View from Winter Palace Hotel
After 4 adventurous days in Cairo we hopped on a quick flight (1 hour) and landed in Luxor before lunch time. Many tourists opt for the cruise down the Nile from Cairo to Luxor – but after seeing the size (very big and crowded) of many of the “cruise boats”, I definitely think that we made the right decision.
Original Color at Karnak Temple
The hospitality in Cairo was outstanding, and Luxor proved to be no different. In fact, as we were checking in for our flight in Cairo, the gentleman behind us asked if we were the Hutchinson party. Coincidentally (and lucky for us) he turned out to be the general manager of our hotel, The Sofitel Winter Palace, returning to Luxor after visiting his family in New York. We chatted with him for just a bit, and then before we knew it, he was on the phone with the hotel upgrading our room, confirming our airport pick-up, and discussing our agenda with the concierge. That is what I call seamless service!
Karnak Temple
After a the short flight and a stop at baggage claim, we were in route to the hotel. It took about 2 seconds to see the drastic difference between Cairo and Luxor. Of the 80 or so million Egyptians, 18 million of them live in Cairo. Because of this, many of the other cities (including Luxor) are relatively small and offer much more in natural beauty.
We chose the Winter Palace (now operated by Sofitel) not only because of its fantastic location on the Nile, but also because of its history. Built in 1886 as King Farouk’s winter palace, the interiors are regal and over the top. Not to mention…it is the hotel in which Princess Di stayed during her time in Luxor. A blonde can pretend, right?
Brett Gazing at a Karnak Column
Following a quick lunch by the pool, we met our tour guide in the lobby to set out for the Karnak and Luxor Temples. As a “wanna be” Egyptologist, I had previously downloaded everything Apple TV had to offer on Ancient Egypt – including shows dedicated to these specific temples. The History Channel series provided the most comprehensive information; however, nothing prepares you for the grandeur of the temples’ remains.
The Temple of Karnak is the largest temple complex built by man. It is comprised of many different structures commissioned by a number of Pharaohs spanning over almost 2000 years. But if I am totally honest, the more stories our tour guide shared with us, the more I felt like I was walking through the inspiration for the very first Soap Opera. The hieroglyphic covered walls, granite obelisks, and massive columns tell tales more dramatic and complicated than any scandal of All My Children’s Erica Kane. Seriously though – it is an architectural work of art and the colors that have remained after thousands of years blew this blonde’s mind.
Avenue of Sphinxes
From Karnak we took a short ride to the Luxor Temple. As we drove our guide discussed the excavations currently underway to expose and restore the Avenue of the Sphinxes, a path that once connected these two very famous structures.
TIP: If your plan to visit Luxor is not set in stone – it might be worth waiting until this extraordinary restoration is complete.
The Luxor Temple, just steps aways from the Nile, is majestic – but even more remarkable is the religious history inside. An Islamic mosque stands on top of the pharaonic temple and Roman paintings
Roman Christian Paintings in the Luxor Temple
with Christian themes are painted in an inner chamber. Another fun fact about the temple – the missing obelisk (once part of pair added by Ramsis II) now stands in the Place de la Concorde in Paris. So to be fair…I am taking Brett to Paris for his birthday next month to see it!
Dancing on the Felucca
With brains about to explode with new knowledge, we walked back to the hotel (just a couple blocks from the
More Dancing.... FASHION: Zara Orange Cotton Cardigan with Chartreuse Silk and Silver Sequined Shift Dress by MM Couture
Luxor Temple) picked up a basket of wine, and headed to the river for a felucca ride. This ride confirmed the seemingly obvious differences between the banks of the Nile in Cairo vs. Luxor. Cairo offers massive hotels and big business while Luxor offers water buffalo, sugar cane fields, and gorgeous sunsets. We dined, we drank, and we danced.
How Cute Are These Water Buffalo?
Next Up: Valley of the Kings & Queens
A Blonde in Beijing 
YOU THINK YOU THOUGHT THOSE WATER BUFFALO WERE CUTE ‘CAUSE THEY REMINDED YOU OF YOUR MOTHER!!!!!