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EGYPTIAN HISTORY AND SUN IN THE NILE VALLEY
The strange face came ever nearer a viscous looking hooked instrument getting closer with every heart beat. I woke with a stir as my ears popped almost shouting out please don't remove my brains through my nose. I had eventually arrived at Cairo International Airport. When traveling to London, Paris, New York and Germany I always have the feeling that I have just popped into a taxi and journeyed a few miles out of town, these cities feel, sound and smell the same. As I journeyed through Cairo towards my hotel it was as if I was in the middle of a Star Wars movie. Egypt is a totally unique experience.
My Granddad always said that The Nile Valley is the one place that every person should visit before they themselves are consigned to history. So here goes a brief introduction to the charms of the Nile Valley, only I truly recommend you drop the books and go and feel the history for yourself.
Yes, we all have heard about it thousands of times on geography channels, read about it in middle school and now is the time to discover this place in person. Nile Valley, home to the longest river (6680kms) in the world is one breathtaking site which an avid tourist must visit. Situated in Egypt, this place is Mecca for individuals who can't seem to get enough of the old world, its charms and the mystical aura of the old world. Located in mystical Egypt, the Nile Valley is visited by millions of tourists every year.
Nile Valley is single handily responsible for sustaining the rich culture and people of Egypt who have managed to amass heaps of wealth, while living in the lap of this valley. This place is replete with ancient sites, magnificent cities, oases located in unending deserts and most importantly, the cruises which make it a preferred tourist destination that is just to good to miss.
Exploring a valley which is home to the longest river in the world is no easy task. The cruises plying their trade on the Nile River give the tourists an excellent opportunity to explore the history and ancient civilization of Egypt while enjoying all the modern day luxuries on the cruise. Some of the must visit places in the Nile Valley include the Nubian Museum. Ideally, the first pit stop for the unsuspecting tourist, this museum can serve as an excellent place of introduction to the old world charm and culture of Nile valley. The museum comprises artifacts and rare craft pieces from the region of Nubia.
Another interesting place to visit here is the West Bank which is full of limestone buildings, tombs and temples situated across the River at Luxor. Though this area mostly wears a deserted look, the tiny settlements where both vegetation and rearing of goats can be seen provide an example of how older civilizations survived in this desert for centuries. if one is bored of visiting museums and sitting idle, it makes perfect sense to get going on an excursion trip. There are several travel companies and agents who provide ready cruises, excursion trips and guided tours of this place.
One of the most preferred destinations among tourists for an excursion trip is Abu Simbel. Which is famous for its two temples, the Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor which were built over 3000 years ago. The temples were supposed to be built as a tribute to the sun god and his wife, Nefertari. The amazing thing about these temples is that they have been carved straight out of the sandstone cliffs.
The most comfortable time weather wise to visit the Nile Valley is probably during the winter months when the summer sun seems to give way to award a little respite to scorched travelers. Only, I didn't find the summer months to uncomfortable The nearest airport to the Nile Valley is Cairo airport and taxis are plentiful. If using a taxi, always try to agree a price up front and check with the airport desk for reputable taxi companies.