Tag: postaday

Temples at Abu Simbel

, , , Slice of Life, TravelingLeave a Comment on Temples at Abu Simbel
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/9000 sec, ISO80
 “Boarding Time” Aswan, 2025

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.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/6.4, 1/4000 sec, ISO640
 “Abu Simbel” Egypt, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/1800 sec, ISO50
 “Abu Simbel” Egypt, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 9mm, f/2.8, 1/40 sec, ISO800
 “Abu Simbel” Egypt, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/50 sec, ISO320
 “Abu Simbel” Egypt, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/60 sec, ISO500
 “Abu Simbel” Egypt, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO250
 “Abu Simbel” Egypt, 2025

Esna and a Day on the Nile

, , , , Slice of Life, TravelingLeave a Comment on Esna and a Day on the Nile
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/1800 sec, ISO50
 “Temple of Esna” Esna, 2025

We spent the morning in the city of Esna with a short walk through the streets, followed by some time for shopping. Bartering with the shopkeepers can feel intimidating at first, but compared to vendors in Morocco, Egypt is pretty tame. It actually became kind of fun, and I like to think we got pretty good at it. Of course, my mom is the real master of haggling. We came away with some clothes, a stamp, and a few dishes and bowls.

After that, we cruised the Nile for the rest of the day on our way to Aswan. Back on the ship, we enjoyed high tea and some time browsing the library, where I found a book about Hatshepsut, whose temple we had visited the day before. We were then treated to a delicious local meal. To cap it all off, we watched an incredible Egyptian sunset.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 9mm, f/2.8, 1/1800 sec, ISO25
 “The Nile” Egypt, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/950 sec, ISO80
 “Tea Time” Egypt, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/100 sec, ISO250
 “Hapshetsut” Egypt, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO400
 “Egyptian Dinner” Aswan, 2025
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5.6, 1/1250 sec, ISO640
 “Nile Sunset” Aswan, 2025

Day 1 in the Hobonichi

, , , Slice of Life, Stationery, Well-beingLeave a Comment on Day 1 in the Hobonichi
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO320
 “Day 1” Cedar Park, 2026

January finally started so I have officially begun my first Hobonichi Techo. As you may know, I went with the original A6 size because it is so compact. But maybe I should have gone with the A5 cousin since I naturally write kind of large. Oh well. I’ll give the smaller format a go!

I also bought a Canon SEPLHY CP1500 printer, which is really fun to use. I’m looking forward to see how my journal turns out.

Osechi and Running

, , , Food, Running, Slice of LifeLeave a Comment on Osechi and Running
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO640
 “Osechi 2026” Cedar Park, 2026

We started 2026 off on the right foot with a yummy osechi feast, followed by an afternoon run around the neighborhood. It felt like the perfect way to begin the year, good food and a little movement to balance it all out.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/640 sec, ISO50
 “First Run” Cedar Park, 2026