Even "la shukran" with heavy emphasis on the "la" (NO thank you) doesn't work well. You can not physically avoid them in most places and must pass right by their stalls, e.g. in Abu Simbel, Karnak complex, etc. you must walk the gauntlet to exit to the bus. Also, be careful taking photographs where a local might "inadvertently" be in frame- they may hit you up for payment. If you feel inclined to tip- start out at 5 EGP (smallest note except for the rare 1 EGP note)
Crowds The tourist crowds are returning to Jordan and Egypt. We were lucky the crowds weren't too bad, except when we first arrived at Abu Simbel and later, in Kom Ombo, when it seemed like an entire elementary school student body showed up at a temples, .
What you see The itinerary on the website is not only different it also doesn't give a clear idea what you will see.
We saw the tomb of Nefertari (QV66) in the Valley of Queens, and King Tut (KV62) + 3 in the Valley of Kings. The +3 can change depending on what is open that day/evening. We saw the tombs of Rameses III (KV11), Rameses IX (KV6), and for those who wanted to make a slightly strenuous climb down, Rameses 1 (KV16)
On Giza and Saqqara day (Day 11) our Go Sheet said we would "explore Giza's storied pyramids." We "explored" the exterior only (and not given the option to enter any of the three pyramids here like it said in earlier versions of the website itinerary) of the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, and the sphinx. After lunch, we went to Saqqara where we saw the exterior of the step pyramid and entered the mastaba tomb of Mereruka and those who desired entered the small (rubble) pyramid tomb of Teti I. The website says, "the pyramids here include the Step Pyramid, Bent Pyramid, and Red Pyramid . . . You visit the great tomb of Mereruka. . . . " In reality, the Bent Pyramid, and Red Pyramid are not in Saqqara, but are located about 2 miles further south in Dahshur. You'll need a good telephoto lens to capture them!! There is no direct road, military property is between them, so you must drive east to the green belt (Nile valley) then south before heading west again to Dahshur. We took a private excursion to Dahshur on fly-home day.
Cairo Traffic The traffic in Cairo is some of the worst I've ever seen. However, despite 8 - 10 lanes of cars in a road marked with only 6 lanes, it always seems to move!! Lane lines seem only to be a casual suggestion as you see some vehicles straddling a line. Horns are used a lot. Remember all this before you ask why Tauck takes you to the airport so early or when you plan a private tour. If the traffic ever came to a stop, it could severely affect the time it takes to get anywhere!!!
One more note about security. All hotels, including the one we passed through when going between the boat and bus in Luxor, the boat, and most restaurants had airport metal detector portals we had to pass through before entering. While they appeared operative, the "beeps" were mostly ignored by the security people. However, ALL attractions in Jordan and Egypt had metal detector portals and separate luggage scanners with conveyor belts. Get used to removing your belt, jewelry, wallet etc. and everything in your pockets, many, many times during this tour. Our TD gave everyone small cloth bags for our stuff. You will quickly establish a routine. I usually just put everything in a zippered pocket in my man-purse/camera bag.
What a wonderful report, Alan! It appears that the traffic in Cairo hasn't improved since I was there in 2016. I describe it as "Rome on steroids." One of the funniest experiences was when I was in about 6 lanes of very slowly moving traffic (as a passenger), and a donkey cart was in the next lane. One of the times that we were sitting still, the donkey kept nudging the Toyota in front of him, trying to get it to move.
MCD
8:35AM
What a wonderful report, Alan! It appears that the traffic in Cairo hasn't improved since I was there in 2016. . . .
It is actually amazing to see it all work. Drivers seem to ignore rear-view and side-view mirrors. They drift from lane to land with no signalling, and maintain minimal front and side clearance (sometimes only a few inches!!), but I never saw an accident. The general rule seems to be if you have overlap or are just a tad ahead of the car next to you, you can move into his lane and he must yield. I guess it works because everyone follows the same crazy rules.
BKMD
9:29AM
Alan - Where was the Type G plug needed?
The G plug wasn't needed, but it will give you more flexibility where you can plug in.
Day 7 The Monastery of St. Simeon, Temple of Isis at Philea (now located on Agilkia Island), Temple of Kom Ombo.
This was an extremely busy day!! It would not be our last!! We went by bus to the ruins of the Monastery first. As the crow flies it is probably less that 5 miles directly across the Nile, in fact you can see the Nile from the monastery. But, there are no direct roads, we had to cross the low dam which only had one lane open due to construction, then drive through the desert to the west before heading back east towards the Nile and the monastery!
