Luxor Temple & Karnak Temple

We are surprised by the size of Luxor. The airport is the size of a big city airport. The city is a sprawling metropolis. Most surprising of all is the number of large cruise ships docked along Luxor's quay. In fact, when we board the Sun Goddess, we find it rafted outboard of two other ships. South of us there are four huge ships rafted. We discover Luxor is one of the most tourist-visited cities on the planet.

Our fellow passengers immediately depart the airport on buses for Karnak Temple. Arrangements have been made for Carol to be transported directly to the ship since her knee cannot take the described hike at the temple. CJ's hip convinces him joining her is the chivalrous thing and medically sound thing to do.

The wisdom of our mutual decision is confirmed when fellow passengers return with tales of a long walks on uneven surfaces amid horrible crowds. One would have thought late October would be offseason. According to our guide this is peak season!

The Sun Goddess is berthed adjacent to Luxor Temple. They bus us around the block to the temple's entrance. Even though this is a night tour, the place is overcrowded.