After the busyness of the last few days, life aboard the Nile cruise ship was a welcome change of pace. Things slowed down just enough for us to really enjoy the journey. The crew on the ship was incredibly friendly, and I was so thankful that they worked hard to make sure I had egg-free food I could enjoy. The cook at breakfast even brought me my own plate of falafels made without eggs! I was so grateful for the care and consideration they showed toward my allergy. It was one of those thoughtful gestures that made the trip even more memorable.

As we cruised toward our next destination, I spent a lot of time on deck just taking in the scenery. It’s amazing to think that this same river has been the lifeblood of Egypt for thousands of years. Every once in a while I’d look out and see farmers working their fields, children waving from the shore, fishermen in their boats, or another cruise ship slowly passing by. It was one of those moments where you stop thinking about everything waiting for you back home and simply enjoy where you are.

Our first stop of the day was the Temple of Kom Ombo.

This temple is unique because it was actually built for two gods instead of one. Half of it is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, while the other half honors Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed god. Everywhere we looked were beautifully preserved carvings that have survived for thousands of years.

One of the things I found most interesting was the collection of crocodile mummies. Yes…actual crocodile mummies! I never imagined I’d see something like that in person. They were surprisingly well preserved and just a little creepy, if I’m being honest.

I was also fascinated by carvings that resembled ancient surgical instruments. It’s incredible to think people were practicing medicine thousands of years ago, and that evidence of it is literally carved into the temple walls. Our tour guide even pointed out proof of an ancient catheter. I have to admit…it looked very scary! I’m very thankful for modern medical equipment!

Back aboard the ship, we continued sailing north along the Nile, enjoying another peaceful afternoon before our next stop.

Our next destination was the Temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt.

Our tour bus took us to the temple. It is a little scary sitting in a bus, watching all the cars, horse carts, pedestrians, and other road hazards barely escape death time after time! Our bus driver had nerves of steel and incredible driving skills. By this point in the trip, I had learned that Egyptian traffic somehow operates on organized chaos! I’m so glad it wasn’t me behind the wheel!

As soon as we stepped through the massive entrance of the temple, I just stood there for a minute taking it all in. Every temple we’d visited had been impressive in its own way, but Edfu felt different. It was so incredibly well preserved that it almost felt like stepping back in time.

The towering walls, enormous columns, and intricate hieroglyphs looked like they had been carved yesterday instead of over two thousand years ago. Every room revealed another incredible carving or another fascinating piece of history.

That evening was one I’d been looking forward to ever since buying my Egyptian dress in Aswan.

It was Egyptian Gala Night!

Everyone showed up wearing traditional Egyptian clothing, and it was so much fun seeing our entire tour group dressed up. There was music, dancing, lots of laughs, and of course we finished the night with a photo shoot on the deck!

One of the unexpected gifts of traveling with a tour group is how quickly strangers become friends. Just a few days earlier, we hadn’t known each other. Now we were laughing together, sharing meals, dancing together, and making memories that I’ll never forget.

As our ship quietly continued its journey toward Luxor that night, I couldn’t help but think about everything we’d already experienced. It is a trip of a lifetime and I’m forever grateful I was able to experience it!

Little did I know, the next day would somehow top it all.

Coming next: The Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, ancient tombs, King Tut’s mummy, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and one of the most fascinating days of the entire trip.