After a long work day on Saturday, the team was ready for a day off – a tour of the ancient sites of Luxor. Various guide books had been passed around among volunteers hoping to absorb 5000 years of history before viewing some of the many temples there. The four hour bus ride from Sohag to Luxor included beautiful picturesque countryside.
The first stop upon arrival to this small city, was Karnak Temple, which is actually a complex of temples constructed over thousands of years by many pharaohs, including Ramses II. The temperature was 100 degrees and rising as the team spilled out of the bus and scurried across the scorching pavement to the newly constructed visitors’ center which had air conditioning, among other amenities. A very knowledgeable guide had been obtained by Dr. Sherif. After an overview of Karnak’s history, “Mena” allowed the team to wander among the magnificent tall columns laced with hieroglyphics, seeking shady spots while admiring the grandeur. The next amazing site was the Valley of the Kings, about a 20 minute drive to the other side of the Nile River. By the time the erstwhile tourists arrived, the temperature had climbed to 110 F. The volunteers boarded a tram to travel the short distance up the road to the tombs which were buried deep in the hill walls. Anyone who had had thoughts of walking instead of taking the tram was dissuaded by the possibility of fainting from the heat. As there were too many tombs to see in the allotted time, the team chose to see 2-3. Those who insisted on a challenge braved the 210 steps up to the highest and most inconveniently placed tomb, that of King Tuthmose III, that had a view from the top of the climb.
By the time the team returned to the bus, they were completely wilted. But there was yet another important destination – the market. Those with an inclination to shop were given only 25 minutes to select a shop, view the array of goods, and haggle for a bargain price. Several volunteers accepted the challenge with gusto.
To top off a wonderful day, the team was treated to a late lunch at one of the most pleasant hotels in Luxor – the Hotel Sofitel, which has a lawn on the Nile. It was very pleasant to cool down again. Those who weren’t totally dehydrated partook of their first chilled beer of the week. It was a long but wonderful day for all.
I thought Florida was hot! That's great everyone did so much considering the heat.
Posted by: Rachael Miller | June 27, 2009 at 02:34 AM