2017-10-10 Cairo to the Sanctuary Sunboat 1V, Luxor, Egypt
Last night due to an unfortunate flight delay leaving Amman, we unfortunately missed our connecting flight to Luxor from Cairo (mainly due to flights being booked too close together). Instead when we finally arrived in Cairo, we were booked into the Le Meridien Hotel for the night. Because of this occurrence we missed our first night aboard the Sunboat 1V……..our 7 night Nile Cruise ……which was disappointingThis morning we took the first flight south to Luxor which left mid morning and took approximately one hourArriving in Luxor we were collected by a representative from Abercrombie & Kent, the company which we booked the trip throughAs the cruise boat, the Sanctuary Sunboat 1V had already left Luxor very early in the morning, the tour company organised a driver and an experiences Egyptologist called Mohamed to take us by car and visit the sights which we would have otherwise missed because of the delayThe first stop for us in Luxor was to freshen up at a local hotel and collect some lunch boxes to take on our excursion by car north to Qena where the ancient Temple of Dendera is locatedWe make our way through Luxor, which was originally called Thebes and was the ancient capital of the Egyptian KingdomPassing the Temple of Luxor situated on the east bankWe then pass the avenue of sphinxes as we continue north out of LuxorDeparting Luxor we start our 84 km drive north on the eastern shore of the Nile to the town of Qena where we will visit the ancient site of Dendera
Piles of pumpkins and gourds are for sale along the roadSecurity is very noticeable at many intersections along the routeA Comprehensive Agricultural Development Plan has been set up for the city of Luxor and beyond…we noticed extensive farming all along the Nile as we head northWe arrive in the city of Qena which is mainly known for its ancient site of Dendera. The Qena area has a population of over 3 million however most people reside in the rural area surrounding the cityWe cross the Nile to the west bank and head for Dendera
On arrival we make our way along the lengthy stone path which leads us to the magnificent Temple of Hathor which is dedicated to the Goddess of LoveThe Temple of Hathor is believed to be the best preserved temple in all of Egypt, with parts dating back to the Ptolemaic Period (332-32 BC)The path is flanked by what remains of an avenue of Roman columns with Corinthian capitalsA relaxed guard at the GatewayThe Gateway was built for the Emperors Domitian and Trajan at the end of the 1st century ADOur very informative guide Mohamed who is an Eygptologist explains the history of the ancient siteSome of the artifacts on display here, for their age, are in perfect condition
Once we go inside the massive Temple of Dendera, just beyond the court is the absolutely spectacular Outer Hypostyle HallThe Outer Hypostyle Hall consists of 24 rather cumbersome columns which support the roof of the first hallThe ceiling is decorated with wonderful scenes and also astrological signs and symbols which is one of the finest and best preserved in EygptUnfortunately some of the faces have been disfigured in the Hall however surprisingly many are still in very good conditionThe original paint colours are still quite vibrant
Next we approach the inner Hypostyle HallThe SantuaryReliefs on the Sanctuary walls record the sacred barques of Hathor and HorusThe New Year ChapelWe explore the narrow tunnels
After quite a lengthy visit to the temple we return to the entrance
A happy book salesmanOn the trip returning to Luxor we again experience the military presence everywhereNumerous tractors share the road finishing their work for todayQuite a load!!!
Our very pleasant guide and driver deliver us to the Sanctuary Sunboat 1V so we can begin our Nile CruiseFortunately the boat returned to Luxor this evening so we could join the cruiseThe welcome party was ready to greet us when we arrivedOur pleasant cabin aboard the boat
After a long day we look forward to a nice glass of wine and a delicious dinner
Belly dancing ……….……and a whirling dervish show for entertainment aboard tonight
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