Boarding on time in Chicago heading to Heathrow. \240This is one of those funky jets with business class situated 2/3/2. \240We are in the middle and Jeff is between me and another lady. \240 A thorn between two roses. \240When he wants out, as nature calls Jeff has to jump over the passenger behind me. \240It’s like gymnastics on a plane.

The menu for tonight and tomorrow morning. \240Cauliflower is very popular as are peppers. \240

For this trip and for the first time we are using air tags. \240 Thus far our luggage is right here with us. \240 Yea!

We arrived in Cairo on time. \240The airport is very clean and modern. \240We were greeted by Nabil our program director. \240 He will be with us the entire journey.

Tra

Pyramids from the plane window

The view from our hotel room overlooking downtown is sensational. \240We have a great view of the Nile as well you can see the traffic in the city center

Traffic from the airport to the hotel was horrible. \240 It took nearly 1.5 hours for the trip.

Citadel Walls

Mosque from outside

I love this manicured tree

Inside the mosque

There were numbers of cats and dogs in the area. \240They are vaccinated by the government. \240

View from the outside of the mosque

Later in the morning we visited the Egyptian Museum. \240There were many interesting artifacts, however the most important item was the gold mask of King Tut. \240Pictures were discouraged in this area but Tucker captured one

After lunch we visited another museum. \240This was a newer museum and very well organized. \240The high point of this museum were the 22 mummies and tombs that are highlighted. \240 Unfortunately there are no opportunities to take pictures in this area. \240One of the most interesting things was the small size of the mummies as well as their feet \240many had prosthetic toes. \240

Prosthetic toe

Egyptian jewelry

Egyptian sundial

This beautiful lake was behind the museum.

We enjoyed a birthday dinner at a very nice Italian restaurant in the hotel. \240When we returned from our excursions the hotel had sent dessert to our room. \240That was a nice surprise. \240We also enjoyed a glass of wine in the Marriott Executive Lounge before dinner.

The restaurant also treated Jeff to dessert after our meal. \240 He is one lucky guy.

Jeff received a new bolo tie for his birthday from me as well as one from the Renshaw’s. \240Again he is one lucky dude. \240

First look at the pyramids

Early pyramid

Trial pyramid

First we visited a tomb and examined the intricate carvings on the walls. \240It is so interesting that 4000 years ago this work could be accomplished

Nabil our Program Director for the 14 days

It was very windy today

Cobra heads that adorn the top of the building

Lots of camels and horses were in the area

We visited some tombs and the cravings on the walls were extraordinary, esoecially considering the tools which were available to don the work.

This was an agricultural area and many of the farmers used donkeys to pull their carts

Prior to lunch we visited a carpet school for a tour. \240We were able to see individuals weaving carpets by hand. \240All carpets were either silk or Egyptian cotton. \240We went to the showroom after the tour, but we did not partake of a new rug. \240

After a wonderful lunch we arrived at the pyramids for a tour. \240While we didn’t go inside we walked all around the base of the building. \240The pyramid is over 750 feet at the base. \240We visited the largest remaining pyramid. \240 It is amazing how specific the stone is cut and how tightly the blocks of sandstone fit together. \240 Not even a sheet of paper will slide between them. \240 Further the surface is so flat it s hard to believe this was built over 4000 years ago. \240In the past 4000 years 20% of the pyramid size has been lost due to wind and sand storms

This picture reveals the loss of stone over 4000 years

Reflects how deep the burial site is inside

Two stones fitted together

Continuing our busy day we took time out for a camel ride. \240 My camel was named Michael Jordon and he was very friendly. \240He did like to sniff other camels butts and eachhtimevwe passed another camel he went in for a whiff. \240 We had a great time and the camel keeper took some wonderful pictures

Our final stop of the day was at a sphinx. \240This is one of the largest remaining sphinx in the world. \240 I was astonished at the size of the work. \240

We returned to the hotel at 5:30 and Vik8ng hosted a dinner for us prior to departure tomorrow when we fly to Luxor to board the boat. \240

One fact I neglected to disclose is the extreme security here. \240 Police are very heavy at all the visitor sites. \240 When you enter a building regardless of what type there is a metal scanner and all bags must be scanned. \240 When our bus enters a parking lot there is typically some type of security check \240 At the hotel prior to entering the parking in the lobby area a dog walks around the bus and alerts for explosives. \240 I don’t know the dogs name so we will call him Fred.

