Dim Distress with the Red Sea

 Continues from Jizan-The Gateway to a Magic Land

On our first evening at the Coral Gulf, we were all excited to explore the waves of Red Sea. The Sun hurried down behind the clouds, leaving crimson shards behind on the sky. 

Coral Gulf Beach

The sky was still bright when we reached the shores of Red Sea. However, the brightness of the Sky was not visible in the Sea. The land and water had already turned dark with the setting rays of Sun. However, the lure to wade in the water was unstoppable and we got in. “Ouch!” It was my first reaction! Something pricked on my feet and the sand under that slipped!

Much synonymous with the hotel’s name, the beach at the Coral Resort was covered with corals. Hard and lifeless corals scattered around the beach with carcasses of fish, empty cans and bottles. The water was shallow for a long way. The sand near the shore was slimy and covered. For the first time, I felt scared to get into the Sea.

Yet, when I drew back in disappointment, there were others in the group, who were still inexorable. Shreya ran into the water and Sreejith had to accompany her against his will. Little Ayan and Duaa also joined them with Nadeer.

As I and Shehnaz waited for the crew to come back, stars started spreading their gleaming carpet on the sky. The wind blew putting a veil on our day today anxieties. The group returned soon and the men went out in search of ‘homely’ dinner.

I and Shehnaz gathered the kids and retreated to the bedroom balcony. We sat on the balcony floor watching the serene nature. A mongoose was running on green grass as a white fur on a green carpet. As we started to talk freely as you do with your close friends, a memory came clear in my mind. Mine and my friend Amitha’s incessant conversations at the roof of our hostel under the wind and stars from the Bengal Bay. Yes, the best moments in your life might repeat at similar places and with similar people. 

Continue...

Jizan-The Gateway to a Magic Land

Continues from A Night Journey among the Asir Mountains

 

The next day morning I opened my eyes to curtains resembling Dharwish dancers' costumes. The room was decorated with black velvet cushions, black upholsteries and dimly lit lights. My claustrophobia began to raise its head. I opened the windows and pulled aside the curtains. The strong rays of sun warmed the room. The time was approaching noon and we had to reach the Jizan port by 1p.m.

The Jizan Port has the ferry service to Furasan Islands twice on each day. We’d scheduled our tickets for the evening ferry. Our friends at Jizan had advised us to reach early since some days, the queue to the ferry can take long times. After quick refreshments and shower we came out of Al-Adnan hotel within an hour. 

We reached Jizan Port by 1p.m two hours in advance to the ferry time. The air was hot humid and salty. However, for me who had spent three memorable years at a sea shore, the smell was reviving and welcoming. All this time, I had the image of a ferry made of wooden planks that used to transport men and sometimes two vehicles in my village at Kerala. However, I realized soon that the two huge ships at the Port combine the ferry. We got into the ferry soon after the procedures.

Jizan Port and the Ferry at the distance

The ambience inside the ferry resembled the ambience of airlines. This ferry service is an initiative under King Abdullah’s rule and totally free of cost. It was our first stint with the Red Sea and we were all excited. The ferry will take us to the Furasan Island situated 50Kms away from the port and totally isolated in the sea. 

We were clicking some good photos of blue and green sea as two security guards rounded us. Photography was strictly prohibited in the ferry and they asked us to sit and enjoy the travel. Thanks to them, it was then that we actually started enjoying the journey.

A View of Jizan Port

The sail started on time. In contrary to its name, the Red Sea glittered in shades of blue and green and sometimes black. Nature had added magnificent hues of colours to the scene. The kids started to claim that they had seen pink, red and blue dolphins. In my childish mind, I wouldn’t have been surprised to see such a miracle. The view was that much splendid and mesmerizing. 

As the humming of waves faded small uninhabited islands across the ocean came into view. The water near them glistened in sky blue color indicating the shallowness for kilometres around them. The vast sea was surging with short waves around. Though purified by the sun, pampered by moon and reconnoitered by human eternally, the waves seemed to retain their novelty.

The time was approaching evening. The Sun shone from blaze to brilliance on the horizon. As far as the eye can see, the water turned into golden veil.  The sea was changing colors from blue to green to dark to golden. However I felt that everything underneath these transparent glistening coats laid the same from the prehistoric times.  I felt, here is the untameable sea with whom lays the intelligible facts regarding the adventures of Islamic natives.

As we neared the island, we could see rocky cliffs carved by nature in different contours. For me, they looked beautifully eerie as if sprung out from Agatha Christie’s novels. These obscure figures obsoleted any description.

