Abu Simbel

The Great Temple of Abu Simbel….

If you’re taking a flight into AbuSimbel, sit on the left side of the plane to see it from the sky. As well, try to get there as early as you can because you’ll escape the heat and the floods of tourists!

One stands in awe beneath the towering temple built for Rameses II. One is thankful that this history could be saved from the rising waters of the Aswan dam.

King Ramses II of the Bible! What a magnificant palace you built . . . a few miles away from where it stands today! Not only is it a marvel of engineering of ancient times, but of modern times as well! Oh to stand next to Ramses II and see his cartuche all around his grave, and have a conversation with one of the greatest kings of Egypt!

We cruised Lake Nasser from Aswan to Abu Simbel (and back) via many of the tombs and temples saved by UNESCO. The boat actually moored in front of the temple on our first trip. This gave us the opportunity to see the sun come up at Abu Simbel when there are few people there.

It’s quite a trek down, but I think it’s worth it if you’ve already made it as far south as Aswan.