Following the Karnak Temple we went to the Luxor library and watched a brief film on the temples in Luxor. \240Following the film we walked outside to take pictures of the sphinx row lining the entrance to the city. \240There was also a wonderful patio and what seemed to be an outdoor performance area

Arriving at the ship we were greeted in true Viking fashion by staff singing and playing instruments. \240

After check-in, lunch and unpacking we head for the bus at 5:30 to view the Luxor temple. \240 The temple is beautiful but what amazed us was the amount of wear these statues have received from wind and sand.

Lights at night as the sun set were extremely beautiful

Entrance with statues of Ramses the Second

1862 the statues at the entrance are buried to the neck in sand

Observe the sand and wind damage to the statue on the right

Best statue of Ramses he second

There is a stone yard beside the museum. \240A pieces are located the are cataloged and fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle. \240Above see there pieces are fitted together and then an archeologist adds drawings to depict the original work.

At dinner the ship brought our cake to celebrate Jeff’s birthday. \240They sang an Egyptian birthday song with a drum. \240It was really fun and such a surprise.

Tucker had a little incident with the wine before dinner. \240 We had o make fun of him.

Each little village has a sign naming naming the village along with a speed bump and \240many police with rifles

Harvested sugarcane

Our guide stopped a farmer and asked for a sugarcane stalk

We learned that houses are built one level at a time for family \240 When you see a house like this there will eventually be an additional story for a son and his family

We went through a town called \240Cede Abdule \240 \240 This town has a very scared mosque where families journey to celebrate this holy man \240 There were booths on the street with hats and candy for children.

Shortly after we crossed the Nile and were 15 minutes from the temple

We arrived at the temple.

These are stone bathtubs which were many times used a coffins

Tucker doing what Tucker does

Great small sphinx

We toured the outside of the temple first to see the craving of cleopatra and other examples of the stonework of the temple. \240This temple is only 2000 years old

Carving of cleopatra

Dove tails cut into the stone were used to stabilize the temple

Ceiling inside the temple. \240Admire the blue lapis

We climbed the stairs tonthe roof and viewed the zodiac signs on the ceiling

The ceiling

We returned to the ship around 6 PM in true viking tradition they hosted a welcome cocktail party and also introduced the senior team. \240

Our team for the cruise

Our captain

Jeff in his birthday bollo tie

Tuck and REIKO

We explored the tomb of Ramses the II Jeff explored Ramses III. We both explored the tombs of King Tut, Sedii the second and Sedi the great.

All the tombs were marvelous a great amount of carving and paintings. \240The exception was King Tut who passed away quickly at 18 and a prior abandoned tomb had to be utilized. \240However the golden mask and 5000 plus items were still located in the tomb. \240The gold mask is in a museum in Cario, we saw it earlier in the week

We viewed an unfinished tomb of SETI II. The tomb drawings and paintings were started at both the beginning and the end and when he passed the middle was not completed \240 \240The drawings are on the walls and some carvings and painting are completed

Incomplete portion. \240The drawing depict what was to be carved and painted

We also passed a archeological team beginning to dig where a new tomb was discovered. \240This is early in the discovery

We viewed the tomb of SETI the Great. \240This is the largest and most developed tomb. \240It is located 450 feet below ground. \240There is magnificent art and carvings on the walls \240

Following the Valley of the Kings we went to the Howard Carter house. \240Mr Carter discovered and did the excavation of King Tut’s tomb. \240The house is just as he left it in the late 1800’s

Howard Carter

Howard was an artist and a photographer. \240Here is one of his paintings

Light switch

Bathroom, no running water

Our next to last stop was the Hatshepsut Temple. \240This was a newer temple very well preserved. \240We came through the gauntlet and took the electric car to the temple. Guards were very prevalent as always

Interesting a fashion show is going to be held soon in front of the temple and construction workers were building a stage and catwalk. \240This was actually more interesting than the temple

Building of the stage and catwalk in front of the castle

Pictures of the catwalkandvstage from above. \240This is quite a production. \240I looked on line and didn’t see any notice of a fashion show

