Nubia

Abu Simbel is located in southern Egypt near the border of Sudan. Southern Egypt is also called Nubia, and many Nubians still live within this region. Nubians are known for their friendliness, cuisine, and dancing. They also have their own language that is only spoken, not written.

The Drive

We arrived to our hotel in Aswan around 1230 AM the night before. Abu Simbel is a three hour drive from Aswan. We went to bed as quick as we could and were feeling very excited for the next morning. Breakfast at 7 / Driver pick up at 8 / Abu Simbel by 11. Let’s go!

Our driver was a very nice 50 year old gentleman that spoke a little English. He pointed out things like schools, dams over the Nile, military camps, and churches. He told us about his two children both in school and his sister that lives in Florida, USA. He tells us southern Egypt is much more relaxed than Cairo. From the drive, we can already tell.

After about an hour of conversation, the stark dessert landscape began to set in. Under a not so scalding December sun, wall builders were laying stone along the two lane highway. Only a few towns were noted along the three hour drive.

Fork in the Road

We arrived to a fork in the road which also acted as a military checkpoint. Armed guards walk to the vehicle and speak with our driver. Our driver says to the guard, “American,” in a thick Arabic accent. The guard writes it down and away we go.

Our driver points out the window to another road, “That way, Sudan.”

I look to Breanne and notion to her that we could check off another country with a quick trip the other way. She smiles.

Abu Simbel Temples

We arrive to the temple an hour later.

Walking in, you take a paved walkway in a wide half circle. About 30 m up, you begin to take in a small section of the Nile River. It really is a special feeling to see the Nile at any point along its remarkable length.

Then the pathway continues along the river until the temple comes into view. It’s an amazing site to see in person. From in front of the Grand Temple for Ramses the II, four statues of Ramses stand 20 m tall. Behind him, the temple is cut into a rock cliff. The temple is used to worship Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and Amon.

There is a smaller temple located next to the Grand Temple. This temple was built for Nefertiti, Ramses’ favorite wife. It also worships the God Hathor, the God of Motherhood.

Inside

Inside both temples, preserved hieroglyphics dazzle the interior with stories of war, triumph, and festivals.

In the first photo pictured below, from the Grand Temple, there are four statues: Ramses, the God Horus (Protection), the God Amun-Ra (Sun), and the God Ptah (underworld).
It is believed that this temple was erected in a specific position to receive the sunlight in a particular way on Oct 22 and Feb 22 (Ramses’ birthday and coronation day).
The sunlight will hit all three statues except Ptah, as he is the God of the underworld. He should never see the light. People gather to witness this event each year.

Imagination

We returned back into the Nubian desert for the 3hr trip back to Aswan. We were still processing what we were seeing while watching the desert landscape bake under the sun.

The finesse, artistry, and ideas of the Ancient Egyptians are captivating. Something our guides kept telling us, “You have to use your imagination.” It’s not hard to do when visiting Egypt.