In January 1996 I took a Nile Cruise with a friend. I had been attending an Egyptology Course at our local museum with my mother,during the course we travelled down to the British Museum to see the Egyptology Archives a fascinating collection. I have always been interested in history especially Ancient civilizations.Unfortunatley we were unable to go with the museums trip to Egypt due to my mothers failing health,so this was a very special trip in memory of my mother.
My Egyptian Nile Cruise
A dream that I realised was a sail down the Nile.
On a luxury Cruise in the grand old style.
To visit Ancient Egypt’s historical past
The land of beautiful treasures and a mystical caste,
We boarded the boat at Luxor’s quayside,
The floating hotel was luxurious inside.
Our cabin was decorated in crimson and gold,
At first we thought it too gaudy and bold.
But a picture window and ample room for us
Soon made us quite satisfied with these comfortable quarters.
The food was excellent, the entertainment grand
We were made very welcome to this faraway land.
Next morning we sailed by ferry to the West Bank
Disembarked by filing along a dodgy narrow plank.
In the early morning the Valley of the Kings is lovely and cool
Entering the tombs in small groups, no camera was the rule.
Excited we clambered down numerous steps
To see a Sarcophagus in the tombs depths.
Wonderful marvellous what a sight to see.
I was overawed, amazed, thrilled to be me.
I had dreamed of this moment for many a year
To see Tutankamens tomb and now I was here.
The guide explained the history of the tomb
As we huddles together, there was very little room.
Deep in these tombs we saw fantastic sights
Wall paintings of Ancient Egyptian fights
Their colours still vibrant fresh and bright
Viewed by us in the faint torch light.
We visited The Colossi of Amenophis the Third.
The Valley of Queens of which so little is heard.
We toured all the sites that have historical links.
Then back to the boat for pre-dinner drinks.
The boat continued our journey during the night
The morning mists covering most other sights.
The guides took us by horse and carriage
To see the Temple at Edfu the Centre of Knowledge.
Then back to the boat to cruise the Nile
Lying on the Sun Deck in elegant style.
Next day we boarded Felluca`s and under full sail
Sped along fast, leaving a water trail.
After a steep climb respect was paid
To the Aga Khan in the marble tomb where he laid.
Then sailed down river to the Gardens Lord Kitchener planned,
An island of rare botanical plants growing in the sand.
From here we drove by coach to the Aswan Dam which has power
To light up the whole of Egypt hour by the hour.
Then on to The Temple of Philea moved stone by stone
As protection from rising waters, much damage already shown.
A three a.m.trip to Abu Simbel across cold desert sand
To witness a magical sunrise over this barren land.
Rameses Temple magnificent bathed in sunshine
Built on the shores of Lake Nassau far from the waterline.
Moved to escape the waters flooding the valley.
Rescued for posterity, rebuilt with a visitors galley
Behind the temples facade inside the rock face.
From the front of the temple there isn`t a trace.
Detailed explanations on how they accomplished the removel
We gasp in amazement, it had our approval.
To continue our journey it's back to the boat.
The day has been wonderful this trip has my vote.
On to the Temple of Kom Ombo,Sobeck the cult crocodile
Ancient surgical instruments make me smile.
At Karnak we attend an evening of Sound and Light.
Presenting a wonderful spectical in the dark of the night.
The following day the Temple at Karnak we explore.
Then followed the Avenue of Sphinxes to the Temple at Luxor.
Our cruise was over we'd had a great time.
The trip was a dream come true, absolutely sublime.
<©>Val Cook 1996
The Valley of The Kings
Tombs hidden in the hills retrieved from the rubble.
Wall paintings and artefacts saved through time with trouble.
Exposed after centuries of seclusion in the desert heat
By intrepid archaeologists and explorers, a fantastic feat.
Ancient sarcophagi in black basalt or granite greens
Containing mummies of Kings and Queens.
Gold artefacts embedded with precious stones stand
Around the walls waiting for tomorrow land.
Papyrus rolls containing magic incantations;
Preserved intact for those whose dedications,
Will resurrect and lead them to the underworld.
Ushabtui figures wait, until this world unfurled.
Lying in tombs surrounded with their treasures.
All this to ensure their lasting existence, in no uncertain measures.
Canopic jars containing organs,heart and liver,
Awaiting the judgement of the Life Giver.