The island started to appear in view first as a dark line, then as a long rock land and finally as endearing girl protected by her loving family. All around the island the rocky cliffs marked the outline at a distance in the water. 

We arrived in Furasan Port after an hour’s journey. We hit the roads that were decorated with artificial sun flowers and fruits in the median. The short drive took us to our destined retreat Coral Gulf seemed to be situated in a fisherman’s village. As we finally, entered our room in Coral Gulf with the sweet smell of natural herbs and an overwhelming view of Red Sea, calmness spread over and relaxed my nerves.

Continues in Dim Distress with the Red Sea

A Night Journey among the Asir Mountains

Continues from  From Desert to the Sea Coast, on a Day! (A travel to Jizan, Farasan Island and Abha)

As we started from Wadi al Dawasir, the night had spread its black blanket adorned by silver starlets. The roads were completely dark and devoid of streetlights. The opposite roads were divided by a wide barren area saving us from the blaring headlights of the coming vehicles. In the shadows of night there were outlines of Asir Mountains in majestic order.

We stopped at Khamis Mushayat by 10p.m. The wind was getting cold and I was getting travel sick. Yet, we decided to continue. All was in a blur as we drove through the roads of Abha and the steep downward route to Jizan. Someone had warned us that the journey from Abha to Jiazn consists of many hairpin roads and risky at night. But the well walled roads didn’t even give us the feeling of curves. Yet, the steep downward journey started to churn my insides. Then, at the middle of the winding roads, I threw up!

From Abha to Jizan

It was definitely a signal for us to take rest. We parked our car on a roadside. The wind was piercingly cold as we came out. I swallowed four packed chapathis without even looking up. As I finished the dinner, I looked around. Dark Asir Mountains walled the opposite side of the road. Vehicles raced on both sides seamlessly. Stars were strewn on the beautiful and open night sky. As I looked on, a shooting star sparkled down without even letting others to see it. 

A few paces away from us, a roadside vendor was frying the corn. We craved for it as well as the warmth of its fireplace. Afterwards we realized that the vendors in Arab world have to go a long way to make the piquant Butta (deep fried corns) from Indian streets.

I dozed off during the journey from Abha to Jizan. As I woke up, we were in the neighbourhood of our hotel. All signboards were in Arabic and the very few people on the road were natives. We tried reading the boards in vain. It was the first time that I felt to be in an Arab world after my three years stay in Riyadh. We called the hotel reception and owing to Nadeer’s broken Arabic we checked into the hotel by 2a.m. All I can remember after that is the soft snore of little Shreya and regular breathing of Sreejith heard in between my sleep.

Continues in Jizan-The Gateway to a Magic Land

From the Desert to the Sea Coast, on a Day! (A travel to Jizan, Farasan Island and Abha)

Eid holidays in Riyadh are filled with travel and sightseeing over the past three years. We are not sure whether we would be there to experience one more Eid vacation in the country. Therefore, our journey during this Eid vacation (2011) held much significance to us.

We started our journey on 03/11/11. After the hectic packing and preparations, we started our journey by 10a.m. We should not have hit the center of Al-Kharj since there was a short route from Riyadh road to Wadi al Dawasir, our first destination point on the route to Abha.

At Al-Kharj, the men put the odometer to zero to calculate the distance. The hours went swiftly in the company of our friends Nadeer and Shehnaz. The traffic was a little heavy and the truck drivers were not as friendly as were in Dubai-Riyadh route. We stopped by 1p.m for lunch at a petrol station.  The restaurants in the surrounding constituted of Saudi cuisine and we were happy to devour our homemade food.

All of us were in a sleepy mood during the post-lunch drive. However the kids were more alert and getting restless. I and Shehnaz had all our eyes on them and didn’t even look out to see the changing sceneries. 

Najd Mountains

By evening, the kids were almost settled. By that time we had reached the borders of Wadi  al Dawasir. The setting sun had spread its golden blanket on the rocky mountains of Najd valley. The scene was so beautiful and refreshing in the long journey. As we entered the huge gates into Wadi al dawasir, we never knew that we were entering the city of a tribe who had a major role in the construction of many cities in the Middle East.  The city that apparently seemed smaller and crowded was behind the birth of major cities. The tribe also either gave birth or helped the growth of cities like Dammam, Khobar, Al Ahsa, al Zubara, Al Faw, Kuwait, Baharin etc. 