We returned to the ship for lunch and immediately began cruising up the Nile to Edna. \240 There was a lock on \240Nile and the trip took several hours. \240Jeff and I relaxed until dinner

Following dinner the ship provided a show of whirling dervish. \240 It was a dizzying experience. \240

The temple

After cleaning and preservation

Before the cleaning. \240 They are using a chemical developed by BASF to clean the fungus and dirt off the columns. \240Once clean you can see the original colors of the columns. \240No painting has been done only cleaning. \240It is amazing

The market

Weaving scarves by hand

Egyptian cotton separated for pillows

The Egyptian ironing a galabeya. He takes a drink then sprays the garment to moisten it. \240Interesting

This merchant creates stamps with your family name in 5 minutes for $5.00

Fava beans ground for falafel

Priest on a motorcycle. \240

The cathedral was even more lovely inside the walls

Cathedral front

Famous restaurant in Esna this is the old part of the city and these are original buildings

Dates

I could smell the strawberries they were so beautiful

Meat market

Orphanage Door. \240This building is being rehabbed

Behind the temple they are excavating the ruins as the houses that were built on top of them are torn down

We have to be back on the boat at 10 as we set sail for Aswan. \240There is a lot to do this afternoon if you choose. \240Here is the list of offerings. \240 I think I might go to the sun deck and read a book

We had a relaxing afternoon as we sailed. \240After lunch ventured to the sundeck. \240It was lovely outside but the pool is not headed and could not have been over 40 degrees. \240So much for the swimsuit. \240 The sundeck has seating for all 62 passangers and we under if weather cooperates we will have a bbq on the deck one night.

Tonight after the Egyptian dinner served family style the ship had Nubian dancers for entertainment. \240The music had an awesome beat and the dancing was quit energetic

Jeff and Tucker remained in the lounge after I retired. \240Apparently a horse found Jeff to be very attractive. \240 Apparently it was a hoot that I missed

We arrived at the new dam, the Nile is on one side and Lake Nassar on the other. This is the largest man made lake in the world. It is very windy. \240After we visited the dam we stopped at the lotus flower friendship tower built by the Russians

The Nile

The dam is tiered like a pyramid

Lake Nassar

On the sidewalk to the dam

As usual on the drive to Abu Symbel Jeff slept. \240He can sleep anywhere.

As I mentioned earlier the temple was cut apart and moved due to flooding in the 1960’s. \240 Here are some pictures of the parts prior to reassembly

We arrived at the temple. \240There is a large and small temple side by side. \240The fqct that the temple had to be taken apart and moved 500+ feet is amazing. The size of the temple is very large and it is astonishing to think of moving it.

The ceiling of the large temple was magnificent.

The ceiling

The depth of the cravings is interesting as the majority of the other temple the cravings are not deep

The lake in front of the temple

Next we visited the smaller temple. \240 It was much less eleborate than the large temple. \240We enjoyed both.

We were very glad that we took the golf cart down from the visitors center as the return was very steep. \240What goes down must come up.

Now back to the ship after eating our box lunches. \240It was quite a day! \240This adventure was on on Reiko’s must do list. I’m glad she is happy

Viking had life jackets moved to this small boats. \240No one used one, However they were there in case

Eco-lodge

This boat with 6 cabins can be rented for a week for $50k to explore Aswan and the Nile

Child padded up on a surf board and sang for us until someone paid him. \240

See how shallow the Nile is here. \240

Group getting ready to sand surf on surf boards down the dune

Note the darker line on the rocks, when winter comes and the river raises it will be this high. \240That is the water line

On the way down the river we passed the villa an mausoleum not Aga Kahn. \240 He and his wife are buried here and his son just recently passed at the age of 88 and was buried with them 2 days ago. \240The mausoleum is very large as is the villa. \240 They are situated right on the banks of the Nile

Aga Kahn villa and mausoleum

We arrived at the Nubian village and were welcomed inside a personal home. \240They had some crafts for sale but the interesting part was the colorful painting on the walls and exterior. \240The family also had a baby Crocodile that they were allowing guests to pet and hold. \240We didn’t partake I I thought it was cruel

They had camels

View from the roof top of the village

Rooms in the house

As always we had a body guard with us all the way. \240Everywhere we go there is a guard

