28 07, 2016

Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

By |July 28th, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, History, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

Source The mysterious Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa in Alexandria were discovered a little more than a hundred years ago when a donkey disappeared into a hole in the earth. What was uncovered was a complex of 3 story underground catacomb. While the upper floor is pretty bare from design the middle floor has a unique tomb that combines Egyptian, Greek, and Roman iconography. Above the entrance you can see many Uraei (cobras) with the sun disk, and the winged vulture, a common sight of Egyptian temples. But on the side you see a greek Agathodaimon (serpent) wearing the double crown

22 07, 2016

Colors of Ancient Egypt

By |July 22nd, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Photography, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

One thing many people don't realize is that the monuments and temples of Ancient Egypt were actually vividly painted. But time has erased many of the colors or they are hard to see in dimly lit temples where flashlights and flash is outlawed to protect what colors remain. Which is why when I visited the Cenotaph Temple of Ramesses II at Abydos, a mostly ruined temple, I was excited to not only see amazing colors, but they were close enough to the light outside to take good photos! Every Friday Lili shares her favorite photography & the stories behind the

30 06, 2016

Hypaethral Hall of Trajan’s Kiosk

By |June 30th, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

Trajan's Kiosk is a hypaethral temple (no roof) found at Philae in Egypt. Trajan was a Roman Emperor best known for having extended the Roman Empire to its largest area. Part of the newly acquired area was Egypt.  Rome assimilated into the local culture and created hybrid architecture temples. This was one of them. It is airy and bright with beautiful different capitals on top of each column. And with a view right on the water. It was sometimes nicknamed "The Pharaoh's Bed".

23 06, 2016

Coptic Crosses at Philae Temple

By |June 23rd, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Photography, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

These crosses are a jarring contrast against the detailed hieroglyphics you see throughout Philae Temple, so its not hard to spot them. On columns and entryways they are found. They stand out more than the ancient graffiti. And even stand out more than the defaced images of Egyptian Gods, Goddesses, Pharaohs and everyday people. When I first saw these, as a fan of Ancient Egypt I was peeved. Philae Temple is so impressive, and the carvings that remain intriguing. But upon reflection these crosses shows how ancient temples found new uses in later times. They were refuges for early oppressed Christians as

16 06, 2016

Hieroglyphics and Nilometer on Elephantine Island

By |June 16th, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, History, Photography, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |2 Comments

Near the Nilometer on Elephantine Island in Aswan, Egypt, there are massive boulders you can see from the river with hieroglyphics inscribed with the cartouche of Psamtik II. It is really amazing to see these hieroglyphics so clearly from the water. And to withstand the test of time. The entrance to the Nilometer is an unassuming doorway with steps leading to the nile. It is one of the oldest Nilometers in Egypt and was in use until the 19th century. Every other week Travel Thursday brings you travel tips and information on the amazing sights and activities the world has to offer.

2 06, 2016

Dueling Dragons Queue Theming

By |June 2nd, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Photography, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

I'm afraid of heights. While sometimes I will test this fear, one thing I just cannot handle is very fast roller coasters, or ones that make you go upside down. But when visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter I decided I had to see the Triwizard Tournament Dragon Challenge theming for the Dueling Dragon coasters, even if I wasn't going to ride it. On my second day I had early admission so I entered the queue and slowly walked through it, waving others past me. First you'll see the banners for the 4 champions. As you walk you'll see the

5 05, 2016

Springtime at Bellagio’s Botanical Garden

By |May 5th, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Photography, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden is transformed each season with a different theme. I happened to visit one midnight evening when the gardens were closed off from the public so that they could take photos. This actually was spectral as from the edges I was able to get my own perfect images! This is 2016's Spring design, with lots of pink flowers, birds, and an Japanese theme. Made with over 82 thousand flowers including cherry blossom trees it is on display until May 14 when this will be changed out for the Summer season. Be sure to check it out, it

29 04, 2016

Living Art at the Bellagio

By |April 29th, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Photography, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

There are so many great fun & free things to do in Las Vegas if you just know where to find them. I really enjoyed walking around the flower garden in the Bellagio Hotel. This living easel has many wonderful flowers growing from in. The above is from my 2011 trip, and below my trip last month. Every Friday Lili shares her favorite photography & the stories behind the photos.

22 04, 2016

Philae: the Temple on the Water

By |April 22nd, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Photography, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

Trajan's Kiosk seen on Agilika Island, part of the Philae Temple complex. The original Philae island (below) would frequently be flooded. But once the great dam was built, the island was going to be year-round flooded so a rescue effort to move the complex to nearby Agilika Island was done in the 1960's. Every Friday Lili shares her favorite photography & the stories behind the photos.