Osiris, God King of the Underworld and Judge of the Dead
Anubis, his son weighs the heart before the King can be led
With his court and lifestyle resurrected.
As Amen Ra the God King he has been selected.
<©>ValCook 1996
My Egyptian Nile Cruise
A dream that I realised was a sail down the Nile.
On a luxury Cruise in the grand old style.
To visit Ancient Egypt’s historical past
The land of beautiful treasures and a mystical caste,
We boarded the boat at Luxor’s quayside,
The floating hotel was luxurious inside.
Our cabin was decorated in crimson and gold,
At first we thought it too gaudy and bold.
But a picture window and ample room for us
Soon made us quite satisfied with these comfortable quarters.
The food was excellent, the entertainment grand
We were made very welcome to this faraway land.
Next morning we sailed by ferry to the West Bank
Disembarked by filing along a dodgy narrow plank.
In the early morning the Valley of the Kings is lovely and cool
Entering the tombs in small groups, no camera was the rule.
Excited we clambered down numerous steps
To see a Sarcophagus in the tombs depths.
Wonderful marvellous what a sight to see.
I was overawed, amazed, thrilled to be me.
I had dreamed of this moment for many a year
To see Tutankamens tomb and now I was here.
The guide explained the history of the tomb
As we huddles together, there was very little room.
Deep in these tombs we saw fantastic sights
Wall paintings of Ancient Egyptian fights
Their colours still vibrant fresh and bright
Viewed by us in the faint torch light.
We visited The Colossi of Amenophis the Third.
The Valley of Queens of which so little is heard.
We toured all the sites that have historical links.
Then back to the boat for pre-dinner drinks.
The boat continued our journey during the night
The morning mists covering most other sights.
The guides took us by horse and carriage
To see the Temple at Edfu the Centre of Knowledge.
Then back to the boat to cruise the Nile
Lying on the Sun Deck in elegant style.
Next day we boarded Felluca`s and under full sail
Sped along fast, leaving a water trail.
After a steep climb respect was paid
To the Aga Khan in the marble tomb where he laid.
Then sailed down river to the Gardens Lord Kitchener planned,
An island of rare botanical plants growing in the sand.
From here we drove by coach to the Aswan Dam which has power
To light up the whole of Egypt hour by the hour.
Then on to The Temple of Philea moved stone by stone
As protection from rising waters, much damage already shown.
A three a.m.trip to Abu Simbel across cold desert sand
To witness a magical sunrise over this barren land.
Rameses Temple magnificent bathed in sunshine
Built on the shores of Lake Nassau far from the waterline.
Moved to escape the waters flooding the valley.
Rescued for posterity, rebuilt with a visitors galley
Behind the temples facade inside the rock face.
From the front of the temple there isn`t a trace.
Detailed explanations on how they accomplished the removel
We gasp in amazement, it had our approval.
To continue our journey it's back to the boat.
The day has been wonderful this trip has my vote.
On to the Temple of Kom Ombo,Sobeck the cult crocodile
Ancient surgical instruments make me smile.
At Karnak we attend an evening of Sound and Light.
Presenting a wonderful spectical in the dark of the night.
The following day the Temple at Karnak we explore.
Then followed the Avenue of Sphinxes to the Temple at Luxor.
Our cruise was over we'd had a great time.
The trip was a dream come true, absolutely sublime.
<©>Val Cook 1996
The Valley of The Kings
Tombs hidden in the hills retrieved from the rubble.
Wall paintings and artefacts saved through time with trouble.
Exposed after centuries of seclusion in the desert heat
By intrepid archaeologists and explorers, a fantastic feat.
Ancient sarcophagi in black basalt or granite greens
Containing mummies of Kings and Queens.
Gold artefacts embedded with precious stones stand
Around the walls waiting for tomorrow land.
Papyrus rolls containing magic incantations;
Preserved intact for those whose dedications,
Will resurrect and lead them to the underworld.
Ushabtui figures wait, until this world unfurled.
Lying in tombs surrounded with their treasures.
All this to ensure their lasting existence, in no uncertain measures.
Canopic jars containing organs,heart and liver,
Awaiting the judgement of the Life Giver.
Osiris, God King of the Underworld and Judge of the Dead
Anubis, his son weighs the heart before the King can be led
With his court and lifestyle resurrected.
As Amen Ra the God King he has been selected.
<©>ValCook 1996
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