Luxor - the East and West Banks

The Egypt is up and going early.  We left for the Cairo airport at 4:30am. The coffee shops were in full swing, the mosques were opening for the first call to prayer, the night clubs were still rocking and there was NO traffic.  That is a good reason to get up and out early.

First stop in Luxor (Thebes) the capital of the New Kingdon (1570-1070 BC) was Karnak, the temple of Amun-Ra.  Karnak is known as Ipet-Sut, "The Most Esteemed Places".  

Luxor temple was the residence of Amun-Ra's consort Mut and her son Khonsu or "Harem of the South".

Excavations of these sites didn't start until 1885.  Money came from booty of wars, tribute and taxes.  The Egyptians were incredibly wealthy.

These temples are on the east bank, the side of the living and the side the sun rises.

On board the Esadora which has 64 rooms and is 8 stories tall.  

We were exhausted after a long day, so turned in early as we have a 4:15am wake up call tomorrow.

Today we visit the west bank, the side of the dead.  The Valley of the Kings is where the pharaohs chose to be buried.  It sort of looks like Death Valley.  The parking lot is empty when we pull up at 7am.  We have the place to ourselves.  We visit the tombs of Ramesses IV, Meneptah and Tutankhamun.  No cameras allowed.  

Back to the boat by noon.  A full day put in already.  The rest if the day is ours to rest, enjoy the pool and watch the villages pass by as we motor up the Nile. The vendors find us even while on the water.  They provided great entertainment while marketing and selling their wares.  

 

Some of our travel companions