EGYPT AND SUEZ CANAL

EGYPT AND THE SUEZ CANAL
Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings is a valley in Egypt where for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th century to the 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the kings and powerful nobles of the new kingdom (the 18th through 20th dynasties of Ancient Egypt). The valley stands on the west bank of the Nile River, across from Thebes (modern Luxor), within the heart of the Theban Necropolis. The burial grounds consist of two valleys, East Valley, where the majority of the royal tombs are located, and the West Valley. The entire area has been a focus of concentrated archaeological and Egyptological exploration since the end of the 18th century, and its tombs and burials continue to stimulate research and interest. In modern times the valley has become famous for the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen (with its rumors of the curse of the Pharaohs), and is one of the most famous sites in the world.
Luxor
As the site of the ancient city of Thebes, Luxor has frequently been characterized as the world’s greatest open-air museum, the ruins of the temple complexes at Karnack and Luxor standing within the relatively modern city. Across the Nile River, lie monuments, temples and tombs, which include the Valley of the Kings.
We traveled by bus convoy ( over 70 busses from several tourist ships, etc.)for over 4 hours through the Egyptian countryside to stop at our first site, the Valley of the Kings. We went into the actual tombs of Ramses I,III and IV.What a marvel to see the hieroglyphics and colors that have lasted for well over 3000 years. Our next stops were to the Karnak and Luxor temples which were both amazing. We were very fortunate to have a guide that was also an Egyptologist. Our guide was able to tell us what stories the hieroglyphics were depicting and who had ordered them written. The ride through the interior of Egypt was itself an eye-opening experience. Once again, we witnessed Donkey led carts, bundled sugar cane and a lifestyle similar to that in India. The people appeared friendly and interested in the western tourist. Along the way were numerous military checkpoints and armed personnel watching our every move. Being so close to Iraq and Iran was a little nerve-racking for Larry.
Suez Canal
The Canal is a large artificial canal in Egypt, west of the Sinai Peninsula. It is 101 miles long and about 1000 feet wide at its narrowest point, and runs between Port Said on the Mediterranean Sea and Suez on the Red Sea. The Canal allows two-way water transportation, most importantly between Europe and Asia without having to travel the long way around via the southern tip of Africa. Before it’s opening in 1869, goods were sometimes off loaded from ships and carried over land between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. The Canal has no locks because the terrain through which it passes is flat, and the minor difference in sea level at the ends is easily coped with through the length of the Canal. Our passage through the canal started in the very early morning, before 5:30 AM and continued through out the day. Our passage was completed at 4PM. While in the canal we witnessed armed guards standing on manmade sand plateaus with machine guns on either side of the passage. Security was very noticeable and abundant. On either side of the canal are huge fields of sand, little to no vegetation, and the occasional village dotting the flat fields of sand off in the distance. The weather has cooled and it was pleasant to be out on deck with our sweaters in 68 degree temps.
We would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to our grandson, Ahmad, April 10th. Happy 2nd birthday Ahmad! Also, to Chrissy, Happy Birthday on the 21st! Next stop, Athens, Greece.