Luxor, Egypt
Sister writing this entry...
Luxor was an important site during the Early New Kingdom 1570-1300 B.C. The Valley of the Kings is where there are numerous tombs of kings. We visited several tombs including Ramses III and IV. This valley is in the shape of a pyramid, so the kings were buried here. All of their tombs were robbed over the ages except for that of King Tut. He was not an important king, but so far his was the only tomb found intact with its mummy and treasures.
Next on to the Temple of Hatshepsut who was a woman who said she was transformed into a man and ruled as king. Her son in law was her successor and he destroyed most of the monuments she built.
On to the Karnak Temple where Gods were worshipped and there is amazing architecture including many sphinx and ornate columns.
On to Luxor Temple. This temple has changed over the ages and has ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Muslim parts.
Our guide then we went with us on a horse drawn carriage ride through the real town of Luxor, not the tourist area. We saw how the people really lived. This is much better than in Cairo but still unpaved streets and poor. We went to a local’s café and had sodas and smoked a water pipe. This was quite an experience.