Following the Nubian village visit we boarded our boats and returned to the West Bank of the Nile and boarded busses to take us to the temple of the day. \240 Intereting you must ride a boat ton the temple as it is on an island. \240Another interesting fact this temple was moved about 400 meters due to the rising water of the Nile. \240The temple stood in water for over a decade before it was taken apart and moved to higher ground on an adjoining island. \240 How you say? \240A copper wall was built around the temple then the water was pumped out and the soil allowed to dry for 2 years in order to cut the temple into 33,000 plus pieces, load on barges, move to the new site and reassembled. \240 Before moving the small mountainous rock on the island had to be flattened. \240 Lots of work. \240The temple was temple- ess, but the history was astonishing

Boat dock where we boarded

Solders sharpened their weapons onnthe pillars of the temple. \240These are the marks remaining

The dark lines on the sandstone reflect the water height on the temple before it was moved

Pillars remaining from the copper wall used to dry out the temple for moving.

Water lines reflecting the Nike depth in the winter

Eco-lodge

Our last stop of the morn8ng was a papyrus salon. \240This was really cool. The associate showed us how the papyrus is cut into thin strips once peeled, then soaked in water for 7 days. Soak for 14 days for a darker color! \240Afterward the strips are woven on a piece of felt and pressed for 14 days changing the felt pad daily. \240Then you have papyrus. \240The papyrus is then hand painted. \240 We were able to purchase one of the works of art. \240

Papyrus stalk

Peeling and slicing the stalk

After soaking weaving on the felt pad before pressing

Finished product

The paint used for the artwork

This is the piece we purchased. \240 It is the zodiac

We returned to the boat for lunch and promptly left port for a 2 hour voyage to the Kom Ombo temple. \240We docked and walk several hundred feet to the temple. \240This may be our \240last temple for awhile. \240This temple was dedicated to the crocodile and healing. \240 We saw many carvings but some of the most important were those of the surgical implements developed and used by the Egyptians. \240 We also were albe to see the calendar depicted with 3 seasons developed by the Egyptians. \240

Sun setting on the Nile

Temple entrance

These pillars were originally much higher they collapsed during an earthquake in the late ‘70’s

The calendar

Remaining ceiling of the temple. \240At one time the entire temple had a ceiling

Crocodile headed god

Here are carvings of the surgical implements developed and used. \240

This is the bath for priests. \240N they bathed 3 times per day n the water was pumped up from the Nile

The well

This cylinder was used to measure the depth of water in the Nile. \240This was used for tax purposes for the farmers

New active archeology site. \240

Sorting of the pieces which have been recovered

The last stop of the day was the Crocodile Museum. \240 Yes this was a jam packed day. \240We ride 2 different busses, 2 different boats, walked to 2 different sites and saw one Nubian village, 3 temples,one papyrus salon, and one museum. \240 \240

Preserved crocodiles

Mummified crocodile

Crocodile casket

Crocodile eggs

Crocodile mummy this was done to preserve the crocodile

We returned to the boat, a short walk and are casting off at 6 to sail to Edfu. \240I bet we sleep great tonight!

Dinner was the best meal Chef has served. \240We had French onion soup, chateaubriand,Delphine potatoes and chocolate brownie. \240Yummy! \240 \240The chef also made special white and dark chocolates.

Goodnight❤️

We arrived at the temple it was huge! \240I have a picture of Jeff in front of the temple to reflect how high the walls actually are. \240 We needed to walk through the gauntlet one more time. \240I know the people need to make a living, however it is challenging to wade through the sea of Egyptian humanity just to get to the bus.

This temple is dedicated to the falcon and there is an excellent stone falcon at the entrance. \240 Most of the interesting carving is outside of the temple on the walls. \240There were massive crowds at the temple, mostly inside. Nabil did an excellent job navigating the wall.

The original floor of the temple was stones of red, white and blue however most has been destroyed and replaced with sandstone or granite. \240Here is an example of the original temple floor

This is the wall which surrounded the temple. \240Monks lived in the caves of the walls.

Jeff in front of the temple entrance

Carved stone scupper to remove water from the flat roof.

Unfortunate in the last century individuals removed pieces of the temple for private collections. \240 They simple cut out the desired portion and sold it.