We stopped for refreshments and tea at a petrol station in Wadi  al Dawasir.The evening was young and spirited and even the usually tasteless tea seemed to be better in that evening. 

Continues in A Night Journey among the Asir Mountains

The Final Stroll in Egypt

Continues from The Stroll in the Streets of Egypt

The afternoon that we had reached Cairo after the trip to Aswan and Luxor, we went out in search of a restaurant for lunch.  Though it may sound show off to many people, we were fed up with the five star cuisines that pampered us on the previous eight days. Our Kerala palette craved for some spicy taste.  We headed to the Egyptian restaurant Felfela suggested byAli.

We walked under the mild rays of afternoon Sun. The streets were in shades and a lot of college students roamed around. As we reached the Hoda Sharawi Street, there were at least five restaurant boards with the same name. However, we were lucky enough to get into the correct restaurant after so many inquiries.

The restaurant was decorated in the theme of a garden.  Though meat was prominent in the menu, they had a wide variety of Vegetarian dishes also to serve. We ordered a vegetable casserole and a spicy mousakka. Food never tasted better in a foreign land.

After the comfortable lunch, we came back to the hotel to take rest. Since our departure is scheduled only for the next day, we decided to take a stroll across the banks of the Nile. It was the day of Eid. The footpaths were crowded and there were a lot of activities going on.  

Since being irritant to the crowds, we chose a lonely bench from where we can watch the Nile and admire the fireworks. However, the bench was already occupied by teenage lovers who were busy in exchanging intense Eid greetings.  I just wondered, this is not a European country, but a well known orthodox Muslim country! Do such public displays of affection happen here too? Well, love knows no restrictions...

Khan el-Khalili market

Chandeliers

On the day of our departure, we decided to take a final stroll in the streets of Egypt.  We were guided to the famous Khan el-Khalili market that was once known as the Turkish bazaar. The market seemed to be an ethnic market with a lot of shops selling Egyptian antiquities. We shopped for souvenirs and other tit bits. Time was running faster in Khan el-Khalili. We finished our visit at a road side open cafe. I really don’t remember what we had for lunch on that day, since I was caught up in the beauty of the magnificent chandeliers in the opposite shop!

Yes, eight days became a memory to cherish in our life forever. We felt all refreshed and together as we boarded the flight in the evening. As I heard the announcement for landing at the King Khalid international Airport, I was excited! After all, nothing is better than homecoming even if it means home in a foreign land.

The End

The Stroll in the Streets of Egypt

Continues from The Valley of Workers and Colosssi of Memnon  
 

Yes, Our Egypt travel is at the end. Nariman dropped us at the cruise by afternoon. After a refreshing sleep and hectic re-packing, we were soon ushered to the cozy train. Sleep lulled our eyes and the golden rays of the Cairo Sun were already upon us as we woke up.

Ali was ready to welcome us back at Cairo. We again re checked into Hotel Nile with the view of Egyptian museum. We settled down, laid back and realized with a sweet pain that our visit is over at Egypt. Even if we visit another time, so many things would have changed! Even the freshness in our eyes to the country would have faded.

As I looked out the streets, I realized that some of the best parts in the trip include a few strolls in the various streets of Egypt. This travelogue would be incomplete without any mention of them.

Aswan

On our first evening at Aswan, we took a leave from the cruise and went out to explore the city life. Horse carts were luring the tourists all around. We walked to the nearby Aswan market that sold spice, Nubian antiquities, souvenirs and jewellery.

The vendors were smart enough to spot us out us Indians! As we proceeded, many of them started to call out their familiar Indian names, “Amitabh Bachchan, Sharukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit etc.” We were fascinated for sure.

We entered a shop that sold Papyrus paintings. The price was on a higher side and we satisfied with two small pieces. As we paid the shopkeeper, the shop assistant started praising my eyes, “Mehabooba, you’ve got such beautiful eyes.” Never in my life, anyone has told my eyes were beautiful and I never felt so. I thought the old man to be crazy. However, it turned out that he had expected some tip from us and was spreading his net for that.

The night was young and pleasant in the market. We spent almost three hours in the market. We hired a horse cart to come back. As we galloped through the Aswan streets, the breeze seemed sweeter than ever.

Luxor

Karnak Temple at Night

On the eve of our departure from Luxor, we wished to take a final look at the Luxor and Karnak temple in night lights. We hired a horse cart and reached the temples. The majestic temples looked deserted and silent in the night life. The umpteen lights seemed to have failed to light up the vast areas. The scene was sad and eerie.

