Atop the minaret, Islamic Cairo in the background.
Atop the minaret. The Citadel and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali in the background. The first two images are from the NYTimes.
Islamic Cairo: Ibn Tulun mosque (879 AD)
Atop the minaret, Islamic Cairo in the background.Atop the minaret. The Citadel and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali in the background. The first two images are from the NYTimes.
Thrilled that Train to Luxor Finally Arrives...
After waiting on the train platform for 3 hours, we were ecstatic to get to our sleeper car (where we couldn't sleep, but at least we were moving).
On the way to Luxor from Cairo.
Invitation to Belly Dancing Competition
This sign was on the inside of our train car. Generally, the signs in English in Egypt are a 'wanderful' comedic diversion, even in the Museums.
Luxor Temple: 3000 Years of Religious History
Mosque built atop Pharaonic Temple.
Roman murals painted over Pharaonic hieroglyphics. Our Ship: The Nile Plaza
Our ship at Luxor was designated a 5 star cruise liner by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism (as is every other registered cruise ship operating on the Nile). All went well, but when they started playing the Muzak version of the Titanic soundtrack it was time for a drink. 
Fresh towel and blanket sculptures frightened or delighted us every day.
Teatime! Some remnants of colonial rule can be good after all.
Friends in Aswan, Elephantine Island
Our friends from the Nile cruise ship. MBAs from London and Melbourne. Theirs is a 10,500 mile long-distance relationship. We showed them lots of respect since there is a mere 6,730 miles between New York and Cairo.
Valley of the Kings, Luxor
Sadly our tickets only allowed us into two tombs. 
Sunny outside the tomb of Tuthmosis III's wife.
Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
View looking out from the second floor of the temple.
Original paint remaining from 1,450 BC. Why do I have to repaint my parents' house every three years?
Edfu Temple of Horus, South of Luxor
Example of well-preserved hieroglyphics.
Good example of the Greek architectural influence on the column capitals. This Ptolemaic (period of Roman rule) temple was constructed in 200 BC over the site of a smaller New Kingdom temple.
More Corinthian columns.
Karnak Temple
The complex is a vast open-air museum and the largest ancient religious site in the world. It is probably the second most visited place Egypt after the Pyramids at Giza near Cairo.
One of the better preserved statues.
One of the better preserved statues.
Hypostyle Hall at Karnak
The forest of columns is overwhelming. There are 134 total, the tallest of which are more than 60 feet tall.
Construction work began in the 16th century BC. Approximately thirty pharaohs contributed to the buildings, from the Middle Kingdom through Ptolemaic times.
Eager Merchants in Canoes
Hats off to these guys. They row up to each cruise boat waiting its turn to go through the locks at Esna (2-3 hours). They throw textiles into your boat (at you) at begin bargaining right away. Some of our boat mates warmed to it like a sport and purchased a few items by wrapping their money in plastic and throwing it down. Exact change is required. Sunny and I were both hit by flying scarves and blouses.
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