Yes, the monastery is that close to the Nile!!! You would never believe it from the bus ride!!
One of the Monks activities was brewing beer in this area!
Next up was a visit to the Temple of Isis at Philea. Like Abu Simbel, this temple was dismantled and relocated. It now resides on Agilkia Island in the lake between the low and high dams. Other than the alignment and spacing of the structures you would never know! We transferred from the bus to a small boat to get there.
It was primarily built during the Ptolemy era, but the complex contains Roman structures like the Kiosk of Emperor Trajan.
Upon returning to the boat we found this on our bed- a swan?:
As we ate lunch, the boat got underway for Lower Egypt heading "down"(north) on the Nile (got that? ). Our last views of Aswan. Quite an interesting topper on the round building in the second photo It matched the sign in the lower right.
We also got a better look at the tombs of the nobles on the west bank. About 6 of these are open while digs are ongoing in others. The monastery was just beyond the hilltop!
We weren't done. I went for a brief, but chilling, swim- the water temp in the sun deck pool was fine, but the wind, which ALWAYS blows south on the Nile, and the speed of the boat headed north made the air quite chilly. Next up was visit to the twin temples of Kom Ombo which is dedicated to the Crocodile god Sobek and the falcon headed god Horus. The temple was just a short walking distance from the boat. The reliefs and hieroglyphics on the soaring columns and walls in the vestibule and and hypostyle hall were amazing. Our Egyptologist guide tried to explain a few of the key features but there were too many.
This panel depicts a birthing chair and, on the right, one of the earliest depictions in history of surgical instruments.
Outside the Temple walls was this feature which initially looked like a well. It was, in fact, a nilometer, a structure used by the ancient Egyptians to measure and record the annual flood of the Nile.
Then we walked over to the the adjacent Crocodile Museum to view embalmed and mummified crocodiles, etc.
When we got back to the boat we were surprised by an intruder sitting in our room!
It's been about 6 years since I went to Egypt but, boy, these pictures do bring back great memories and I'm wondering if another trip there is in my future.
Now that the forum is back up, I'll try to organize and add a few captions. You'll notice above, there are no photos of what would be considered the ruins of a "monastery"
I used an iPad, which is what I take on tour to post and upload photos. It is possible to do a batch upload with the iPad which is what I attempted with the previous photos. Unfortunately, the order the photos appear in the post depends on the speed individual images load, not the order they were taken or listed in the file directory. It is just too hard to mess with on tour. I will continue adding to this thread. There will more photos, like the ones of the Northern Theater in Jerash and ones take in Wadi al-Farasa in Petra, that some who have already taken this tour may not have seen. Hang in there.
We didn't see mummified crocodiles on our trip in 2009. Even more to enjoy!
Re Security - Looks like much more than we experienced before. I hope we don't slow the group down. I have an artificial hip. No mobility issues at all now, but do need "special attention" when going through security. Anyone on your trip in that situation?
I had a "partial" knee replacement on my right side so set off the metal detectors everywhere. Obviously from my report, I have no mobility issues, either, but security was not a problem- I just pointed to my knee and said, "metal." I had a card, but it wasn't written in Arabic. Once I pulled my pant leg up to show my scar. You need to add little flaps to the hips of your slacks so you can show your scars. Whatever it takes- this is not a trip to be missed. While my wife does not agree, this was my #1, even topped K&T!!!
Comments
Fabulous photos…great memories! Can someone explain how to add photos to a post? Thanks!
Nancy Hi .
I do copy & paste, it is easier.
Click on the picture icon (mountain w/ sun) at the right of the tool bar, navigate to the directory containing your photos and select the one(s) you want. Remember you can “preview” your post to make sure it is ok and see the photo before you post it.
Or use copy and paste. When you paste, there is a little delay before a link appears within the text.
Home again. almost. We are sitting* at JFK waiting for our flight to RDU. *on a sore butt, the result of descending 100 feet+ to the bottom of the interior of the Bent Pyramid and climbing back out!
In the coming days I plan to review and update my previous posts, add photo captions, etc. and add new posts, including planning considerations- weather, luggage, food, electrical adapters, and extras to consider. As many of you know, I planned some extras- I did many, but not all. A little more planning and prior knowledge would have allowed more. So stand by. This was a totally awesome tour, truly a trip of a lifetime- my new #1 of all time!!
Alan, I'm so glad you were finally able to take this tour. I hope it was all and more than you wished for. Safe travels home.
