Egypt -- Day 2 & 3

So on Wednesday we had a relaxing day. We had a "city tour" on our coach, which basically meant taking a longer route to the market. We did stop once at a papyrus making factory and learned about how the ancient people made papyrus, what they used as paper. We then arrived to the tourist market where we could shop for a hour or so. Any price is negotiable there and the exchange route with the Egyptian pound is amazing so shopping was fun, to say the least.

We then went back to the hotel where we had an afternoon free to swim and relax. Some of us went into what they called the Infinity Pool which looked to go on forever because it "met up" with the Nile. So beautiful! Then some of us went on a carriage ride around the town of Luxor which was very eye opening. They live much more rustic lives than what I'm use to, yet the people look so happy and thankful. The children are so adorable! It reminds me to count my very many blessings.

The two beautiful girls I shared the ride with. Rachel--
& Elizabeth--

We then went to Luxor Temple. It was so beautiful because it was at night and all of the lights were on. The temple was on the East bank, in the land of the living. So it would have been a joyous place to go and worship one of their many gods. It also had beautiful decorations of religious and military stories all over the walls.

This is a similar statue to the one built by Hatshesput in Karnak Temple.

I believe these are statues of Ramses II.

The next day, Thursday, we visited the Temple of Hathor (their main female goddess) in Dendara. This particular temple was built during the time that the Greeks and Romans controlled Egypt. It was interesting to see some of the touches of Greek and Roman influences, but how it still was mainly Egyptian. The Greek and Roman emperors would depict themselves as an Egyptian god to gain respect by the people, which began with Alexander the Great. This temple also had a picture of Cleopatra VII (or Elizabeth Taylor) on the back wall. Historians know it is her because her name is written close by in hieroglyphics since she looks like all of the other pharaohs.

If you can make it out, this is showing 6 of the signs of the zodiac. The calendar system we use today was based on the ancient system the Egyptians used.

The lotus and papyrus planets standing for the two kingdoms that formed to make Egypt.

This is the key of life. It was an ancient symbol for long life and happiness.

Hathor. If you can tell, she has the ears of a cow because cows were seen as beautiful animals fo many different reasons.

Cleopatra VII-

We then had some free time and 5 of us took a beautiful boat ride down the Nile. The driver was so great he let everyone drive the boat for a little while. When it was my turn we basically went in a circle because I was confused. Oh well.

We were then off to Cairo to see the Great Pyramids!!