Day 5
It was still black as pitch outside as those of us who had signed up for the early (early!) morning balloon ride were transported from the hotel to the launch site on the West Bank. There was a slight but necessary chill in the air, surprising given our location on the fringes of the Sahara desert. But they’re called hot-air balloons for a reason: warm air rises in cool air cuz hot air is lighter. (That’s Archimedes’ principle, BTW.) So, this little excursion needed to happen before the heat of the rising sun raised the outside air temperature above the balloon’s enclosed hot air temperature and we dropped from the sky like…a lead balloon!
Having conquered the early morning skies, we made our way back across the Nile, joined up with the non-balloonists and were taken to a local market for browsing. Exotic foods and very-fresh (as in still breathing) livestock were abundant.
Since we were being more than adequately fed throughout the trip, purchasing food seemed rather unnecessary. However, in the spice market, Rob was able to pick up some Iranian saffron, considered the world’s best, at a good price.
Karnak Temple
The Karnak temple complex developed between the XII and XX dynasties. At its peak, it was the largest and most important religious complex in ancient Egypt. The most significant structure is the Temple of Amun-Ra, considered to be where that god lived on earth with his wife, Mut, and son, Khonsu.
Hieroglyphics, sculptures and painting
Obelisks
Egypt 