Nile River Cruise and Luxor


Most of the group went to Abul Simbal but Coralie and I stayed back. 3 hrs each way to see a temple. This is famous but I just didn't see the need. I don't have to see everything!
We had a leisurely breakfast on the terrace of the hotel then checked out of the hotel. We went with the bags to the ferry then to the boat so got our cabins early.  
all with an ensuite bathroom!
Coralie resting after a hard day!
other passengers doing the same. It was like a dormatory!!
the view from the back deck.
A lovely boat and incredible meals. There was a sun deck and a pool but if course in 41° it was a bit hot out!
The boat crew were lovely. Good fun.

That's actually a misnomer because the first night we were moored for the night in Aswan 3 boats deep. Waiting for more people to arrive.
We finally took off about 2pm but we filled our morning with shopping. We went to the linen shop and a jewelry shop. I actually bought a linen shirt and a sleeveless top! That's it  - bag filled!
It was lovely sailing up the Nile watching the world go by. Of course many other boats are doing the same.
Mike relaxing with a beer!
the view from my cabin window.
All the boats do the same trip in the season.  When we passed Edfu - we don't do there any more - lots of boats with men trying to sell their wares followed us. They were very strong throwers and threw clothes up to us - out booked threw them back. 
We also went through a lock which was 5m deep. We were the lead boat so it was fun watching.
I've once in Luxor we visited the Karnack Temple. These temples were enormous - 247 acres - 1971BCE - astonishing.
And then we went to the Valley of the Kings. This is where Tutankharmun's tomb was found. These are rock cut tombs and there are many.
We went to see Ramesses 1/9/5 and 6 and Tutankharmun. The colours were so vivid. This is 16C BC. Such excavations, so immense. The countryside around is so desolate. High rugged hills.
it was well worth seeing. Some tombs were so far down that the steps were very steep. Coming up good exercise. 
Also very hot down there.
Luxor a wealthy area. Soil very fertile so lots of crops grown here. So very green.
Some of the group went for a bit air balloon ride. The balloons looked great in the air. We went to meet them so watched them come down.

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