April 5, 2022 – Aswan and Abu Simbel

Another early morning. We left the ship at 7:30am and drove through the city of Aswan. We drove over the old Dam and stop the new Dam. We learned that security at the dams is so tight because if anyone bombed the dam the release of the water in Lake Nasser would completely flood all of Egypt in 6 hours.
We took a 35 minute flight to Abu Simbel. Many tour companies go by bus which takes 3 1/2 hours each way. I’m glad that Vantage flew us there. When your arrive at the site, you are behind the temples. After a walk around the right side the Temple of Rameses II looms up before you. It was moved in the 1960’s from its original position to 200 meters back from the shore and 65 meters higher to save it from the rising water in Lake Nasser. The second temple was dedicated to Rameses Ii wife, Nefertari. Both temples were well preserved despite the move.
On the way to the bus we walked through the most aggressive sales Vultures that we have seen.
After flying back to Aswan, we had a late lunch. After dinner Nubian musicians and dancers performed for us.