So happy you had a great trip, thank you for all the pictures and comments. Welcome home.
So glad you’re home safe, sound and satisfied. Jordan and Egypt are both so amazing because both are unlike anywhere in the world. Can’t wait to see your pictures and posts.
AlanS - I so look forward to seeing your pictures inside the GEM. OOPS!
Alan, look forward to all you will post, especially the Petra hike, I hope I might be able to do it next year.
Alan, Wonderful pictures. We enjoyed this trip a lot and next year we are scheduled for Egypt and the Nile and Morocco.
Omg! you're back already... that went fast. Welcome back!!
)) we are happy to have you back safe.
mil - He came home via Stargate.
AlanS - Did you visit Tutankhamun's Sinkhole?
Starting back in again. Before I continue the day-by-day with photos, I thought I would address misc administrative, etc, details.
COVID, masks- I'm not going to spend much time here, things can change rapidly. Throughout the tour, all hotel staff, guides, drivers, wait staff wore masks, even when many other people did not. Our TD wore a mask at all times. Those on the tour wore masks on the bus and when close contact with others was possible. Mask wearing lessened as the tour progressed.
COVID Testing- we were tested before we left home for Jordan- it was no longer required.
Tauck scheduled a test before we departed Jordan and before we flew home- those staying later arranged to have the doctor come to our room.
Airport Security- In Egypt, be prepared for security like you've never seen. We had to remove everything from our pockets, all jewelry, belts, and shoes, and pass through two metal detectors, often one right after another, and get a THOROUGH pat down, before all flights, even the private charter to Egypt and Abu Simbel.
The crowds at the Egypt Air check-in and security at Luxor airport almost caused some to miss the flight to Cairo. Our TD was nervous- everyone managed to get through (only to learn our flight was delayed).
Schedule It changed from the website to the green book to the Daily Go sheet. It can easily change, depending on how the boat, flight, and bus timing work out and in response to delays.
Ground Travel Security- we had an armed private security guard with us on the bus and while while touring sites. Sometimes a police vehicle followed the bus. Our bus had to make regular stops at security check points. The private guide we hired for post-tour sightseeing had to file an itinerary for the places we wanted to visit and likewise we were stopped and challenged during our private excursions to Meidom and Dahshur/Saqqara.
Tauck Airport Expeditor- as I mentioned, having a Tauck expeditor upon arrival at Queen Alia Airport in Amman was great and even more helpful when departing Cairo Even if flying Business you won't necessarily have a separate priority fast lane when entering the airport or at the check-in counter (at least one that is properly marked or manned.)
Electrical plug adapters The boat and all hotels except the Mena House had conveniently-located 220V outlets and 5V USB jacks. . Unless you only have one device or for maximum flexibility, I suggest you take at least one of each: Type C (w/two round pins), Type G (w/3 rectangular prongs), and a multi-outlet travel power strip:
Weather and Clothing- This will vary considerably depending on the month of travel. I still believe the best time to go is late March to mid-April. Even at this time of year it can be quite cool in Jordan (and everywhere) and can be hot in Egypt (especially in Aswan and at Abu Simbel). It can be a challenge to pack. Layering is the key! The Dead Sea resort area can be 10° or more warmer than Amman, Jerash, Madaba, etc., so a float is possible in March. Since it is a desert environment, temps vary widely throughout the day- hottest at around 3 pm then, once the sun goes down, they can drop like a rock.
Swimming and the wind Though there is a pool on the top decks of both the Oberoi Philea and Zahra, the prevailing wind blows from the north, so when you are steaming north the boat and wind speeds are additive and it can get quite breezy and cool, especially exiting the pool.
Shoes and dust- the sand more fine dust than sand. Remember that when packing shoes.
Local Currency We did not get local currency in Jordan- credit or USD worked everywhere. In Egypt we converted $100 to EGP and managed to spend it all. Our TD handed out 5 EGP notes for restroom tips. The Tauck-arranged going-home COVID test cost $147p/p The doctor accepted credit, however the assistant sent for our test wouldn't or couldn't accept it. I offered to get cash at the hotel ATM but he declined. I suspect he wanted USD like many (the EGP was devalued from 15 EGP to $ to 17 EPG to $ prior to the trip and is now over 18 EGP to $). I gave him cash USD. We only paid $140 p/p, ($7 discount for using cash??)
