After a week of diving the Red Sea, I travelled to Luxor. My pics from diving will need to wait until I get home, I have no way of charging my laptop unfortunately, so for now…
The day started with a trip to see Hatshepsut Temple. She was the first female leader of Egypt, who seemed to like shady business.
Later, exploring the The Valley of the Kings was amazing. We got there nice and early and from what I understand, I got off real lucky. No line ups to get into the tombs I’m told is rare, so I’ll take it.
Valley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptCeiling art. I think if everything the ceilings are my favourite part, especially the stars. Valley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, EgyptValley of the Kings. Luxor, Egypt
After sweating out any extra water my system may have had on hand, we had a quick stop over in an alabaster shop. This stone is mined behind the Valley of the Kings and is famous in Egypt and all around the world. They immediately put me to work and complimented me by assuring me that I was a stronger than average woman.
Saqarra is home to the oldest pyramid that’s ever been discovered, the step pyramid of Saqqara. Apparently many people skip this portion of Egypt which, I would not recommend. The highlight here for me was being able to still see paint on the walls inside the tombs.
The hydrophilics here are are insanely awesome. It provides the perfect opportunity for my guide to explain the basics of how to read them and how they flowed throughout the tombs into the main chambers. It’s really cool to start to piece together some of the patterns and meanings and it’s very easy to see how one would get swept up in the whole study of it.
Saqqara, Egypt. Saqqara, EgyptSaqqara, EgyptSaqqara, EgyptStars on the roof. Saqqara, EgyptSaqqara, EgyptSaqqara, EgyptSaqqara, EgyptSaqqara, EgyptSaqqara, EgyptSaqqara, EgyptSaqqara, EgyptThe oldest know Egyptian pyramid. Saqqara, EgyptEntering the pyramid. Saqqara, EgyptSaqqara, EgyptSaqqara, EgyptSaqqara, EgyptDoor to the afterlife inside a tomb. Saqqara, EgyptThe statue is a replica but the picture is cool. Saqqara, EgyptSaqqara, EgyptSaqqara, EgyptSacrifice for the King. Saqqara, EgyptDoor to the afterlife. Saqqara, Egypt
Today was a very full day. Starting bright and early, we kicked off the day at the Great Pyramids of Giza. There was a moment where we were in traffic and I saw a glimpse of one. I froze. I wasn’t expecting it and it took my breath away. I think the last time I felt that way was the first time I saw the Rocky Mountains.
My first glimpse.
I am so lucky to have an amazing guide here. He has his Masters in Egyptology, I mean… could I have lucked out anymore than that?
Breathtaking. Pyramids Of Giza, Egypt My annual selfie The fact that they still cannot prove how these were built and the mystery behind it is even more awe inspiring when you see it yourself. The stones are insanely huge The Kings ship was buried here to accompany him in the afterlife A temple for one of his wives. And those stinky ass camels! Pyramid of Khafre, which was the one I went inside (entry into pyramids is extra) Climbing through the Pyramid of KhafreThis is where being Stubs is an advantage. That doesn’t happen often!Graffiti from grave robbers. Pyramid of KhafreInside the Pyramid of KhafreSo quiet. Pyramid of KhafreStill trying to believe my own eyes And then, to the Sphinx The mummification building leading to the Sphinx The Sphinx. Giza, EgyptThe Sphinx. Giza, EgyptThe tail of the Sphinx. Giza, EgyptThe Sphinx. Giza, Egypt
After what seemed like a dream, we headed to do some shopping where I got to experience two of Egypts great treasures, essential oils and papyrus paper
Government approved shop for essential oils, perfume bottles, and crystal. The Golden Eagle Crystal Shop. Government approved shop for essential oils, perfume bottles, and crystal. The Golden Eagle Crystal Shop.Then I met the glass blower who makes many items here. His father and grandfather were also glass blowers. We very quickly became friends
This was so much fun Preparation of the papyrus plant to make paperPapyrus paper process Rameses II statue. Memphis, Egypt. Rameses II statue. Memphis, Egypt.Rameses II statue. Memphis, Egypt.Memphis, Egypt Memphis, EgyptMemphis, EgyptMemphis, Egypt
Ever since I can remember, it was Egypt. The history of this place (which I’m only realizing how little I actually knew) has always been something that just stirs my soul. More than once, I thought it was time to travel here and for one reason or another, or perhaps just fate, now is the time I have finally made it. And, I’m ready.
Being on such a long and difficult journey the last year and a bit, I knew I needed something to shake me awake again. I needed to start finding myself again but in a big way. Losing your best friend and your partner forces you to reimagine life as you thought you knew it. Thinking about that made it clear why Egypt has eluded me all these years, it was meant to be right now.
This morning, my new friend Moustafa Mohsen took me to a variety of churches around Cairo and to The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. While there, I saw my first few mummies and was able to start to understand the evolution of Egyptian society. There are no words, just humility and reverence.
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.Carving on a wooden chariot. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.The king depicted crushing his enemies. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.The first known prosthetic, made for a Queen. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.Understandably, photos are not permitted in the area where the mummies are kept. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
After getting more information in my brain in the shortest amount of time possible, we headed to Old Cairo and visited three separate Churches.
Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church. Cairo, Egypt.
The first, Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, also known as Abu Serga, in Coptic Cairo. In this church, Joseph his Mary and Jesus stayed during their journey to Egypt.
Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church. Cairo, Egypt.Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church. Cairo, Egypt.Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church. Cairo, Egypt.The ceiling in some of these old churches are references to Noah’s Ark. Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church. Cairo, Egypt.Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church. The “hanging church”, known for being suspended in the air by pillars. The city has been built around it so the outside isn’t as obvious what a cool structure this is.Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church. The “hanging church”. Cairo, EgyptSaint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church. Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox ChurchYou could have an entire blog just about the doors. Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox ChurchSaint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox ChurchSaint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church
Tomorrow, I lay my eyes on the Great Pyramids for the first time.
stubsadventures 