September 14th, 2004 – Early morning balloon ride at Luxor
It was a 5:00 a.m. wake up call this morning and by 5:40 a.m. we were on our way across the Nile on a small boat to the west bank. A small bus then took us for a short ride over to the balloon lift off area.
Balloon ride cost
From our group, fifteen of us decided to do the balloon ride this morning. It was not included in the tour package, the price was $1035 pounds or $215.00 Canadian dollars each.
First balloon is away
The balloons hold a maximum of 20 people along with the Captain, five people in each corner. Our balloon had a little problem at lift off, one of the ropes got tangled inside the balloon and we all had to get out while they laid it down to straighten things out.
Lift off
Not much of a delay and the sun was just coming up as we lifted off. No one seemed to mind that we were just a few minutes behind schedule. It was better to be safe than sorry.
Rising higher
Another great day with clear skies as is the norm in the Luxor area.
A view of Hatshepsut Temple
The ridge above Hatshepsut Temple is our destination for tomorrow’s donkey ride.
Irrigated Nile Valley below
Everything you see growing in the Nile Valley below is irrigated all year. Another great day with clear skies as usual in the Luxor area where they tell me it hasn’t rained for 4 years. And that rain wasn't more than a sprinkle; it added up to a quarter of an inch!
The Captain
Our captain did a great job the entire trip. His english was very good and we had confidence in him.
Staying low
We stayed close to the ground most of the time in order for us not to drift too far with a slight breeze this morning.
Final view
We still had plenty of time once we got up to around 1200 feet to take pictures and enjoy the view.
Safe Landing
We landed in a corn field and it was as smooth as could be expected with hardly more than a slight bump before coming to a stop. A bus came by to pick us up but not before a landing celebration of music and dancing; this made the experience all the better. We were all given tee shirts with the name of the balloon company and certificates with our names and signed by the Captain to verify that we actually went on this terrific flight. The whole flight took about an hour and then it was a ride back to the Nile where the same small boat was waiting to take us back to the Doma.
Captain and I
This was memorable trip and well worth the money, highly recommended to all.
Happy dance
Riverboat
"Doma" the riverboat. We're back in time for our 8:30 breakfast and then it was some free time until the afternoon. Many of us went across the street to visit the Luxor Temple for an affordable $20 pounds. Then it was a little shopping before heading back to the Doma for our 12:30 lunch. Some time spent around the pool after managing to get slightly sun burnt.
Entrance on to Doma
Our riverboat is docked on the East bank of the Nile.
Cornish
The Cornish is empty this morning on our walk to the shops. On our way back it was a different story.
Luxor Temple
The Luxor Temple is directly across the street from where our riverboat is docked.
Luxor Temple entrance
After breakfast I visit Luxor Temple just across the street from the Doma for an additional 20 Egyptian pounds, about $4 Canadian. Some of the people in my group show up a little later.
Inside Luxor Temple
There is plenty of room inside the temple area.
Pillars line up
The pillars line up perfectly, it's truly a wonder to see such detail built so long ago.
Excellent detail
Unbelievable detail in the carvings found around the site.
Obelisk at Luxor Temple
Obelisk standing perfectly straight, the carvings look as if they could of been done yesterday.
Caleesh ride over to Karnak Temple
We all met at 3:00 for our group visit over to Karnak Temple taken over by caleesh.
First view of Karnak Temple
Our first view of Karnak Temple from the East. Much of the destruction comes from earlier wars.
Guided tour of Karnak
Our guide for this tour is Nagwa who spoken very good English and has been doing this for many years now.
Statue near entrance
This is one of the few statues near the front entrance that is still intact. Many of them have been destroyed over the years through the act of wars and vandalism. This site is well protected now.
Marks from the soldiers of rome
You can see the markings well above our heads where the Roman soldiers sharpened their blades. Sand once filled this area and it's only been in relatively recent times where the sand has been removed down to the floor.
Erosion of the columns
You can see how far up the sand was by viewing the bottom of these columns. The sand was able to hold just enough moisture to allow this erosion to happen. The sun has little effect on the erosion, it's the lack of moisture that has kept all these temples in such pristine preservation.
Carvings go to the top of these walls
It's amazing to see the carvings going right to the top. It certainly made me wonder just how it was all done so long ago.
Top carvings
Again, some of these walls show signs of destruction or damage from earthquakes over the years.
Possible roof
It has been speculated that an elaborate roof may of covered this part of the temple at one time. I'm not sure if there is a way to know for sure.
Karnak Temple – Obelisk
Once again, carvings go right to the top.
Karnak Temple – Carvings
Plenty of detail in all the carvings.
Karnak Temple – Carvings
More carvings with detail
Karnak Temple – Carvings
These carvings almost look as if they could of been painted at one time. Or, it may be the different type of rock and light that made it look as if paint once covered these carvings.
Karnak Temple – Near the North end of the temple
A view of the North end of the temple as we are getting close to the end of our tour.
Karnak Temple – Obelisk
A fallen Obelisk is on view that allows a up close view.
Karnak Temple – Reconstruction in progress
Reconstruction of the site is on going. Perhaps more of the temple will be available for viewing in the coming years.
Karnak Temple – Large pool
This large pool can be replenished from the Nile. It is also the site of our light show later on in the evening. We were off by Caleesh, for most of us, at 8:30 p.m. back to Karnack to see the sound and light show. It was an addition 65 pounds for the show and transportation.