On the way back to our cruise, two sign boards caught our attention-Luxor Museum and Mummy Museum. We postponed the visit to the Luxor Museum for the next day. (It didn’t happen after all!). We got into the Mummy museum that charged a less price as the entry fee. The museum had mummies of many animals, leaflets on the history and procedure of mummification, latest samples on the attempts of mummification and the mummy of a priest in the Pharaoh period. 

It was a very good museum compared to the Mummy room in the Cairo museum. However if you are so keen to view the mummies of pharaohs, there is no other option but to visit the Mummy room in the Cairo museum. All these mummies looked same and ghastly to me...

Continues in The Final Stroll in Egypt

The Valley of Workers and Colosssi of Memnon

Continues from The Woman Power in Ancient Egypt-Queen Hatshepsut

The visit to queen Hatshepsut’s temple had brought severe burns on our skin. I had had enough of the trip and looked forward to get back home. Wait; there are two more places to visit-the valley of workers and the Colossi of Memnon.

The ruins at the Valley of workers

The valley of workers was deserted as we reached the place. This was the place where the builders of the ancient representations of Egypt had once lived! This place must have been crowded with echoes, laughter, pangs and all other human emotions in those days.

The Pharaohs used to start the construction of their tombs during their lifetime itself. For this, they used to bring the artisans from faraway places and provided the workers with shelter, food and necessary needs. The works of the tomb might go for a lifetime and the workers started to have their own families in Egypt.

Soon, the first arrivals started to get old, and for their after death rituals, they started to construct miniature tombs resembling their masters. Often, the worker who leads the other workers used to get these master tombs. Some of them are still well preserved for the coming generation to witness their pride.

Entrance to the tomb

I was determined not to get out of the car as we reach the valley of workers. Enough had been seen and no more troll under the blazing sun. Some tombs stood amidst the ruins of old houses. They mimicked the shape of pyramids and looked as anthills compared to the majestic Pyramids.

We got down and waited at the lounge while Nariman went to get the tickets.  I had asked her not to get the tickets for me. But, she returned with the tickets for both of us and offered a hand in taking care of Shreya. Well, that was a relief indeed. 

We went down into the tomb that again resembled the tombs that we had visited at the Valley of Kings. The main difference was that this tomb was smaller in its area and had fewer paintings on its walls. As I came out, my imagination prompted me even to get the smell of sweat in that tomb!

We drove back to the comfort of the hotel and stopped on the way at the Colossi of Memnon. The twin statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III made in quartzite sandstone sat majestically in an otherwise barren land.  The hero of the Trojan war, who got ultimately killed by Achilles always invoked his subjects even after his death.

Colossi of Memnon

It seems, quite synonymous with his name Memnon, which means “Ruler of the Dawn,” the statue used to make sound in the early mornings. Many people considered it as the voice of Memnon’s ghost while others attributed scientific reasons for that. However Memnon stopped singing lately. Now, the statues are abode for many fluttering doves. As we looked on, the doves continued their routine not even caring for the umpteen visitors who gazed at their home in reverence.

Continues in The Stroll in the Streets of Egypt

The Woman Power in Ancient Egypt-Queen Hatshepsut

 Continues from The Valley of Kings!

We were driving to the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, when Nariman told us the story of the only one powerful woman Pharaoh in Egypt. Queen Hatshepsut was the sister and first wife of King Thutmose II. After the death of the King she claimed the throne replacing her child nephew/step son Thutmose III.

Queen Hatshepsut’s twenty year’s rule was a golden era in Egyptian history. Trading and economy flourished, temples were restored or newly constructed and Egyptian culture flourished to a new realm. However the good times didn’t last longer. Her nephew, Thutmose III, also known as "the Napoleon of ancient Egypt,” had married Queen Hatshepsut’s daughter and rose into power.

Thutmose III started wiping off the signs of Queen Hatshepsut from Egypt.  He cut her names away from the temple walls and destroyed the monuments constructed by her. However, Queen Hatshepsut’s charisma prevailed over these wile activities. 

We reached Queen Hatshepsut’s temple at Deir el Bahri by noon. The burning sun competed with my idea to visit the temple. I finally got down from the car.

In front of

Queen Hatshepsut’s temple

Queen Hatshepsut’s temple was indeed a token for the female Pharaoh’s power. Standing in the higher realms of desert plain in a series of terraces, the temple beheld its majesty. A root of the tree once brought by Queen Hatshepsut from Punt during an expedition was covered and exhibited at the temple entrance.

