Aswan

One of the four giagantic statues of Ramses II that guard the entrance to his temple and his kingdom at Abu Simbel. Abu Simbel is actually closer to Sudan than to Aswan but for convenience sake I have put the photos in the same album.
Abu Simbel has got to be my favourite temple. Inside the temple, there are beautiful wall paintings and reliefs of Ramses II in full battle pose, this time on his chariot with his bow drawn, ready to fire at his enemies. There are scenes from his numerous battles and most importantly the Battle of Kadesh. It is such a shame that photography is not allowed inside. There are one or two photos taken sneakily, but being the responsible tourist, I took them without flash.
The overnight train from Cairo to Aswan was horrible but it did make some interesting stops along the way, partly scheduled party due to circumstances like the train breaking down. Aswan is probably the nicest of the tourist hotspots along the nile. It has a nice laid back atmosphere and although you still get hustled here and there it was much much better than in Luxor. The Nile is in its element at Aswan and the Felucca cruise around the islands was simply fantastic. On the east bank of the Nile where it is irrigated, civilisation thrives. On the west bank where man has failed to apply water, the desert is dominant.
More photos here