The sun rises over the Nile on the morning of our first day in the land of Nefertiti and Akhenaton.

The ancients have a name for each phase of the sun’s journey across the sky. This is the Kheper Sun as symbolized by the scarab beetle.

Transformation. Rebirth.

We had to transfer to the smaller “coaster bus” to fit on the only ferry that takes one to the site of the magikal city of Akhetaton,
"Horizon of the Sun Disk."

It is the size of this bus, used throughout our journey, that keeps our tour sized to an intimate and wonderful 16 members.

photography by Ruth Shilling

Here is the ferry, more of a barge, angled to the strong current, keeping the deck steady while it is being boarded by people and vehicles.

Here are some local gents.

Are they our river pilots?

Only Ruth knows for sure...