#33: Luxor (pg 352; 2nd Ed pg 381)

June, 1997: The Temple of Karnak was built over a period of 1500 years and is, according to 1000 Places to See Before You Die, "one of the greatest architectural achievements ever executed." The site covers 100 acres. The Temple of Karnak is linked by a line of sphinxes to the Temple of Luxor, on the South.

Here I am sitting down in front of this ancient structure; it gives you an idea as to the size of this unbelievable creation.

Circling around one of the many columns.

Memphis - Ramses II

Verdict: Egypt is absolutely one of the coolest places I have ever been. There is so much to do and all of it is completely fascinating, ancient and truly remarkable to see and experience in person.

#32: The Sinai (pg 349; 2nd Ed pg 379)

May, 1997: We headed into the desert in search of the nomadic Bedouins. Here I am with a group of small children. I made a note in my journal that it looked as if they had never bathed or been groomed in any way their whole lives. I also made a note that of the few children pictured here, three of them couldn't speak and one of them was also deaf.
Here I am with a small girl in front of her "home."

They lived and traveled with livestock and here I am holding one of the several baby goats.

Pictured here is a 15 year old girl who was making bread. There were several sticks holding up a piece of fabric which served as her only source of shade or shelter.

I volunteered to help her make the bread. She used flour, water and salt, then placed it on top of a round metal sheath on top of a fire that she started herself.
Verdict: Considering this 2-month study abroad to Israel, Jordan and Egypt was my first time leaving the USA, aside from venturing into Canada to see Niagra Falls, you can imagine my fascination seeing how the Bedouins lived. I had no idea anybody lived like that, much less had the opportunity to meet them and visit with them. This was one of the most memorable parts of the trip!

#31: The Red Sea

Okay, so technically, it's "Diving in the Red Sea" according to 1000 Places to See Before You Die, but since I went there (here I am on the right posing with my friend Kelly) and snorkled there, I figured that was close enough! Getting scuba certified is still on my list of things to do before I die!
I went to the Red Sea on May 20, 1997. I'm on the left here; you can't see us because it is totally dark outside. We got up at the crack of dawn for a sunrise snorkle. It was amazing. I saw all kinds of beautiful fish and also saw an octopus.

I had so much fun in the morning that I headed back for Round Two in the afternoon. So, it turns out, getting up at the crack of dawn is the way to go! When I went back in the afternoon, the water was cloudy and there were tons of jelly fish (or something else along those lines that kept stinging me!). So, Round Two didn't last quite as long as Round One!

The unique and beautiful beach of the Red Sea.
Verdict: A great way to cool off while visiting Sinai!

#30: Museum of Egyptian Antiquities (pg 347; 2nd Ed pg 377)

June, 1997: Here are my ticket stubs to the Egyptian Museum and to the mummy exhibit within the museum. As 1000 Places to See Before You Die states, "...the museum houses such an unparalleled collection of treasures from 2700 B.C to 1200 B.C. that, allowing just one minute to examine eaco of its artifacts, would take a visitor 9 months to see it all." It truly is amazing.

Verdict: An absolute must when you are in Cairo.

#3: The Great Pyramids of Giza (pg 345; 2nd Ed pg 378)

I had a very memorable 21st birthday. I spent the day climbing the inside the largest of the Giza Pyramids - Cheops. But prior to the pyramids, we went to The Sphinx. I spent my Spring term after my Junior year (May and June of 1997) on a Study Abroad to Jerusalem. We spent most of our time in Israel, but we also spent some time in Jordan and Egypt. In fact, we ended the study abroad by spending a week in Egypt. Cairo, Egypt is hands-down, one of the most fascinating, amazing cities I have ever seen or experienced.

And no trip to Egypt is complete without a camel ride!



Here is our group in front of Cheops, the largest and oldest (built circa 2500 B.C.) of the Pyramids. You can get an idea from this picture of the immense size of these beautiful creations. Many of the pyramids are closed to the public because of safety hazards. However, at least in 1997, you were able to go inside the pyramid and climb all the way to the top!

We made it! I am second from right in the front row. I wrote in my journal, "It was a long, steep HOT and SWEATY climb up there in a crouched position, but how neat!"

The Sphinx, a short distance from the pyramids.

I even still have my ticket stub! I am currently reading Jehan Sadat's autobiography, "A Woman of Egypt." Jehan Sadat is the widow of Anwar Sadat, former President of Egypt that was ultimately assassinated at the hands of his own Army for trying to make peace with Israel. As I have been reading her book, I have reflected on my time in Egypt, and must agree with Ms. Schultz on this one; it is indeed a "must see" before you die! (Page 345 of 1000 Places to See Before You Die).