Page 78 - WDT Magazine Egypt
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of Egypt around 2,000 BC, we learned that this was Karnak. Plans are underway to restore that storied
the place where Ramses II began his great building walkway, though many of the statues are buried be-
projects up and down the Nile. Only Memphis could neath to modern city.
compare in size and splendor. Fortunately, the Temple Though finally abating, the sandstorm shortened
of Luxor weathered history’s storms much better than our visit here. We did see its splendors when lights be-
its rival. gan to illuminate columns and statues as we boarded
In fact, desert sands we were battling today buried our van to return to the ship. That evening’s festivities
the temple’s detailed reliefs over time, protecting them included belly dancing and an Egyptian folkloric show,
for our enjoyment today. The entrance is guarded by but at least two Pharaohs missed the performances –
another soaring obelisk at the beginning of an avenue dead to the world in our cabin.
lined by sphinxes that once stretched all the way to
The Karnak temple boasts beautifully
carved columns and several obelisks..
Bottom: Festival goers rush home as
the sand storm spoils the party.
78 WDT MAGAZINE SUMMER 2018
