LUXOR, EGYPT—IMPRESSIONS (PART 1)

∙ WHAT WE DID/SAW/EXPERIENCED
          ∙ Time in port: 32 hours  (Overnight*)
*This was an unscheduled overnight, due to the Captain’s speedy passage through “Pirate Alley” (to avoid any unpleasant Pirate encounters).
          ∙ We were originally scheduled on a long (15-hour) single day tour with the ship, which would cost $329 each.  When the overnight was added, I considered joining HAL’s new overnight tour – which would avoid driving six or seven hours all in one day.  But they weren’t going to the sound and light show!  Ah man.  Then, some friends planned a trip for eight of us (Mel and Pat, Sam and Sally, Andre and Marie, Bill and me), which combined the best of both, including the sound and light show last night, an overnight at a nice Luxor hotel, and a full day tour of the sights today – all for $295!  We traveled there on day 1 and back on day 2.  And we used a very good tour company in Egypt, Ramses Tours!!   (I bring this post in two parts, to hopefully minimize delays in uploading.)
          ∙ Our driver picked us up at the dock and drove us through Safaga (which doesn’t offer much by itself), then along a 3-hour fascinating stretch through the Egyptian desert.  Police stations ran the distance of our path, with armed guards to assure there is no trouble.  After sunset, we observed an amusing “exchange” between the vehicles, using their head lights (and their various settings) to communicate with one another.


          ∙ We arrived just in time for the 8:15 p.m. English-version of their Sound & Light Show at Karnak:  the world’s largest temple complex.  Oh my!  Our first glimpse of Ancient Egypt and its larger-than-life structures came at night, with billowing voices telling the Pharaohs’ stories while structures illuminated in synced rhythm.  Standing there, being there, seemed unreal.  Time to see The Ten Commandments again!

 
          ∙ We stayed at Steigenberger Hotel, where our balconies overlooked an outdoor patio/dinner/entertainment area.  There, dancers entertained until 10 p.m., and our group hung out (far past 10) for cocktails and chit-chat to celebrate the fabulous day – and the day to come!

 
Continued with Part 2 . . .