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Monday, April 6, 2009
Edfu, Egypt
I was up early this morning and enjoyed the sunrise on the ship's deck. I also watched as we set sail from Kom Ombo to Edfu. I was also able to get in touch with Pat. After breakfast I sat up by the pool on a lounge chair and fell asleep for about 30 minutes. I feel as if I got sunburned even at 8:30 in the morning.
At 1100 we again docked. Edfu stands beside the Nile almost exactly halfway between Luxor and Aswan. It was an important sacred site to the Egyptians because according to myth; this is where the falcon god, Horus fought a fierce battle with his uncle Seth who had cruelly murdered Horus's father Osiris.
The Temple of Horus at Edfu, which was buried under sand and silt for nearly two thousand years, is the largest and best preserved temple in Egypt. Construction of the temple began in 237 BC and the main temple complex took 25 years to complete. Despite its relatively recent construction, the temple is of particular interest to Egyptologists because it closely imitates much older designs. The first pylon is typically decorated with scenes of Ptolemy XII defeating his enemies in front of Horus. Two elegant black granite statues of Horus flank the entrance to the pylon, which leads to a large colonnaded court and the first hypostyle hall. Behind this lies a second, smaller hall with chambers off to the side. Gifts for the gods were stored in these rooms before being taken into the hall of offeringsbeyond. Stairs lead from the hall of offerings to the roof, with glorious views of the Nile, and the surrounding fields. The staircase walls are beautifully decorated with scenes from the New Year festival, a ritual celebrated in temples all over Egypt.
Our mode of transportation from the ship to the temple was by horse-drawn carriage. This was fun and there were some great street scenes to photograph. I must say that even though it was 11 in the morning it was very hot. In fact it was 104 degrees. By the time we got back to the ship everyone was pretty stinky and hot.
After lunch, I could just not wait to take a shower and a nap. On the way to my room I saw 3 of 4 people who are usually playing bridge. Earlier I had told them I played and they asked me to sit in until their 4th came. I played two hands. I doubt they will ask me to play again since I told them that I am a bridge teacher.
I got up from my nap just in time to partake in the Towel & Napkin Folding demonstration. This was also a lot of fun as we learned how to make 5 different fancy napkin folds and how to make a swan and lotus flower by folding towels. I just wish that there was printed material because I doubt I will remember how to do it when I return.
About 4 p.m. we docked in Esna. We could get off the ship but I think I will wait until the morning. The horses and carriages are prominent here as well and it is enjoyable seeing them along with donkey's pulling carts jaunting down the road in front of us.
We had a Discovery Lecture- Egypt Today. This was given by our guide. During the past week we have been talking almost exclusively about ancient times and this lecture was on Egypt's history during the past 100 years. The lecture was primarily on politics but other topics came up as well. It was basically a question and answer period that lasted 1 ½ hours.
1900 Dinner
I am now sitting out on the sun deck and there is a very nice breeze blowing. I am the only one out here and it is very peaceful. In just a few minutes they are going to be showing Agatha Christie's "Death on the Nile" both on the television in the library and on the televisions in our rooms. If we go to the library to watch, they are serving popcorn as well.
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