Photography- In Jordan, there were no restrictions on camera photography, just flash at Mt. Nebo and Madaba. Egypt just relaxed their restrictions on photography. A separate photo ticket is no longer needed and camera photography was permitted everywhere including in Nefertari's and Tut's tombs. Flash is still limited in tombs, etc. In one tomb (we were the only ones there) I asked the caretaker and was given permission to use flash.
Food Everyone has different tastes, so I won't comment on quality of offerings and taste, but be prepared for lots of mezzas- hummus, tabouleh, tahini, pickled veggies, olives, etc. and lots of breads (flat and other.) Meats included grilled chicken, lamb, beef, fish, and Falafel, Shawarma, kabobs, etc. Finding gluten- free was problematic. Meals were both self-served or dished buffet and off the menu.
Vendors They were everywhere, relentless, and sometimes aggressive. If you are not interested- do not engage, do not even acknowledge their existence, do not look them in the eye, just keep walking. Even "la shukran" with heavy emphasis on the "la" (NO thank you) doesn't work well. You can not physically avoid them in most places and must pass right by their stalls, e.g. in Abu Simbel, Karnak complex, etc. you must walk the gauntlet to exit to the bus. Also, be careful taking photographs where a local might "inadvertently" be in frame- they may hit you up for payment. If you feel inclined to tip- start out at 5 EGP (smallest note except for the rare 1 EGP note)
Crowds The tourist crowds are returning to Jordan and Egypt. We were lucky the crowds weren't too bad, except when we first arrived at Abu Simbel and later, in Kom Ombo, when it seemed like an entire elementary school student body showed up at a temples, .
What you see The itinerary on the website is not only different it also doesn't give a clear idea what you will see.
We saw the tomb of Nefertari (QV66) in the Valley of Queens, and King Tut (KV62) + 3 in the Valley of Kings. The +3 can change depending on what is open that day/evening. We saw the tombs of Rameses III (KV11), Rameses IX (KV6), and for those who wanted to make a slightly strenuous climb down, Rameses 1 (KV16)
On Giza and Saqqara day (Day 11) our Go Sheet said we would "explore Giza's storied pyramids." We "explored" the exterior only (and not given the option to enter any of the three pyramids here like it said in earlier versions of the website itinerary) of the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, and the sphinx. After lunch, we went to Saqqara where we saw the exterior of the step pyramid and entered the mastaba tomb of Mereruka and those who desired entered the small (rubble) pyramid tomb of Teti I. The website says, "the pyramids here include the Step Pyramid, Bent Pyramid, and Red Pyramid . . . You visit the great tomb of Mereruka. . . . " In reality, the Bent Pyramid, and Red Pyramid are not in Saqqara, but are located about 2 miles further south in Dahshur. You'll need a good telephoto lens to capture them!! There is no direct road, military property is between them, so you must drive east to the green belt (Nile valley) then south before heading west again to Dahshur. We took a private excursion to Dahshur on fly-home day.
Cairo Traffic The traffic in Cairo is some of the worst I've ever seen. However, despite 8 - 10 lanes of cars in a road marked with only 6 lanes, it always seems to move!! Lane lines seem only to be a casual suggestion as you see some vehicles straddling a line. Horns are used a lot. Remember all this before you ask why Tauck takes you to the airport so early or when you plan a private tour. If the traffic ever came to a stop, it could severely affect the time it takes to get anywhere!!!
One more note about security. All hotels, including the one we passed through when going between the boat and bus in Luxor, the boat, and most restaurants had airport metal detector portals we had to pass through before entering. While they appeared operative, the "beeps" were mostly ignored by the security people. However, ALL attractions in Jordan and Egypt had metal detector portals and separate luggage scanners with conveyor belts. Get used to removing your belt, jewelry, wallet etc. and everything in your pockets, many, many times during this tour. Our TD gave everyone small cloth bags for our stuff. You will quickly establish a routine. I usually just put everything in a zippered pocket in my man-purse/camera bag.
What a wonderful report, Alan! It appears that the traffic in Cairo hasn't improved since I was there in 2016. I describe it as "Rome on steroids." One of the funniest experiences was when I was in about 6 lanes of very slowly moving traffic (as a passenger), and a donkey cart was in the next lane. One of the times that we were sitting still, the donkey kept nudging the Toyota in front of him, trying to get it to move.
Alan - Where was the Type G plug needed?
