Eternal Refuge

I realised that I had missed a couple of temples ... and then this set will finish with a final few from the last day of my holiday (another set to come, and then I'm done!)

About 2/3 of the way on our trip up the Nile, we had to go through the Esna Lock. It's a queue, that seems chaotic, but obviously done on every trip -








Along the Nile -( click here )

One of the Temples we went to was that of Kom Ombo dedicated to Sobek. We actually arrived after sunset, so that was fascinating. We also saw the Museum next door ... that contained 300 crocodile mummies ...
( At least these crocs are safe ... )

We also had an early start to see < href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Edfu">The Temple of Edfu ... which is surprisingly intact ... the roof is in place. We had a "taxi" there and back ...

( And another visit</a> <a href= )

it was at Edfu we learnt to count -

The top row, far right (after the bird) are ones, and readin towards the left ... the "n" are 10's, the "e" are 100's ... up to the man cheering which is 1,000,000


And so to our last night on the boat  ...




~ ~ ~
These are out of sequence ...


And, or last night in Egypt -

A final sunset

Our tour -

Let me start with reminding you all that today is Good Friday ... the day we remember as the day Jesus was crucified.






Yesterday afternoon was wet, WET, wet ... and cold & windy (not far away from me it actually snowed!). Anyway I cheated and caught a bus to meet up with Claire, and had a great "afternoon tea". We then walked to meet up with Tim, and had a lovely meal, before walking home in the dry.

I hadn't long got back when I had a text from Christine to say there was a Peter Ustinov version of "Death on the Nile" ... so, yes, I watched it. Really had some great scenes of Karnac Temple (which I haven't shared with you yet), but will admit my trip on the Nile was slightly calmer!

But, sadly, no photo ... so sorry about that.

This morning I walked to collect a parcel, and managed to travel between showers, so that was good ... and even nicer I spotted these -


After lunch I am going into work.

And, as ever, thanks kazzy_cee for the questions ... here's todays -


29. Pita bread is celebrated today - what is your favourite dish to serve with pita bread?
I actually enjoy it toasted with marmite ... and cheese & tomatoes



Right, let's see if I can get some more photos done x

Before I went to Egypt there were a couple of things that I wanted to see and the Temple, Abu Simbel was one of these locations.

It is actually 2 Temples, and has had to be moved due to the dam that was built at Aswan. I was surprised that when we got there (and it hadn't been moved far) I was only about 30 miles from the border with Sudan.

There are a lot of photos, but really these only are a portion of this amazing site ...

( Enjoy )

Our first stop in the city was that of the Montazah Palace gardens ... and oddly, we toured the gardens in our vehicle. ... although we did get a chance to get out to take photos -


( Around Alexandria )

One of the reasons I picked this specific trip to Egypt was that one of the visits would be to El Alamein.  This was a major battle during WWII.  My sister-in-law's grandfather was based here, as well, during that time, bringing it to a more personal level.  As it turned out the lady on the tour with me also found it a moving location, as her father was here.


( RIP )

We went to the museum, as well.  Sadly we didn't get very long here (that's the one trouble of being on a busy tour)
( A stroll round the museum )

On our way, again, and we were taken via the railway station, so Kathleen could see where here father had both left the area after battle, but also when he came back for a 20 year reunion ... here she is with our guide for the day -

Everyone automatically thinks of pyramids, and the Sphynx, when they think of Cairo ... and yes, we went to visit one of the ancient wonders of the world on day 1 of our trip.

The tour I was on had only 3 of us on it, and K and I had a ride on a camel, although D just walked with us ... both to see the view, and to watch up "sail the ship-of-the-dessert"

( Clicky for photos )

I have realised that other than bombarding you with icons i haven't written an update recently - bad me!  Sorry

One point I noted on Friday was that the phrase "God moves in a mysterious way" is so true.  He showed me a valid truth through a work of fiction (and one about a wizard!)

In the story "The Warrior" (part of Side Jobs, by Jim Butcher) ...  ( No spoiler ... but cut anyway ... just in case! )I'm not saying that I can do that as I tend to prefer to hide in case I get hurt ... but next week I have to face a new start ... so I needed to be reminded that I said when I gave up being an osteopath that God would place me where He wants me to be ... so I must meet those challenges head on ... the worst I can do is fail, but at least I will have tried.

On an international front life seems to be looking up - as Egypt gets a chance for a new start.  James posted this on his facebook link :-

Thanks to the good people, wise, and peaceful people of Egypt.

You have reignited the flame of hope for the World.

Here in the U.S., I am weeping tears of joy. Through the goon squad attacks, through the lies and provocations, you remained strong and kept your revolution peaceful.

I am humbled by your grace. I will teach my children to hope as you have. I feel as if I were waking from a bad dream. We here have been lied too about you. All our lives we have been told that you were a violent, irrational people. Now you have shown us that you are much more.

More than 4,000 years ago, Egypt invented civilization. Today you have reawakened the hope and the promise of civilization. I hope to know you better.

James Marsters

Yes, it was great to see the country acting as one, and keeping things pretty calm ... I just pray that this new start will continue to unite the country and that life will begin to look up for them ... and for other areas of the world where conflict is.

Back to a personal note ...

LJ is great - I love reading friends updates, even if I don't always comment .... it's good to know it's a place where we can let off steam ... but also make genuine friends.  Many of you come in that last catagory, and without LJ, that would not have been the case.  So, justa  thank you to LJ ... and also to louise39 and to strikske (thank you for the lovely message Astrid)