Luxor Temple

Rob and I wrapped up our first day in Egypt by visiting the Luxor Temple. We arrived at the temple just as the sun was beginning to set which provided a great atmosphere as the stones seemed to glow. After a quick briefing by Gigi (our guide) we learned that this temple was built during the New Kingdom by Amenhotep III & Ramses II.















In the 14th century AD a mosque was built inside the complex and it recently was recently restored after having been on fire. We were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of everyday life as four colorful young women were chatting on a bench outside of the mosque.

 

After a walk through this end of the avenue of sphinxes we headed back to our boat for dinner. Meals were always plentiful on our boat (which is the #1 reason why I should travel on cruises!) and the views were always spectacular. The water was just a bit too chilly at night to take a dip in the pool...

...but the landscape of the west bank and the Valley of the Kings were well worth staying up a bit longer to enjoy!