Temples at Abu Simbel

Today was yet another highlight of our trip to Egypt. It really feels like every day has been one. We boarded a small airplane at Aswan Airport for a short flight to visit the temples at Abu Simbel. The massive carvings made an immediate impression, and the interior details were absolutely breathtaking.

As stunning as the carvings were, what truly left me dumbfounded was learning that the entire complex was moved piece by piece in 1968 to save it from being submerged by the newly formed Lake Nasser. The mountain that the temples appear to be carved into is actually artificial. I never would have guessed, as it looks completely natural.

Abu Simbel is often billed as a must see, and I wholeheartedly agree. The short plane ride was a small inconvenience for the chance to experience such an unforgettable, bucket-list site.