On the tip of Northern Africa lies a mystical land. Egypt, a gateway to the continent of Africa has drawn travelers for centuries. Its temples of myth and legend have intrigued explorers and its famous pyramids have baffled even the most educated of minds.
While visiting this ancient city, you can imagine being back in the time of the Pharaohs. People still dress traditionally wearing their headscarfs and bedouin wraps. Call to prayer can be heard 5 times a day. There is a strong sense of tradition in the land and you feel as if you are frozen in time. Visiting the great pyramids lets you imagine exactly what life would have been like thousands of years ago.
It is impossible to understand how the Pyramids of Giza have survived over 4000 years. The desert, looters and all of the elements that Mother Nature can throw at them will not destroy these ancient structures. To see these giants standing proud over the land, you wonder in awe how they could have possibly be built by human hands. Take a camel to see the grounds and imagine that you are an ancient Pharaoh coming across these great monuments for the first time. What would it have felt like then?
Valley of the Kings is another popular place to visit on the tourist route is The Valley of the Kings. Located just outside of Luxor. The Valley of the Kings is a giant valley in the desert containing 63 tombs and chambers of Kings and noblemen; the most famous being King Tut.
A good travel tip is to hide your camera when entering the grounds. Many people manage to bring their camera's in and photos are allowed outside the temples. Do not however attempt to take a photo inside any of the temples. The flash can damage the ancient paints and you will have your camera taken away instantly. It is nice to have photo's from outside though because the valley is massive and impressive.
King Tuts tomb may be the most famous but it is hardly the most impressive. There are only a limited number of tombs open and one time and some of the other tombs are far more interesting of a visit. Rameses IV and Merneptah are two that are interesting. Mernaptah is located in a deep chamber and the walk down and up is steep. Rameses is large and very well preserved. Bright paintings on the walls depict scenes from various scriptures.
They have made the afterlife pleasant for their rulers. Large airy chambers are inviting and the bright colours on the walls make you feel as if you are visiting a joyous place rather than a place of burial. Kings were buried with great treasures, but the chambers in the Valley of the Kings are empty. Bandits had robbed the tombs years ago and whatever had been saved by excavators are now safely stored at the Antiquities Museum in Cairo.
Don't miss visiting the Hatshepsut's Temple nearby. Another must see destination in Egypt, it is a temple made for one of Egypt's most successful Pharaohs. What is so interesting about this temple is that it was made for a female king. It is amazing to see that Egypt was ruled by a woman for 21 years, in 1479 BC!
It is one of the most successful temples blending harmoniously with the land. Built into the side of an imposing cliff, it is thought to be one of the most dramatic temples on earth. Massive and intricate it is a sight not to be missed.
In 1997 a tragic event took place where 60 tourists were killed at the temple. After over a decade of time, things have returned back to normal. You hardly notice that such an event took place, however the armed guards are a reminder of unpleasant times.
Back in the town of Luxor you can find a great temple within footsteps of your hotel. Located in the heart of the city it is an impressive monument. Make sure to visit it at night for awesome photo opportunities as they are lit up for viewing. There are many shops and restaurants located across the street from the temple all with great views of the square out front where children play football.
Standing on the banks of Lake Nasser enroute to Sudan is Abu Simbel this temple was originally built on lower ground. With the creation of the Aswan Dam, an enormous undertaking was initiated in the 1960s to move the ruins to higher ground to keep them from becoming submerged under water.
Ramses is an imposing sight. Standing 20-metres high, four statues of Rameses II sit side by side. They stand guard over Lake Nasser and it is truly and impressive sight. You can see these by taking a tour from Luxor which is recommended since it is a 280km trip or if you plan on going to the Sudan, there is a great view from the ferry heading to Wadi Halfa.
Egypt is a destination that everyone must make time to visit. It is one of the most ancient locations on earth. Filled with grand temples and monuments, blessed with the Nile River and alive with energy and excitement it has something for every explorer to see.
