Abu Simbel was the southern gateway of Egypt built by Ramses II to show his power over adjoining territories. Massive colossi carved from the rock flanking a temple cut deep into the rock. Ramses built another smaller but just as impressive temple nearby. Both were relocated 66m higher and 200m back from the water when the dam was built way downstream. The resulting Lake Nasser is 500km long - second largest artificial lake in the world. 120,000 Nubians were relocated as a result. Flew there from Aswan after a long delay by EgyptAir. Up really early, transfer out for 850am flight which was delayed to 1030. Thought we wouldn't get to see Abu Simbel as a result because there was only enough time before to land, drive to temple site, tour and race back to catch the plane to Cairo. In the end they just delayed the next flight so we could do the tour, although we had to hotfoot it. A contiki tour joined us for Abu Simbel but left us in Aswan en route to Cairo. Flying over the desert the contrast between the thin strip of green on the river and the surrounding burning desert was very clear. Easy to see why they worshipped river as a god. Flew to Cairo for last full day in Egypt tomorrow. Rest day from the hectic Nile Cruise. Traffic from Cairo airport was ridiculous - made worse by the ring road being closed by demonstrations and clashes between deposed Morsi and non-Morsi supporters which forced us through the centre of the city. Tanks and soldiers dispersed through the city. Passed the City of the Dead - a sprawling city Necropolis also occupied by 10,000 impoverished residents. Back to the luxurious Mena House Hotel by the still inspiring Giza Pyramids. Ordered room service as we couldn't be bothered to shower and dress and we hadn't eaten since breakfast. While we were waiting the advised 45 minutes we fell into the huge pool - for five minutes (probably because they closed for Ramadan at sunset). Watched the full moon over the pyramids and sand dunes from the hotel balcony. All crashed early for a long refreshing sleep - the first in a long while (these holidays are full on).