Majesty of the Pharaoh

The great temple of Luxor was built by Amenhotep III in the 1300s BC. This marvelous complex borders the Nile and has an excellent view of a McDonald's. Egypt is a contrast of old and new. Old is better.

All Dressed Up

These young boys are off to some festival in Cairo, dressed in their best.

Kom Ombo

The temple of Kom Ombo is of a recent vintage, only some 2100 years old. The carvings were done during the ptolemeic period when Greece controlled Egypt, but the style generally was traditional. We arrived at dawn by felluca, an ancient style sailboat,

Ancient Giza

To most, the pyramids at Giza are the symbol of Egypt. They are the only survivors of the seven wonders, but not the world's biggest pyramids, that distinction belongs to Mexico. They are some 4500 years old, but the view across the sands also includes a

To the Dunes

Of course, we had to do the Lawrence of Arabia thing and head out to the dunes.

The Marlboro Man, Egypt Style

Also symbolic of Egypt is the camel, the ship of the desert. Camel trading is an ancient art, and the haggling easily rivals that of the gem traders we deal with in India. Caveat emptor, and always check the teeth.

A Boy's Best Friend

The camel may be top dog, but the donkey plays an important role as well. This young boy collects feed beside the Nile for his trusty mount.

History of the Haj

Painted on his house is the story of a man's Haj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, a most important event. Depicted is his wife ululating in farewell, the plane that took him away, and the great mosque in Mecca.