Temple of Abu Simbel Things to Do

From the outside you get a good idea of the larger than life person that was Ramses II, but inside you see him worshipped as a god. This was not strange as to the Ancient Egyptians the king was god on earth. His health and happiness were paramount. On him the happiness and well being of the kingdom depended.
Unfortunately it was not possible to take good pictures inside as there were just too many people about.
The outside of the temples has 4 statues of Ramses, each 20 m in height.
Inside are 8 Osiride statues.
The sun shines onto the statues twice a year on October 22 [his birthday, it is claimed] and 22 February [his coronation day]

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Look at the carvings of bound prisoners. This is a common sight on the walls of the tombs of Pharaohs, whether or not they actually went into battle or not. Friezes of kneeling prisoners with hands and legs bound indicate the power of the Pharaoh of other lands subjugated by them.
The features of the prisoners identifies their country of origin. Those illustrated are Nubians with their short hair, Sudanese with feathers in their hair, and bearded Libyans.

Once you have endured you long and lonely 300 kilometer trek from Aswan, you will arrive at the car park of the famous Abu Simbel.

You guide will present you with an entry ticket for two temples. This will allow you entry into both the Temple of Ramses II. and the Temple of Hathor.

You will notice that the entry cost is 80 Egyptian Ponds, approx US$13 and you will realize that the US$85 fee to travel here is a little high, but worth it!

It was kind of sad to leave the Temple of Abu Simbel. I had wanted to visit this ancient site since I was young and it seemed that the 3 hours that we got to spend here just wasn’t enough.

Anne and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the entire day, but I must say that I was not looking forward to the return trip back. The 3 hour drive was in front of us and we were exhausted from the late night last night, the early rise, the trip down, 52 degree Celsius heat and the walking.

It was surprising just how fast the trip back took...I slept most of the way!

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After 3 hours at the Temple site it is time to walk back to the shops at the entrance gate and meet your guide for the return bus trip.

Just before you walk up the path at the opposite end from where you entered you will get a very impressive site of the two temples together. It is your final chance to marvel at this spectacular temple complex and take that final picture for the photo album…or V.T page.

We had an excellent time here. Even though we arrived at 8am and departed at 11am it was still hot! When we arrived at 8 am it was 39 degrees Celsius and when we departed at 11 am it was 52 degrees Celsius! (Pack plenty of water.)

At the entrance to the temple of Hathor there is a guard on duty that ensures that nobody is taking photos.

He will offer for you to have a photo taken with him though!...for a fee of 5 Egyptian Pounds.

Anne is seen here holding the key to this temple. Yes, it is a real key to the door of the Temple of Hathor.

One thing you learn very quickly in Egypt is that “most” of the guards, guides and tourist police are open to bribery. In fact, it seems to part of their every day life. You can offer a bribe for most “access” or “photographic” issues and the worst that can happen is that you are met with a polite “no.”

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Ramses II loved himself more than no other; in fact, he built so many icons, temples, statues and relief’s of himself all over Egypt I was sick of looking at him by the time I left Egypt!

One thing he did do, however, was build a magnificent temple for his favorite wife, Nefertari. (Even if it was a fraction of the size of his temple next door!)

Of course, the reliefs and paintings inside are not of Nefertari, they are of Ramses II slaying his enemies while Nefertari watches on…how romantic.

As soon as you enter the Temple of Ramses II you actually enter the Great Hypostyle Hall. This hall has large statues of Ramses II, all standing 10 meters tall, with crook and Flail in his crossed arms.

All of the statues on the left hand side of the hall are wearing the crown of Upper Egypt while all of the statues on the left hand side of the hall are wearing the crown of both Upper and Lower Egypt. The most amazing thing to me, though, were the murals that depict Ramses II making offerings to himself as a god! Gee this bloke loved himself!

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN NOT TAKE PHOTOS INSIDE THE TEMPLE........UNLESS YOU BRIBE A GUARD OF COURSE!!!!!