While visiting this ancient city, you can imagine being back in the time of the Pharaohs. People still dress traditionally wearing their headscarfs and bedouin wraps. Call to prayer can be heard 5 times a day. There is a strong sense of tradition in the land and you feel as if you are frozen in time. Visiting the great pyramids lets you imagine exactly what life would have been like thousands of years ago.
It is impossible to understand how the Pyramids of Giza have survived over 4000 years. The desert, looters and all of the elements that Mother Nature can throw at them will not destroy these ancient structures. To see these giants standing proud over the land, you wonder in awe how they could have possibly be built by human hands. Take a camel to see the grounds and imagine that you are an ancient Pharaoh coming across these great monuments for the first time. What would it have felt like then?
Valley of the Kings is another popular place to visit on the tourist route is The Valley of the Kings. Located just outside of Luxor. The Valley of the Kings is a giant valley in the desert containing 63 tombs and chambers of Kings and noblemen; the most famous being King Tut.
A good travel tip is to hide your camera when entering the grounds. Many people manage to bring their camera's in and photos are allowed outside the temples. Do not however attempt to take a photo inside any of the temples. The flash can damage the ancient paints and you will have your camera taken away instantly. It is nice to have photo's from outside though because the valley is massive and impressive.
King Tuts tomb may be the most famous but it is hardly the most impressive. There are only a limited number of tombs open and one time and some of the other tombs are far more interesting of a visit. Rameses IV and Merneptah are two that are interesting. Mernaptah is located in a deep chamber and the walk down and up is steep. Rameses is large and very well preserved. Bright paintings on the walls depict scenes from various scriptures.
They have made the afterlife pleasant for their rulers. Large airy chambers are inviting and the bright colours on the walls make you feel as if you are visiting a joyous place rather than a place of burial. Kings were buried with great treasures, but the chambers in the Valley of the Kings are empty. Bandits had robbed the tombs years ago and whatever had been saved by excavators are now safely stored at the Antiquities Museum in Cairo.
Don't miss visiting the Hatshepsut's Temple nearby. Another must see destination in Egypt, it is a temple made for one of Egypt's most successful Pharaohs. What is so interesting about this temple is that it was made for a female king. It is amazing to see that Egypt was ruled by a woman for 21 years, in 1479 BC!
It is one of the most successful temples blending harmoniously with the land. Built into the side of an imposing cliff, it is thought to be one of the most dramatic temples on earth. Massive and intricate it is a sight not to be missed.
In 1997 a tragic event took place where 60 tourists were killed at the temple. After over a decade of time, things have returned back to normal. You hardly notice that such an event took place, however the armed guards are a reminder of unpleasant times.
Back in the town of Luxor you can find a great temple within footsteps of your hotel. Located in the heart of the city it is an impressive monument. Make sure to visit it at night for awesome photo opportunities as they are lit up for viewing. There are many shops and restaurants located across the street from the temple all with great views of the square out front where children play football.
Standing on the banks of Lake Nasser enroute to Sudan is Abu Simbel this temple was originally built on lower ground. With the creation of the Aswan Dam, an enormous undertaking was initiated in the 1960s to move the ruins to higher ground to keep them from becoming submerged under water.
Ramses is an imposing sight. Standing 20-metres high, four statues of Rameses II sit side by side. They stand guard over Lake Nasser and it is truly and impressive sight. You can see these by taking a tour from Luxor which is recommended since it is a 280km trip or if you plan on going to the Sudan, there is a great view from the ferry heading to Wadi Halfa.
Egypt is a destination that everyone must make time to visit. It is one of the most ancient locations on earth. Filled with grand temples and monuments, blessed with the Nile River and alive with energy and excitement it has something for every explorer to see.
About the Author:
Deb Corbeil is one half of Canada's Adventure Couple. Together with her husband Dave Bouskill they have trekked, hiked, biked and climbed to over 30 countries all over the globe. Check out their website theplanetd for more tips, advice and information on travel and adventure destinations. To view their photo gallery check out picturetheplanet
0 comments:
Post a Comment