Our days in Cairo gave us a wonderful experience to Ancient Egypt. One of our busiest days was going to Memphis, the original capital of Egypt. We visited the sight known as Dahshur to understand the progression of the construction of pyramids. The oldest one is called the Bent Pyramid because midway through it’s building the angle had to be changed from 56o to 43o in order for it not to collapse. Right next to it is the 2nd oldest pyramid with a larger base to calculate the 56o. We also visited a small outdoor museum that included a Sphinx made from Alabaster. It was beautiful. The afternoon was spent at and area called Sakkara (or Saqqara). Although I had been to the Step-Up pyramid, this place is much more. It’s really a huge archaeological site with at least two smaller pyramids, and mastabas (smaller tombs). Today we actually got to go inside one of the tombs. The entrance is very low and even I have to walk bent over. It’s steep but there are railings to hang onto until it opens up to a chamber. We walk through the chamber and continue into another shaft to walk further down into the pyramid until finally we are in one of 3 rooms. Everywhere there are pictures and texts; some still with color. Imagine these are over 4500 years old and still the color can be seen. Yes, even I made the trip down into the tomb but you can be sure I didn’t stay very long. Because it is very narrow and you must retrace your steps, some people hadn’t even arrived as I was making my way back up to the surface. It was only after the visit that our guide explained how lucky we were that the electricity worked because the last few times the power went out and it is very dark in the tomb. Probably would’ve woken up the dead if that had happened while I was down there.

Leaving Cairo we had to get to the airport by 5:00AM for our flight to Abu Simbel. However, because of dense fog, our flight was delayed 2 hours so our guide had to juggle the schedule in order to see everything on our itinerary for the day. She did a marvelous job. The area we are visiting was once Nubia. This is where most of the gold was mined in ancient Egypt to give us some of the most beautiful artifacts found in King Tut’s Tomb. Although he was not considered an important king during his time, many of the items were solid gold. I can only imagine what would’ve been in the more important kings such as Ramses II had it not been for the tomb robbers. When we finally arrived, we went directly to Abul Simbel which is actually two temples side by side - one for King Ramses II and the other to his most beloved royal wife, Queen Nefirtari. I’m in awe for two reasons. Built in the 1st century, it is the largest of 7 temples in Nubia carved into the sandstone mountain. With such precision, this was built so that twice a year (on Ramses II birthday and on his coronation day), the sun shines through the galleries and onto the faces of the seated figures deep inside the sanctuary. Fast forward in today’s modern world to the 1960’s of the building of the Aswan Dam when these two temples had to be moved to higher ground as they were threatened for the rising lake water. The US, Egypt and 12 other countries worked together moving over 10,000 pieces weighing an average of 30,000 tons of blocks of stone piece by piece and then putting it back together, 300” above Lake Nasser. This in itself was an amazing accomplishment. It was reconstructed with the same precision; the sun shines through the galleries’ twice a year but one day later due to the fact of being 300’ higher. (February 22 and October 22). I think how much can be accomplished when countries work together for an important cause rather than fighting.

We have had a marvelous time visiting Egypt. Although I was here only a year ago, it was certainly not enough. There are do many temples and so much history and so much shopping. One could get over “templed” (like going to Europe on the “church” tour). I bought a great little guide book “The Great Temples of Egypt” – it’s small, lightweight and gives a one-page description of 15 temples with great pictures too.

While on the 3-night Nile cruise, our group had a chance to relax a bit and get to know one another. We are from all over the US with very different backgrounds which makes it interesting. A few couples are traveling together but for the most part we all mingle with one another without grouping ourselves. There are some birthdays and anniversaries being celebrated. What a great way to celebrate! And Tauck really helps to make the celebration special. Last night while enjoying a Felucca (a sail boat with ancient designs) along the Nile during sunset, one of our members celebrated her 60th Birthday. While we enjoyed a choice of soft drinks, wine or beer and lots of yummy snacks, our tour director presented the birthday girl with a beautiful chocolate ice cream cake and we all sang. Tauck thinks of every detail. Many of the places we visit won’t allow cameras but Tauck provides small guides for us to have a souveniers.

Looking foward to returning to Jordan tomorrow.  I brought pictures from last year's trip to hand out to people.  Those I gave out in Egypt were so happy to receive them.  Especially the hawkers and camel riders.  Nobody ever thinks of them.  I had one guy offer me use of his camel for the rest of the day when I gave him a picture I took of him last year.  It's amazing such a small effort brings a grea deal of joy.