Nile Cruise: Temples of Edfu and Kom Ombu

More sailing up the Nile, heading towards its source, brought us to the Temple of Edfu, half way between Luxor and Aswan. Edfu, the Temple of Horus, was largely buried by sand until it was found in 1860 and because it was buried several parts of the walls and columns contain their original coulours. The engraved illustrations here have taken on a new look and, influenced by the Greeks, show more human detail: the shape of both men and women - and navels! A quick wander, a purchase (and some unsuccessful bartering) and we were hustled back to the boat for another huge lunch and more sailing to Kom Ombu. A night visit to the Temple and for the first time, witness of the Egyptian calendar (the last day of the month was identified in hieroglyphics as a circle with a tail across the top - is this where the term 'tail-end' comes from?) and the mummified remains of three crocodiles and back to the boat from where we set sail for Aswan. Traditionally, they say, aboard the cruise ship, tonight was Galabaya night where everyone dresses up for a fun party of dance and music and drink. We were becoming rather partial to the Luxor Lager and it was SO easy to get: sign to Room 118 please!!!