The temple looked synonymous with the heat reflecting limestone cliffs around it. Nature must have lent its hand in the construction of this temple. 

Woman Power: In front of

Queen Hatshepsut’s statue

The monuments of the female Pharaoh arrayed the temple corridors. However, in comparison with the other temples that we had visited, the temple was smaller in its area.  The walls depicted many expeditions of Queen Hatshepsut, whose names and face have been erased at many places.

After some minutes of visit, we came out. The temple overlooked green fields and hills at the opposite side. They seemed to be a mirage at that point and a token of the contradicting culture that we might never comprehend!

 Continues in The Valley of Workers and Colosssi of Memnon

The Valley of Kings!

 Continues from Luxor Temple: The Dazzling Preservation of a Culture

We’d been picked up in the early morning to visit the valley of Kings. It was our first travel across the Nile since we started our sail. We passed many half constructed houses on the way. Nariman explained that most of the natives leave their houses half constructed for their next generation to build a home of their own.

The scenery started to change from the lush green foliage at the Nile banks to the barren mountains. On both sides of the road, Theban hills glistened under the hot sun. We anticipated a hot day as the previous day but, never a worse one!

We reached gates to the Valley of Kings within half an hour of our drive. Beyond the gates laid, vast stretches of land that had once been the burial ground for royalties in Egyptian New Kingdom. As of then, there were 63 tombs, out of which three were open to visitors.

Theban Hills

Cameras and personal vehicles were not allowed beyond the gates. As we finished the procedures and waited for the tram to transport us to the tombs, I looked around. Here lay the tombs of the historical figures in Egyptian culture. Many archaeologists and Egyptologists made this area as their haven... Many of the tombs had been opened and robbed off treasures; the major being the tomb of King Tutankhamen!

The tram came to take us to the tombs. We passed the twisting roads under the Theban hills and reached a crowded place.  Nariman explained that owing to the arrival of Nile cruises, the number of visitors on that place would cover more than nine thousand per day. However, being an off season, visitors are less on the day compared to the other days.

We were to visit three tombs in the valley of Kings.  At first we visited the tomb of King Horemheb numbered as KV57 (Valley of Kings Number 57). No guide would come in to assist us and we had to maintain silence inside the tombs. King Horemheb was the last King of the 18^th dynasty. Paintings depicting scenes from Egyptian mythology gave some clues to the beliefs and funerary rituals of the period. 

Entrance to the Valley of Kings

The next tomb that we gained entry into was that of Ramesses VI numbered as KV9.  We had to enter the narrow path resembling the entrance to the tombs inside the Pyramids. The decorative images were in a well preserved state than those of King Horemheb’s tomb. Ramesses VI enlarged the tomb of Ramesses V to make it his own. The tomb though thoroughly robbed and excavated gave an idea of the opulence and power of the rulers of the time.

Finally, we reached the tomb of King Tutankhamen. The entry fee is much more than the fee into other tombs. We were definitely interested in this tomb than others since we had a glimpse of the treasures that this tomb had once consisted.  The mask of Tutankhamen, his gold bed, gold chambers etc. at the Cairo museum had boasted the majesty of its owner.

The tomb had an entrance corridor, staircase, antechamber and burial chamber. The paintings were not stretched to all walls. Even after being robbed of its treasure twice, the tomb still holds the affluence of the boy King.

The tombs where the excavation continues...

When we came out of the tombs, Nariman explained to us about the curse of Pharaohs.  It seems many people who had aided in opening the tomb of King Tutankhamen, died of mysterious accidents. Howard Carte, who was the principal leader of the excavation of King Tutankhamen’s tomb, suffered many mysterious hardships. A cobra that resembled the cobra at King Tutankhamen’s crown had once hunted his pet parrot. Jackals of the same type as Anubis that guarded King Tutankhamen’s tomb came in front of him for the first time in over thirty-five years of explorations in the valley. Yet the explorations continue...

We came out of the valley thoroughly exhausted. As we had started to drive back, I just thought! How would the majestic royalties would feel if they were aware that their personal burial grounds and their well kept wives’ burial grounds being peeked on everyday by countless foreigners over the years?

Continues in The Woman Power in Ancient Egypt-Queen Hatshepsut

Luxor Temple: The Dazzling Preservation of a Culture

 Continues from Karnak Temple: The Most Perfect of Places

We reached Luxor temple in the mid afternoon. It is a sacred place of wonderful architecture built since 1550 B.C. The afternoon heat scorched on our thickly tanned bodies. Yet, we wanted to visit the last temple in our itinerary.

