We arrive with our guide at the first temple - Edfu
This is the inner sanctum - a feature shared by all temples.
This is an example of early Christian vandalism. In the period from about 50 AD onwards there were groups of Christians hiding out from the Romans - this is what they did to the "idolatry" they found in their temple hiding places.
Cal sits below Horus
That's me below another carving of Horus
Horus and Sobek - isn't the carving magnificent - in raised form - i.e. achieved by removing the sourrounding stone rather than by chiselling an outline. It is technically much more challenging as just one mistake and it is ruined.
An early example of a birthing stool in use in ancient Egypt
Architectural lighting
Abu Simbel - this entire temple was moved stone by stone over 4 years from an island 300 metres behind my vantage point for this photo. The rising Nile in Lake Nasser behind me caused by the new high dam, meant that this temple had to be moved in its entireity. Google Abu Simbel for more info.
This is the smaller temple entrance at Abu Simbel - also moved from inside Lake Nasser
Cal with Walid - for the dressing up night.
These are all carvings from vegetables - even the flowers.
An example of the towel art practiced by the cabin staff. Every time we cam back into the cabin a different creature awaited us. Sometimes we had swans, cobras, monkeys ...
The sphinxes at Karnak
Our on-board entertainment - a whirling Dervish - who was actually very good.
This carving is part of the Pharonic creation myth. The discolouration reflections the numbers of hands that have stroked the affected part over the years. Remember this temple was under sand for a few thousand years.
This guy is on a bike!
The entrance to the Great Pyramid at Giza.
Cal on the Great Pyramid at Giza
The mounties didn't seem to get their man this time although he did come back and ask me for Baksheesh after he noticed me taking this photo.
This is the back of the Sphinx from the side of the Great Pyramid. Notice the very horrible Giza in the area in front of the Sphinx
Downtown Cairo's market
Our tour group having coffee in Cairo - see Walid (a different one from before) in the end table. He was one of the regular guides.
