Life as an ancient Egyptian

Today we participated in some fascinating experiences that reminded us of what life has been like for most Egyptians for thousands of years. In the river valley of Luxor, we saw firsthand how the yearly flooding of the Nile delivered silt to the fields, which becomes rich, fertile soil with irrigation from the river. Then we visited a small rural village where the residents showed us how they still make fired mud bricks as they have since ancient times. Some members of our group participated in the experience, making mud bricks along with the villagers.

We explored the royal connections of Luxor, known in ancient times as Thebes, with visits to several temples: a stop at the site of a recently discovered mortuary temple to Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Another stop was to the Ramesseum, built to honor the great Ramses II near his tomb in the Valley of the Kings.

After a full morning, we boarded our cruise ship which will carry us up the Nile to more sights and adventures in the coming days. We were entertained at sunset with a sailboat ride on the Nile, and finally made a nighttime stop at the fabulous Temple of Luxor dedicated to Ramses the Great, which features colossal statues, stone carvings of hieroglyphics, and an obelisk, and was beautifully lit with spotlights after dark. Everywhere we have visited, we have been impressed and honored by the kindness and friendliness of the Egyptian people. Tomorrow we venture into the Valley of the Kings, the burial place of many of Egypt’s pharaohs, including the famous Tutankhamen and Ramses the Great.

Written by Amy Rhodes—Plano, TX

Don't watch this video unless you like spiders :)