along with two smaller ones, dated from around 2500 B.C. were stunning to see, along with the Sphinx. The next day visited the Egyptian Museum, is home to the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world On Thursday morning took the scenic day train to Luxor, which is the world's largest outdoor museum. A fascinating visit to the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of Luxor dates back to around the 16th to the 11th centuries B.C. Here visited several tombs, including that of Ramses 1 and Ramses 111 after approaching it through barren landscape of sand dunes. The next day was spent at The Karnak Temples which is the largest ancient religious site in the world. The area has ancient building, structures,columns, statues, including Ramses 11 with his wife Nefertari. Located right on the corniche is The Luxor Temple and was beautifully lit up at night. After 4 days, headed south to Aswan, took a Nile boat ride on a felucca, which is a traditional
wooden sailing boat, sailed around Elephantine Island and the Botanical Gardens. A 3 1/2 hour drive thru the desert and on the shores of Lake Nasser is the magnificent sight of the Great Temples of Abu Simbel. Returning north back to Luxor for an additional 3 nites to visit the Luxor Museum and return to the vast Karnak site was a day to visit areas that were missed previously and well worth it. The Egyptian people are extremely kind, friendly and welcomed meeting Americans, who they do not encounter as frequently as people from other countries. It was a very enriching travel experience and the memories will endure my lifetime.
