Ancient Egypt; Land of Mystery - Time Out #291

Once international travel is open again (and it WILL happen, believe me!), the outstanding destination discussed today, should be strongly considered. Even though my bride, Ms. Deborah, and I are able to tell you we saw it several years ago, we would also tell you, we will make a return visit!

EGYPT; officially the Arab Republic of Egypt.

This ancient country has an unbelievable history, and an even more unbelievable collection of memorable sites, landscapes, and people. Experiencing Egypt is almost beyond description. On our visit, we merely took in a few of the major attractions; for that reason, readers in Our Town and far beyond, a Breedlove return adventure to this African country will certainly happen.

We visited this unique destination via an extended land excursion off a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vessel, while on an eastern Mediterranean Sea cruise. Our NCL vessel docked in the historic (founded in 331 B.C.) port city of Alexandria. From there, we boarded a nice motor coach, for the 126-mile drive across the barren, desert-like earth to mighty Cairo. We had an excellent female Egyptologist guide, who remained with our group during our entire adventure in her country. Her spoken English language knowledge was excellent, too. Also. located in the back of our motor coach, was an armed (rifle) guard, so his presence made for an interesting conversation topic, too. Our small group totaled about 30 travelers off the ship. Arriving in Cairo, we were taken to the international airport, and were flown (415 miles) in a commercial jet to iconic Luxor. Luxor (1.3 million population) is south of the capital city, Cairo. Both cities are located on the incredible, so-called Upper Nile River. Ninety-percent of Egypt's population lives next to or very close by the legendary river (Nile Delta); most of the remainder of the country is part of the vast/desolate Sahara desert.

After an delicious lunch in Luxor, we were taken on a guided-tour of the Valley of the Kings, the most famous necropolis in Egypt. Located on the west side of the Nile, it is the burial location of over 60 pharaohs, including the now-famous young boy/king, Tutankhamun (i.e, "Tut"). We went into his burial tomb, and the next day, we saw his golden death mask and other tomb items, previously relocated from this location, when we took our guided tour of the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo. Centuries of plundering/grave robbing, had emptied the tombs of their treasurers, except for King Tut's tomb. It was professionally unearthed in 1922. However, we were also able to walk inside a few of the elegant, wall-decorated, empty, subterranean vaults The Valley of the Queens (and the royal children) is nearby, and we toured it, too. Here is located the seven-chambered tomb of Ramses II's consort, Nefertari. She was his favorite of his 40 wives.

That evening in Luxor, we stayed in a 5-star hotel. Our upstairs room had a nice balcony that overlooked the Nile River. Before we left for supper, we clearly heard the sundown call for prayer involving the Islamic faith; the classic sounds echoing down the legendary waterway. We had a memorable supper that night at the Temple of Karnak. a 100-acre religious complex that was constructed over a period of 1,500 years. After eating, we were given a guided tour, that included the 60,000-square-foot Hypostyle Hall. This area is composed of 134 decorated columns, 70-feet tall and 33-feet around! Just thinking about that place now makes me want to take MORE pictures! The setting, lovely music, and colorful night-lighting was simply magical.

Early the next morning, we made the return jet flight to Cairo. Our first tour stop was the previously mentioned "Egyptian Museum" (founded in 1858), located in the central part of the enormous (population over 20 million) city. Inside the crowded museum, our guided tour only stopped at the very high interest areas, because there is ABSOLUTELY no way a guest could manage to see everything on exhibit. For example, the astounding mummified remains of 27 pharaohs and their queens are on public display! Next, was a tour of the city, and, of course, there was something or someone for me to photograph at every turn. Lunch was served in the beautiful Marriott Mena House Hotel (1869) at Giza (providing us spectacular views of the city, pyramids and the desert). After eating, we traveled to the Sphinx, the classic, ancient slave-made statue, possessing the head of a human and the body of a lion. Just walking around the structure and looking up at it was breathtaking. Our final stop was at the famous 3 pyramids of Giza (10 miles from central Cairo). Just gazing at these wonders of Planet Earth made me think they were merely a desert mirage; they could NOT be real, because they are so enormous. Their ancient construction could not have been humanly possible? But, they ARE real, folks!. My bride and I were helped aboard (HIGH off the ground!) 2 one-hump camels, and were taken on a small walk in the bleak desert around the pyramids. Our daughter, Michelle's, favorite picture was taken when my bride and I were photographed kissing, with the Giza pyramids in the background.

Our tour completed, the motor coach returned to Alexandria (population 5.2 million), and we re-boarded our NCL cruise ship, leaving for our next port stop, the island nation of Malta. Wow, remembering that whirlwind Egyptian visit is so vivid to me. My crystal ball has us returning there, soon; our fingers are certainly crossed?