It is actually amazing to see it all work. Drivers seem to ignore rear-view and side-view mirrors. They drift from lane to land with no signalling, and maintain minimal front and side clearance (sometimes only a few inches!!), but I never saw an accident. The general rule seems to be if you have overlap or are just a tad ahead of the car next to you, you can move into his lane and he must yield. I guess it works because everyone follows the same crazy rules.
The G plug wasn't needed, but it will give you more flexibility where you can plug in.
Alan, Welcome back.
as expected great report, waiting for the pictures ...:) Have a lovely day, I'm at work and as always it's a circus!
Latest please on whether we need to pack a sports coat for husband for dinner. Thanks and welcome home!
Not needed. I took one, but few others did.
Alan, thank you so much for the lovely and detailed report. I’ve copied and filed it in case we ever go!
Great report Alan, welcome home, you finally did it.
This was an extremely busy day!! It would not be our last!! We went by bus to the ruins of the Monastery first. As the crow flies it is probably less that 5 miles directly across the Nile, in fact you can see the Nile from the monastery. But, there are no direct roads, we had to cross the low dam which only had one lane open due to construction, then drive through the desert to the west before heading back east towards the Nile and the monastery!
Yes, the monastery is that close to the Nile!!! You would never believe it from the bus ride!!
One of the Monks activities was brewing beer in this area!
Next up was a visit to the Temple of Isis at Philea. Like Abu Simbel, this temple was dismantled and relocated. It now resides on Agilkia Island in the lake between the low and high dams. Other than the alignment and spacing of the structures you would never know! We transferred from the bus to a small boat to get there.
It was primarily built during the Ptolemy era, but the complex contains Roman structures like the Kiosk of Emperor Trajan.
Upon returning to the boat we found this on our bed- a swan?:
As we ate lunch, the boat got underway for Lower Egypt heading "down"(north) on the Nile (got that?
). Our last views of Aswan. Quite an interesting topper on the round building in the second photo 
It matched the sign in the lower right.
We also got a better look at the tombs of the nobles on the west bank. About 6 of these are open while digs are ongoing in others. The monastery was just beyond the hilltop!
We weren't done. I went for a brief, but chilling, swim- the water temp in the sun deck pool was fine, but the wind, which ALWAYS blows south on the Nile, and the speed of the boat headed north made the air quite chilly. Next up was visit to the twin temples of Kom Ombo which is dedicated to the Crocodile god Sobek and the falcon headed god Horus. The temple was just a short walking distance from the boat. The reliefs and hieroglyphics on the soaring columns and walls in the vestibule and and hypostyle hall were amazing. Our Egyptologist guide tried to explain a few of the key features but there were too many.
This panel depicts a birthing chair and, on the right, one of the earliest depictions in history of surgical instruments.
Outside the Temple walls was this feature which initially looked like a well. It was, in fact, a nilometer, a structure used by the ancient Egyptians to measure and record the annual flood of the Nile.
Then we walked over to the the adjacent Crocodile Museum to view embalmed and mummified crocodiles, etc.
When we got back to the boat we were surprised by an intruder sitting in our room!
The boat got underway for Edfu.
Great pictures Alan, thank you
It's been about 6 years since I went to Egypt but, boy, these pictures do bring back great memories and I'm wondering if another trip there is in my future.
Now that the forum is back up, I'll try to organize and add a few captions. You'll notice above, there are no photos of what would be considered the ruins of a "monastery"
I used an iPad, which is what I take on tour to post and upload photos. It is possible to do a batch upload with the iPad which is what I attempted with the previous photos. Unfortunately, the order the photos appear in the post depends on the speed individual images load, not the order they were taken or listed in the file directory. It is just too hard to mess with on tour. I will continue adding to this thread. There will more photos, like the ones of the Northern Theater in Jerash and ones take in Wadi al-Farasa in Petra, that some who have already taken this tour may not have seen. Hang in there.
We didn't see mummified crocodiles on our trip in 2009. Even more to enjoy!
Re Security - Looks like much more than we experienced before. I hope we don't slow the group down. I have an artificial hip. No mobility issues at all now, but do need "special attention" when going through security. Anyone on your trip in that situation?
I had a "partial" knee replacement on my right side so set off the metal detectors everywhere. Obviously from my report, I have no mobility issues, either, but security was not a problem- I just pointed to my knee and said, "metal." I had a card, but it wasn't written in Arabic. Once I pulled my pant leg up to show my scar. You need to add little flaps to the hips of your slacks so you can show your scars.
Whatever it takes- this is not a trip to be missed. While my wife does not agree, this was my #1, even topped K&T!!!