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Egypt
Cruise on the Nile
slideshow
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Egypt
~ sights and culture along the Nile ~
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| Our round trip began with a cruise on the Nile and was a unique experience.
The invaluable cultural-historical treasures, the oriental style and way
of life and not at least the exotic scenery along
the Nile gave us the feeling of having stepped into a different world.
As soon as we arrived, we checked into our cruise
ship “Semiramis II” and then began a marvellous journey through the
fertile country of the Nile and approximately 5000 years of Egyptian history. |
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Our cruise led us from Luxor (Temple
of Hatshepsut, Tombs in the Valley of the Kings, Memnon Colossi, temples
at Luxor and Karnak) via Edfu (Horus Temple) and Kom Ombo (Ptolemaic
Temple) to Aswan (Philae Temple, dam, Botanic garden, city tour).
From Aswan we went by bus to the most magnificent Nubian Temple – Abu Simbel.
After that we sailed back to Luxor. In the second part of our trip
we went by plane to Cairo (Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara, Alabaster
Sphinx at Memphis, Alabaster Mosque and Egyptian museum Cairo) and then
by bus to Hurghada.
 All
the monumental testimonies of the thousands of years of high culture of
the Nile are still to be seen today in lofty beauty. Elaborate reliefs
with hieroglyphics and graphic scenes, which cover the columns and walls
of tombs and  temples,
describe the rich Egyptian mythology and the life in the kingdom of the
pharaohs in a fascinating way, like an historical book– chiselled out of
stone for eternity. A multitude of these monuments was declared world
heritage by UNESCO and some of them were saved from destruction by the
waters of the Nile (Philae, Abu Simbel) in spectacular rescue operations.
 The
godlike rule of the pharaohs manifests itself in particular in monumental
temples with gigantic columns, which rise up to 69 ft high/21 m (Karnak)
and colossal statues at a height of 66 ft/20 m (e.g.Abu Simbel), which
welcome the visitor in an awe-inspiring manner! It is beyond our imagination
to appreciate the size, grandeur and beauty of these architectural masterpieces
without seeing them, to say nothing of the Pyramids of Giza. Even though
we were well prepared, the actual sight of these monumental buildings,
with their mysterious pictorial and hieroglyphic inscriptions from ancient
times, filled us with amazement and deep admiration for what these
people were able to accomplish thousands of years ago.
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 During
the cruise the covered sun deck with sun beds, swimming pool, and bar offered
rest and relaxation between the sight-seeing excursions. The scenery
along the river, with romantic settlements embedded in luxuriant palm
groves, plantations and lush meadows, is simply marvellous. Many sailing
boats and about 300 cruise ships cruise the Nile, greeting each other with
cheerful sounds.
 The
Egyptian people were really hospitable and welcomed us friendly everywhere,
but also could be obtrusive, when trying to earn some Euro. However - this
is just the Orient! The large part of the population is very poor, although
the country has great resources like oil, the Suez Canal and the tourism.
As our guide Moses said, by the way of contrast the country has 45.000
Dollar millionaires!!!! After all we were happy to hear, that Egypt has
compulsory education for all children and in this way a good chance, for
a better future.
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 UNESCO
World Heritage Sites in Egypt
The
Ancient Egypt Site
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