Entrance to Luxor Temple

The massive entrance pylon built by Rameses II welcomed us. Two colossal seated statues of Ramesse edged the entrance in all grace. There was one obelisk on the left side of the entrance with names of Ramesses II, Horace, Amun and the King’s favourite Gods on each vertical side. However, the space for Obelisk on the right side was vacant. Nariman explained that the obelisk had been carried to France and now can be seen at Place de la Concorde, in Paris.

Headless Statues of Luxor temple

We entered the Luxor temple. Just inside the temple was a mosque built over the ruins. Compared to the other Egyptian temples that we had already visited, Luxor was in a less preserved state. Arrays of headless statues stood around the courtyard. 

Roman Mural

It seems invaders considered Luxor temple as a catch for them. The Roman invaders made the temple and its surroundings as a fortress for the Roman government. There was one Roman mural on the temple wall depicting the Christian devotees.

Nariman ushered us to the court of Amenhotop II. A better preserved area in the temple, it was flanked by double rows of Papyrus columns with bud capitals. The reliefs on both sides of the hall depicted Amenhotop II's coronation by the Gods.

Nariman left us there to admire the beautiful architecture by ourselves. We roamed around the yard of the Theban triad-Amun, Mut and Chons. This is the same place where ancient Egyptians gathered to praise their protectors and celebrated the famous Opet festival. This is where, the Christians had raised their church and Muslims later conducted their prayers. 

Sphinx Avenue

Yet, there was not much for our eyes in the temple and we came out. We were soon led to the Sphinx Avenue that once led all the way to the Karnak temple. The sphinxes still remained in better condition.

It was time for us to retreat to our cruise. We relished the welcome drink and the wet towels offered as we’d entered the boat. There was a relaxing afternoon ahead us to get prepared for next day’s travel.

Continues in The Valley of Kings!

Karnak Temple: The Most Perfect of Places

Continues from The Nile: Unsurpassed Expressions of Waves 
 

When we woke up in the morning, the cruise had come to the final halt. On the day, we would visit two of the most famous temples in Egypt-Luxor and Karnak temple.

Our travel guide Nariman was waiting for us at the front desk. After ten minutes drive, we reached Karnak, a sacred place of built since the 30^th dynasty in Egypt.

Nariman first guided us to the miniature presentation of Karnak temple at the main entrance. A glimpse at the miniature presentation revealed that we had no chance to view the entire temple. Nariman explained that we would be visiting a part of the Eastern section of the temple.

The sun seethed on the visitors at the temple yard. It was really a challenge to step onto the yard under the blazing sun. Yet, we ventured it and the result was worth it.

Entrance to Karnak Temple

Ramesses II

Human headed Sphinx Avenue welcomed us before the huge colossal gates.  Each sphinx cradled a Pharaoh under them. The Sphinx heads were created in the image of God Amun Ra, who had presided in the temple. At the entrance were the two huge statues of Ramesses II with his hands crossed on his chest. Nariman explained that the action signified the dead status of the King.

Close image of the Sphinx

We entered the temple with its ruined mud yards and an array of sphinxes on its side. Many visitors were trying different poses in front of it. There was a woman jumping with joy in front of the sphinxes while her husband tried to capture the moment behind the lens.

We passed many headless statues on the corridor before reaching the many pillared hall. Nariman explained the invaders were adamant in removing the Pagan tradition and beheaded many of the statues. Many of the statues were faceless, nose less and ear less owing to the invasions. 

The many pillared hall of the temple displayed pillars designed with Papyrus and lotus like the pillars of Philae, Edfu and Kom Ombo. The pillars in the precinct of Amun were free standing and had inscriptions all around them. 

The Rising Sun Obelisk

There was a beautiful obelisk belonged to Queen Hatshepsut behind the pillars on whose tip the Sun always seemed to raise on the day time. There had another one belonged to the Queen but toppled by her nephew Thutmosis III.

The Scarab Beetle

Nariman left us at the temple pond to have a look by ourselves. There was a pylon with a huge structure of Scarab-beetle on it. For many years Egyptians worshiped the scarab beetle for its association with the creator God Amun. They had believed that the beetle pushed the Sun around the planet to ensure fertility for the country. 

We came out in exhilarated and exhausted at the same time. We have to head to Luxor temple soon. The Sun’s rays blinded us, yet we wanted to!

Continues in Luxor Temple: The Dazzling Preservation of a Culture