Luxor

November 28
 
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“Up river” at Luxor (aka Thebes), early Egyptians of the 18th to the 20th Dynasty, used the site for royal tombs and nearby temples. We were guided through the Karnak Temple on our first day by an archeologist friend of Mostafa’s brother Ashraf. The temple complex was constructed starting 4,000 years ago in the Middle Kingdom.

Avenue of Sphinxes

First Gate

Rams Head Sphinx

This replica of a Royal Barque was in the Avenue of the Sphinxes. The Ramses II gate with monumental statues.

Royal Barque replica

Most excellent guide

Ramses II

The third gate, constructed most recently, had some Greek influence. Alex points to the cartouche naming Alexander as pharoah. Columns with paint still vibrant. Queen Hatshepsut’s obilisk.

Namesake

Closed papyrus columns

Kids and Hatshepsut Obelisk

Long day at Karnak, our group is happy and happier to be relaxing at the hotel pool on the Nile at sunset.

Happy faces

Overview

Aaaaah!

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