Things to see and do in Egypt (II)

If the other day we stopped at the main monuments and temples of Egypt, like the famous pyramids of Giza, the Temple of Karnak or the one of Abu Simbel, today it touches a little more variety. In Egypt we can see its main attractions in a short trip, so we would have enough with the previous visits, since they are the most important. However, if you have more time, you may be interested in these other visits.

From smaller but equally beautiful temples, such as Kom Ombo, to a visit to the well-known Nubian town, where the most beautiful people of Egypt are, to learn a little about their customs. Undoubtedly Egypt is full of surprises that go beyond the Pyramids of Giza.

The sphinx

It is said that there are many mysteries about the Sphinx, since it is believed that the face is that of Pharaoh Khafre, but it is not known for sure. This statue was made from a limestone mound, on which the figure of the Sphinx was sculpted. Its height is twenty meters, and without a doubt it is one of the essential visits when we go to see the Pyramids, since it is located next to it. The sphinx symbolizes the idea of ​​strength and power, with a being that has a human head and a lion's body, a way of representing the pharaohs.

Kom Ombo Temple

The Temple of Kom Ombo is not as impressive or important as those at Karnak and Luxor, but it is certainly a beautiful temple to behold. It is located on the banks of the Nile, so it is probably on our visiting route and we can enjoy it. The most curious thing about this temple is that in it we can visit the Hator Chapel, where some well-preserved crocodile mummies are preserved, due to the divinity of the temple is Sobek, a god who had the head of a crocodile and the human body. It is usually visited during the sunset, because, like many other temples, it is illuminated at night, so it is really beautiful to see it this way. In addition, we can also enjoy some souvenir stalls on the way to the ship on the visit.

Colossi of Memnon

The Colossi of Memnon are two huge statues that are not entirely well preserved, but they are what remains of the funerary temple of Amenhotep III. These colossi were located at the entrance of the temple, and are 18 meters high, created with blocks of rock. For many years there was a curious phenomenon that after its restoration no longer occurs, and that is that when the sun rose, one of the colossus emitted a sound. This sound was caused by a crack that occurred in the rocks after an earthquake, and that with the heat of the sun caused the rock to emit that sound. This made many legends appear behind this colossus.

Snorkel in Sharm el Sheikh

In the Red Sea coast we will find another beautiful vacation destination, beyond Cairo. In Sharm-el-Sheikh we have a place to snorkel for fans of this sport, and a vacation area to enjoy the sea. It is actually one of the world's favorite diving destinations for its natural wealth. But if we are also going to stay for more than a day, it is advisable to visit the lively area of ​​Naama Bay, where we can enjoy bars and shops open at dusk and a place where there are many tourists.

Shopping in Egypt

Something that can not and should not be missing when we go on vacation to Egypt will be shopping. In Cairo we can enjoy its huge market, seeing typical products and all kinds of things that we will want to take with us. If there is something that is typical, it is papyri, of which you will find many in many stores, since they are bestselling souvenirs. There are better or worse quality, and you can even go to the places where they are made to learn more about this technique. On the other hand, if you have how to carry it, also a shisha or hookah with flavored tobacco will be a good purchase. Other things that tourists usually take with them are djellaba and typical light cotton clothing, as well as cartridges, which are pendants where they will put our name.

Visit to the Nubian village

One of the visits that are usually arranged in travel agencies is to see the Nubian town of Aswan. It is usually reached by ferry, in a walk along the nileas it is located on an island. Upon arrival we will find many street vendors with typical products and some beautiful white houses, usually decorated with colors. They usually take tourists to visit a house, to get a henna tattoo and meet its people, also enjoying some of the stories of these people.