Karnak & Luxor Temple on Nile East Bank
Egypt Attractions Include the Alabaster Factory & Papyrus Institute
Nov 10, 2008
Nile cruising is a great way to enjoy Ancient Egypt, as the temples are well-preserved by UNESCO, and still stand along the river banks. As temples are life-giving, they are built on the East Bank where the sun rises, rather than the West Bank of the Nile River. Karnak and Luxor Temples are two of the most famous in Luxor, as they show a spectrum of Egypt’s history, Ancient Egypt, to the Greek-Roman period, the Christian period, then the Turks.
Karnak Temple
Sitting on the East Bank, Karnak Temple is the largest temple in Egypt with massive 134 columns. As temples are built from the inside out, following nature’s blueprint, Pharaohs make gifts to the temple by adding on parts. For instance, archaeologists have found Queen Hatshepsut’s well-preserved obelisk, once hidden by her step-son’s construction, depicting the Queen as a man. Also, there is the Great Scarab of Karnak statue in the compound and it is said that if one circles it anti-clockwise seven times, he/she would become wealthy. Many action and spy films have been shot in this wonderful location, as the view along the columns with the palm trees in the background make great shots.
Luxor Temple
Luxor Temple is smaller than the Karnak temple complex and also rests on the East Bank. It is built with a winding entrance shaped like the Nile. It has only come to light recently that Luxor Temple shows the full spectrum of Egyptian history: from Christian stone to the Abu Haggag mosque built over it when the temple was buried by sand.
Alabaster Factory & Papyrus Institute
After temple visits, travellers will get to stop at an alabaster factory and papyrus institute. Real alabaster vases are slightly translucent under light and do not break easily like resin, which is the substitute material sold in shops. Alabaster factories also sell moonstone, which illuminates rather eerily in the dark and can cost about LE500 for one statue. Another interesting stop is the papyrus institute where visitors learn how papyrus paper is made and can purchase them and have their hieroglyphic names inscribed. A papyrus painting can cost from LE120 to a whopping LE800. Framed papyrus paintings can also be bought. As it takes double the time to make brown papyrus paper, it may be considered a better purchase than white papyrus paper.
Egyptian Party
After an afternoon of sunbathing on the deck or dozing in the cabin, it is time for a party. As Egyptians like to take life as it comes, it is likely that the Egyptian guide assigned to the tour group will not disclose the date of the Egyptian party till the night before. Cruise passengers need not worry, most boats offer shops that sell plenty of dazzling, gorgeous Egyptian costumes (galabeas). As galabeas are so comfortable, many tourists buy them to use at home! Galabeas may be as simple as kaftans or glamourous like belly dancer costumes with beading. They are all very affordable, about LE150 each. Headgear is usually encouraged.
Belly Dancing & Whirling Dervishes
Egypt is one of the best places to catch a whirling dervish, especially when one is invited to perform on the Nile River boat! His skirt has a rainbow-coloured underside, which he skilfully twirls up and down his person. Belly dancers, usually hefty well-built women with undulating bellies, perform to live music and will usually get the audience to interact, so guests should be prepared to show off their dancing skills!
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