Advertisement
Published: January 6th 2009
Edit Blog Post
Abu Simbel
We had a morning check out of the Movenpick Aswan Resort Hotel on Elephantine Island and took a flight on Egypt Air to Abu Simbel on Sunday, January 4th. Since most travelers travel to Abu Simbel by bus or take Egypt Air flights with fixed departure and same day return flights, most travelers do not overnight in Abu Simbel. Because we had read that the flights were sometimes delayed and travelers had limited time to marvel at the temples, we thought it would be a unique experience to stay at Eskaleh Traditional Nubian House, so we decided to overnight. We got seats on the left side of the plane so as we were landing, we got our first glimpse through the window of the impressive temples we had journeyed so far to see.
Upon arrival, we negotiated a taxi to our lodge, settled in after being warmly greeted by the proprietor and his wonderful staff, and enjoyed a home-cooked meal at lunch before setting off by foot to the temples. It was about a half hour walk through the village of Abu Simbel. Candy was given to the children as we made our way through the market. Upon
Ramses Temple
Visited temples in late afternoon with few tourists around. arrival at the site, we had a cold drink before entering the complex since we had worked up a sweat in the heat.
Not only are the two world famous temples of Ramses at Abu Simbel among the most magnificent monuments in the world, but their removal and reconstruction were historic in themselves. The visitors centre at the entrance tells the story that when the temples (280 km from Aswan) were threatened by submersion in Lake Nasser, due to the construction of the High Dam, the Egyptian Government secured the support of UNESCO and launched a world wide appeal. During the salvage operation which began in 1964 and continued until 1968, the two temples were dismantled and raised over 60 meters up the sandstone cliff where they had been built more than 3,000 years before. Here they were reassembled, in the exact same relationship to each other and the sun, and covered with an artificial mountain.
It was well worth the trip since we thought they were the most impressive temples we had visited! Papa Canuck admittedly had seen one too many temples, yet was impressed nonetheless. Ramses II’s temple was massive and Queen Nefertari’s was beautifully decorated.
Passion Egyptian Style
In Nefertari's spectacular temple. Most photos focus only on the Ramses Temple, but in the Nefertari Temple we saw the “profession of love” wall painting. Ramses lived long and had many wives, but he loved Nefertari above all others, and you see him handing her a lotus flower in this painting. Don't ask and we won't tell how we photographed the inside of the temple with no flash!
We stayed for the Sound & Light Show at 6pm. Headphones were available with English language translation which you needed to drown out the Japanese narration. Another half hour walk and we arrived back at the lodge having worked up an appetite for dinner! It was an amazing day and well worth the overnight stay.
Staying at Eskaleh Nubian Traditional House Our stay was a wonderful experience. After a welcome drink of Karkade (hibiscus juice), delicious lunch in beautiful surroundings on the edge of Lake Nasser with views that stretch as far the horizon with birds and hawks soaring above our heads with Fikry Kachif’s Nubian music playing in the background, we knew we were staying in a special place!
We returned to the lodge for a wonderful dinner in the lodge’s
Inside Nefertari
Travelling Canucks private tour of temple, no other tourists in sight! dining room. We feasted on beef and chicken tagines with vegetables from their organic garden. Not only is the food delicious, but the service is excellent.
The lodge is lovingly maintained and offers internet access and a library of books to read. Mosquitoes are ever present so the mosquito nets over our very comfortable beds were not just for esthetics! The décor is Nubian with an authenticity unmatched, except perhaps in Siwa Oasis. With loads of Nubian culture and definitely the most authentic experience in Abu Simbel, we wish we had only booked another night at Eskaleh Lodge. Staying at Eskaleh Lodge should be on a list of things to do when in Egypt.
Another early flight to Cairo, with a stopover in Aswan, to look forward to!
Advertisement
Tot: 0.353s; Tpl: 0.013s; cc: 18; qc: 106; dbt: 0.2188s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.4mb
jolanta hess
non-member comment
Great report on Abu Simbel
We are planning our trip to Egypt in Nov.2010 and didn't want to do the rush visit to Abu Simbel. Your photos and description confirm our feelings to go slower. Thanks from Victoria BC