Sharing some of my memories and travel pictures from an amazing Egypt trip that the hubby and I went in November, 2010 just 2 months before Egyptian Revolution in January 2011. Back then, we were still based in Austria and decided to do a big trip and went on the cruise by the Nile river trip for the husband's birthday. Both of us, being the avid mummy movie fans we are, we were hyper excited jumping up and down before the trip. Thinking back, it was really good timing because 2 months after our trip, Egypt became chaotic and it was advised not to travel to Egypt. Can't help reminiscing the wonders of this trip sometimes. Fond memories. Below are a few hi-lights from the trip.
Architectural wonders
I feel that everyone should visit Egypt once in a lifetime especially if you are the type who appreciate architectural marvels.
Karnak Temple
This is the great hypostyle hall of Karnak temple. From the picture, you can see that they are really very tall - 24 metres. The columns are more than a 3000 years old. I stood in awe and wondered how such a construction marvel it is and how the ancient Egyptians built it 3000 years ago. A big feat.
In this picture, you can see clearly "F.C.Drake 1857". Egypt is so ancient that even vandalism is 150 years old! In fact, it is common to see such vandalism in other temples too.
Luxor Temple
Outside the main entrance of the Luxor temple. That is the famous left obelisk. There was originally also a right obelisk too, i think.
At Luxor temple, it is common to see Roman frescoes . You know why? A little history here. After roman emperor Augustus conquered Egypt, he become the de facto pharoh. Much of Egypt's wealth then went to Rome to feed the Roman empire. Interestingly enough, a month after the Egypt trip, my husband and I made a trip to Rome. And we can see the incredible architectural connection between the Roman Empire in Rome and Egypt. Not talking about this further. This is for another blogpost.
Abu Simbel
This is me and the husband in front of Abu Simbel. All statutes are of Ramesses II. The head of the second statue from the left had fallen due to an earthquake. It was relocated to prevent it from sinking in the Niles river after the construction of Aswan Dam.
This is Abu Simbel during the sunset. It was a very relaxing evening just sitting there, admiring Abu Simbel and taking it in the atmosphere.
Random stuff
In Luxor, children running after tourist buses to solicit tourists to buy souvenirs is a common sight.
Not only the street children tried to solicit tourists on ground, they also tried to ask tourists to buy their stuff in Nile river. I must say that the children are excellent swimmers and actually swam in the Nile river from boat to boat. Resilient Egyptian kids. At the same time, i find it disheartening to see children putting their own lives in danger.
This is the Aswan night market. All kinds of spices and tourist souvenir sold on this street.
Ending this post with a picture of the beautiful Nile river in Luxor. The important river in forming Egyptian civilization. Stay tuned as i continue to post some of my travel pictures collection.