We were able to sleep in until 7 on November 1 which was wonderful after the early morning of the previous day. We started with a horse drawn carriage ride that took us through the busy town. We were on the road with all types of conveyance which was a bit unnerving. Also we were warned not to tip the driver until we returned or else we could be abandoned for the return trip. With this admonition we were on our way to Edfu Temple.
This was a most impressive temple as the ceiling is still in place.
It was used by Christians as a refuge from persecution from the Romans and so the ceiling is badly soiled by smoke from candles and lanterns.
Nevertheless the temple walls are beautiful and the guide provided explanations and on the spot translations of the hieroglyphics!
When we left the temple the inevitable vendors at the entrance were very aggressive which was unpleasant. Then we had to find our driver and take the horse drawn carriage back to the ship. It was an intense experience!
Then we sailed to our next stop...Kobodo. on the way we saw a beautiful sunset over the Nile. We arrived after dark which adds a different dimension to the experience.
We visited another temple in the evening. I was not looking forward to this as I was feeling a bit 'templed-out' but this temple was a big surprise.
It was a location where the crocodile was revered and therefore mummies of crocodiles were found here. They are housed in a museum and it was all fascinating. The ancient Egyptians had a cistern which was connected to the Nile and through which the crocodiles could come so they could be fed. In addition, the females laid eggs in the still water of the cistern.
It was fascinating as many of the hieroglyphics made reference to these creatures and the God of the underworld, Seth, was depicted with a crocodiles head.
In addition, the temple was used as a hospital with seven surgical units in its rear and hieroglyphics included descriptions of medical instruments as well as prescriptions.
This temple also makes reference to Trajan who was a Roman conquerer and who was convinced that he must win the hearts and minds of the people through their religion. It was all fascinating!
We were tired when we hit the bunks that night...especially as we are facing a 0345 wake up the next day for our next temple visit...
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