November: Get active in Durban

Durban

by Qin Xie -

In a country which is already fitness conscious (Virgin Active began in South Africa), Durban stands out with its special blend of sports and wildlife.

Six awesome sights around Tunisia

Tunisia

by Qin Xie -

I went digging through my old photographs from Tunisia and, well, it’s still as hauntingly beautiful.

Felucca ride in Aswan

Aswan

by Qin Xie -

As you travel towards the upper reaches of the Egyptian Nile, nearing to Aswan, you begin to see feluccas floating down stream.

Philae Temple, Lake Nasser

Aswan

by Qin Xie -

View from Lake Nasser, Philae Temple, Lake Nasser

Philae Temple, accessible by boat only, was the last temple on my Nile journey and perhaps the most modernised for tourists.

The dams at Aswan

Aswan

by Qin Xie -

One of the distinguishing features about the Nile is that it flows from the south to the north. The other is that it has an indeterminable source.

Unfinished Obelisk, Aswan

Aswan

by Qin Xie -

Commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut, the Unfinished Obelisk would have been the biggest obelisk in the world – if it had been completed.

Ptolemic Temple and Crocodile Museum

Kom Kombo

by Qin Xie -

At Kom Ombo, situated impressively near the river, is the Ptolemic Temple of Kom Ombo and the Crocodile Museum.

Temple of Horus and the city of Edfu

Edfu

by Qin Xie -

It is said that the temple was built as a sign of good will towards the Egyptians as it was built in the Ancient Egyptian style.

Colossi of Memnon, Luxor

Luxor

by Qin Xie -

With no sign of the mortuary temple now and no buildings nearby, they look rather like a pair of ancient rulers sitting, and watching, silently over their kingdom.

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, Luxor

Luxor

by Qin Xie -

Temple facade, Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, Luxor

For the Pharoahs of Ancient Egypt, looting of their tombs by grave robbers was a big problem.