Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Egypt 05

Day 4-6

Aswan-Luxor
Abu Simbel, KomOmbo Temple, Edfu Temple, Karnack Temple, Luxor Temple


When I used to see pictures of the Egyptian temples, I could not distinguish what was so important and so magnificent about these grand statues. They looked like all big rocks piled up. But when I joined that 3 am bus ride to reach one of the greatest temple, Abu Simbel. I was surprised again by the Ancient Egyptians ability and power. It took about seven hours drive from Aswan. Although this is a major historical site, the location is a bit inconvenient. Furthermore, you are not allowed to go there at any time. So we had to leave early in the morning as a group to reach there, following the police car in front. But, my, it most defiantly was a worthwhile trip! The historical importance and the statue figure. And thinking that this was all built at least five thousand years ago. China has quite a long history, but no wonder history always refers back to the Ancient Egyptians as the almighty ones. Even with today's technology to built such a figure with such detail will be a lot of work.

There were more surprises inside, for unlike today's bland and colorless environment of Modern Egypt, the Ancient Egyptians were very colorful. The temples and the historical treasure show how colorful and careful they were with detail. I wonder what happened throughout the century in Egypt's history that draw them away from their colorful past.


We took a horse carriage ride to Kom Ombo Temple. Looks nice, but it was actually a bit smelly. Phew!

Komombo Temple
So this is how they counted the days in Ancient Egyptian. Note how similar it is to today's counting. No wonder they were advanced.


The night view of Komombo Temple


Luxor: Karnack Temple
Luxor: Karnak Temple. The Obelisk.

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