Some more more? photos of Egypt

With today's post there are five sets of photos of Karnak and Luxor Temple, both sites in or near the city of Luxor. Luxor, with an absurd embarrassment of ancient wonders, is also the gateway to the Valley of the Kings. Unfortunately, cameras are not permitted in the Valley.

The Temples of Karnak are, in a country that does impressive sites with a high level of regularity, amazing. The scale, detail and level of preservation are something to be seen. The Great Hypostyle Hall, filled with 134 towering columns, is large enough to fit both St Peter's Basilica and St Paul's. Some of the columns and parts of the overhanging structuring have original, 3000 year old, painted scenes still visible. 

Luxor Temple was largely built during the time of Amenhotep III and Ramses II, about 1390 to 1213 BC. Some parts of the complex appear to be much newer, dating from Roman times. Shadowing the entry is an impressive obelisk, the partner of which stands in Concorde Square in Paris. Part of the complex is overlooked by a mosque, built much later, from which Brenda received much attention from a group of teenage boys (I am confident they weren't looking at me). While in the most part they were respectful, it made for an interesting visit to be watched, and taken photos of, throughout.  

In time (hopefully) Karnak and Luxor Temple will be connected by an avenue, three kilometers long, lined with Sphinxs, as it was in ancient times. The small section that is restored is a pretty unique sight.

From Dubai I will post the last few photos of our time in Egypt, my reflections on our visit (if I get round to writing them) and some photos of Jordan.