Candice Archie visiting Luxor temple; (c) SoulOfAmerica/Candice Archie
Luxor
Everyone thought we were insane. Moving to Luxor, Egypt with five children? What would we do about school? How would we deal with being away from family and friends for so long? How would we deal with the culture shock of being non-Muslims living in a predominately Islamic and Arab society?
All of these questions had been tossed back and forth between me and my husband for months. We also wondered how the ancient culture of Kemet, an older name for Egypt, would juxtapose alongside the living Arabic culture. Putting aside the normal worries and fears that go along with traveling to faraway places unknown and unseen; we made the journey to Luxor and have never looked back.
Archie kids riding a donkey in Luxor; credit Candice Archie
Upon arrival, we found that Egyptians are not used to encountering many Americans, let alone Black Americans. Everywhere we go, the locals are happy and surprised to see us. “OBAMA!” is what you will hear shouted at you with joy as you wander the streets and temples. Egyptians and other foreigners as well view his presidency through a lens of hope and wonder.
We also are greeted with the heartwarming phrase “Welcome Back!” on occasion. Every time we hear this, we know that we made the right choice.
The food in Luxor is fresh, inexpensive, and delicious. Everything is sold and served in season, and there are no chemicals or hormones added to any of the fruits, vegetables, meats, or poultry. No matter what your dietary preference, whether it is vegetarian, vegan, or meat lover: you will find plenty of choices to satisfy your hunger.
A Luxor grocer weighing fresh fruit; credit Candice Archie
Renting a flat or villa is also a cheap and relatively painless venture. Though not as strong as in years past, the U.S. dollar still stretches a long way in Egypt. On the East Bank of Luxor, also known as Thebes, there exists more of an urban flair. You will find yourself living in proximity to the grand temple of Luxor and the breathtaking temple of Karnak.
If you desire a quieter and more rural lifestyle, you may want to try the West Bank of the Nile where many British ex-pats live, the home of the Valley of the Kings and Queens.
Jaw-dropping, Karnak Temple contains a number of founding temples to Pharoah Amun some 4000 years ago. Afterward, most pharaohs contributed parts to the complex, enhancing it to become a more diverse timeline reflection of Kemet culture.
Since Karnak Temple is located in a Luxor suburban site surrounded by trees and gardens and within walking distance from a train station, it is one of Egypt’s most accessible and popular living antiquity museums of temples, halls, and statues.
Near Karnak, the longest and most fabled river in history, the Nile River, runs through the city of Luxor. Whether it be sunrise or sunset, it is indeed a beautiful and serene sight to behold. Nubian boatmen offer rides for a reasonable price on their traditional style sailboats called feluccas.
If boating isn’t for you, then there is always the option of a stroll along the “Cornice El-Nil” that follows the glittering and ancient river throughout the town.
Avenue of the Sphinxes guarding Luxor Temple; (c) SoulOfAmerica/Candice Archie
