Monday 4 January 2010

Avenue of the Sphinxes



I took these pictures during our holiday in Egypt last March. They are of the avenue of sphinxes that is partially uncovered between the temples of Luxor and Karnak closed to the River Nile.





We discovered that it is considered of such great importance that people’s homes along the route are being destroyed so that the excavations can continue. It is, of course, a contentious issue. Whatever compensation is being paid, I can't imagine how dreadful it must feel to lose your home like that. One Egyptian in the bar of our hotel showed us a video on his mobile phone of a house being destroyed.

“This is one of many,” he told us.

Of course, Luxor is highly dependent on tourism. Without it many would go hungry. And we were delighted and amazed by the parts of the avenue that we saw. How sad that such paradoxes exist and are bound to keep on doing so.

8 comments:

Joanne Olivieri said...

That's terrible that people are losing their homes. I have to say though these pictures are fantastic and I would love to visit there someday. Thanks for sharing these.

Maria @ Conversations with Moms said...

What an amazing adventure. My husband and I have always wanted to go to Egypt. Of course, it's terrible that people are losing their homes but it's hard not to be mesmerized by the beauty of the pictures.

eastcoastlife said...

I would like to visit Egypt one day. It would be sad to lose one's home because some greedy businessmen are only concerned on making money.

Unknown said...

Hallo again Jo. I hope you get your wish to visit this part of Egypt. the historical sites are truly spectacular.

Unknown said...

Hope you get there too Maria. You're right. I feel for the people but I think they understand. I wish I culd find out more about how they are rehoused.

Unknown said...

EastCoastLife - it is a wonderful place to visit. the whole community benefits from the tourism. I don't think it's just a case of greedy businessmen, although hotel owners and such must do better than most.

ONE of THE GUYS said...

That's a fascinating story all around. Egypt is one of those places I'd love to go at some point in my life.

Life seems to be that way. Birth often comes with death.

Unknown said...

One of the Guys - you make an interesting point about birth and death. I haven't finished blogging about Egypt yet. Everything we saw there was fascinating.

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