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Published: July 16th 2012
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Luxor Temple
Remind you at all of Vegas?? That one entrance where the giant slot machine used to be? Finally slept in for once, and in general had a very relaxing day. My last two places in Luxor were Luxor Temple and the Mummification Museum. The nice thing about both is that they are just down the street from the hotel. Started at Luxor Temple.
This is the other great temple in town right after Karnak, and while it isn't as big as Karnak, I think it is the more interesting ruin. It's compact and obvious how the temple was put together. Karnak is so massive you feel like you're only seeing 1/10th of the entire place. And, oddly enough, I did see some similiarities between Luxor in Vegas and this temple. At least the main entrance I feel like resembles the main entrance to the casino once you're inside. Did the architects in Vegas actually look at Luxor Temple in Egypt? I think they might've.
Also went to the Mummification Museum. This is a great tiny place, just one large room. It has everything you want and don't want to know about how the Egyptians actually mummified people. In one case they had the long rod that they used to turn the brain into a liquid, and
Avenue of Sphinxes
Originally went all the way to Karnak, some 2 miles away. then the little scoop they used to get it out. Also had mummified animals: cats, crocodiles, a ram, and even a little fish. All of these were sacred animals to the Egyptians. And a funny experience in the gift shop. Basically never assume you're getting a good deal, especially when they make a point of telling you that they're going to give you a good deal.
I bought three tiny scarab beatles and the guy, with his calculator, showed me 350 pounds. I said he must be joking and was only willing to pay 40 pounds. I was actually so disturbed that I took out the 40 pounds, laid it down, and said that's all I'm willing to pay, take it or leave it. He accepted, gladly - which just goes to show you how they try to get the absolute largest amount of money possible from a tourist. It actually just kind of pisses you off. The key, though: name your price and then just walk away. When they see you going out the door, they immediately come around, and give it to you. And the line if I hear again I might flip out: "Hello friend. You
want ride on river? I give you good price. You know how much? Five pound. Five pound only. Mister!" I heard it in my dreams last night, and it was a nightmare!!! No, I don't want a ride on the frickin' river!!!!!
Also had a very English afternoon. Took my afternoon tea (with crumpets? of course with crumpets) in the Victorian Lounge, and then had a manhattan in the Royal Bar. Very swank indeed.
Tomorrow I leave, and go to the hassle-free, laid back town of Aswan. The same driver is taking me down, and we stop on the way in Edfu, and at the Temple of Kom Ombo. Ready to go.
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