You can see examples of the number of cuts down this temple wall

Key of life

Inside the temple it was very crowded and difficult to navigate. \240We did get to walk through part of the inside but the crowd was so dense it was challenging. \240

Interesting the ceiling is black, but not due to fungus it was burned by the Romans. \240

The pillars are black from the ceiling burning

See the crowds

We decided to return to the exit and enjoy a coke and await the bus. Also we needed to rest up for our last run of the gauntlet today

Lots of different juices and smoothies were available at the cafe. \240 Following Nabil’s guidance of not eating or drinking anything except a canned coke we didn’t partake

We returned to the bus and the ship. \240 Cast off was supposed to be 10:30 but we were late returning. \240 When we left there were many boats waiting for our dock space and were very anxious to dock. \240There were 3 just beside us. \240Today we cruise back to Luxor arriving around 7 tonight. \240 This is our last night on the boat. \240 We disembark tomorrow morning and fly to Cario for the night.

prior to flying home.

Journeying down the Nile today the river is very peaceful with very little traffic. After lunch we arrived at the Esna Lock around 2. \240Since we are going up the river we will drop 45 feet in the lock.

I will say this about Egyptians they will go to great lengths to sell something. \240I was in our cabin after lunch and I heard a voice calling “hello hello”. There were two men in a rowboat calling to passengers trying to sell them a scarf or something. \240How they were going to get it on the boat and the money back who knows but they must have had a plan. \240This occurred right before we entered the lock. A few so aggressive they were standing on the lock wall. \240Unbelievable!

I took some pictures from the cabin balcony of the lock filling. \240

Jeff went up on the sundeck to watch the boat lock through and got some great pictures. \240He said from up there it was crazy with people yelling trying to sell things to passengers

We had a farewell dinner with all 61 passengers on our ship. \240The cruise has been lovely though short with a lot of unpacking and packing. \240We saw many wonderful things and experiences we never imagined. \240

Museum at night

GEM isvthe newest Egyptian museum. \240It has a very unique triangular design similar to a pyramid. \240In the concourse there is an obelisk which is suspended and photoesvwillnreflectbthe obelisk, the bade and the bottom of the obelisk. \240Interesting

Building in transit to the museum

Outside fountain to resemble rain

Suspended obelisk base

Bottom of obelisk

Egypt is depicted 50 times on thes entrance pillars

Entering the museum there is an enormous statue of Rammes II. \240On the left are numerous carved statues of gods. They are arranged in a stair step fashion for viewing

Rammes II

Layout of museum

The museum is beautiful and well laid out and the artifacts are displayed in a wonderful fashion. \240 This is one of the best museums we have experienced. \240The only disappointment is the King Tut gallery will not open until later this year. \240This gallery will contain over 5000 pieces from his tomb. \240

As we venture forward on the ride died are 4 inclining escalators reflecting pharaohs and kings. \240These step up the side of the museum. \240There are statues, tombs and other carved memorabilia. \240The real view is at the top when the view opens up to the pyramids. \240 What a surprise !

The view from the top of the escalator

We entered the main gallery and while we only had about an hour left we attempted to see as much as possible. \240This museum deserved over a day to properly the artifacts.

Sadly we needed to return to the hotel, however we had great views of the pyramids on the drive back

We returned to farewell dinner in the hotel. It was an early evening as most travelers were flying st 4 :00 AM. \240We took final pictures with Nabil and Osama \240 What a great trip, we were thrilled to share it with Tuck and Reiko

We boarded the American flight to Dallas and wow this is business class. \240 We each had a nice pod with layflat seats, comfy blankets, a great menu for dinner and lots of USB plugs. \240Wonderful!

Dinner was great an appetizer of fennel and barrata, mixed green salad, roast beef, boiled potatoes and veggies topped off with a hot fudge Sunday. \240Yum! \240This was accompanied by a California Cabernet and I’m all set

Arrived home around 9 last night. \240It was a long day we had been up about 31 hours, but did get some rest on the nearly 10 hour flight across the pond. \240This was one of the best hassle free, no delays trips we have taken. \240 Not much of a Valentines Day celebration, but the trip was awesome. \240Oliver and Olivia were thrilled we were home