Egypt: Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is the famous temple of Ramses II that was threatened to be sunk by the newly created Lake Nasser. In a monumental effort, over 50 countries joined in the incredible task of slicing up the twin temples that were cut into a sandstone cliff, and transported them to high ground. Artificial hills were constructed, carefully covered in rock to resemble the original site, and then the twin temples were reassembled. Throughout the entire site you can just make out the cut lines where everything had been sliced into huge blocks for transportation.
It took us 3 hours by coach to meander around the coastline of Lake Nasser, south of Aswan, and we traveled at night to reach the temples with the rays of dawn. The desert we drove across was so remote that it revealed the most brilliant star-speckled night sky I have ever seen. Every little star and the full Milky Way was visible. Spectacular. You never get to see skies like that in our modern society.
Abu Simbel is a very impressive sight. The statues of Ramses II are over 20m tall and look out, east, over the lake. Apparently Ramses II built the temple deep in Nubian territory on the original banks of the Nile, to remind the Nubian fishermen of his power over them. There are two temples, the King’s temple, and the Queen’s temple, that of Nefatari. The insides were equally as impressive with carvings and painted ceilings, but photography was not allowed inside. Go there - you won’t regret the long trip!
