Valley of the Kings

Tombs of the Pharaohs:

The Egyptian belief that "To speak the name of the dead is to make him live again" is certainly carried out in the building of the tombs. The king's formal names and titles are inscribed in his tomb along with his images and statues. Beginning with the 18th Dynasty and ending with the 20th, the kings abandoned the Memphis area and built their tombs in Thebes. Also abandoned were the pyramid style tombs. Most of the tombs were cut into the limestone following a similar pattern: three corridors, an antechamber and a sunken sarcophagus chamber. These catacombs were harder to rob and were more easily concealed. Construction usually lasted six years, beginning with the new reign. The text in the tombs are from the Book of the Dead, the Book of the Gates and the Book of the Underworld.

Entry to the Valley of the Kings

Ramesses IVThree white corridors descend to the sarcophagus chamber. The chambers ceilings depict the goddess Nut. The lid of the pink granite sarcophagus is decorated with Isis and Nephthys, which were meant to serve as guardians over the body. Their duties fell short, however, as the tomb was robbed in ancient times. Originally the priests placed the sarcophagus in Amenhotep II II's tomb in order to hide the body, which was a common practice.

Ramesses IXTwo sets of steps lead down to the tomb door that is decorated with the Pharaoh worshipping the solar disc. Isis and Nephthys stand behind him on either side. Three corridors lead into an antechamber that opens into a pillared hall. The passage beyond that leads to the sarcophagus chamber.

MerneptahThe steep descent into the tomb is typical of the designs of the XIX Dynasty. The entrance is decorated with Isis and Nephthys worshipping the solar disc. Text from the Book of the Gates line the corridors. The outer granite lid of the sarcophagus is located in the antechamber, while the lid of the inner sarcophagus is located down more steps in the pillared hall. Carved on the pink granite lid is the figure of Merneptah as Osiris.
Ramesses VIOriginally built for Ramesses V, three chambers and a 4th pillared chamber was added by Ramesses VI. Complete texts of the Book of the Gates, the Book of Caverns and the Book of Day and Night line the chambers. Portions of the Book of the Dead are located in the pillared chamber, along with scenes of the skygoddess, Nut

The Burial Chamber in the Tomb of Ramesses VI

Ramesses IIIThe tomb is sometimes referred to as the "Harpers Tomb" due to the two harpers playing to the gods in four of the chambers. Ten small chambers branch off of the main corridors. These were for the placement of tomb furniture

Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu

Seti :

The longest tomb in the valley, 100m, contains very well preserved reliefs in all of its eleven chambers and side rooms.One of the back chambers is decorated with the Ritual of the Opening of the Mouth, which stated that the mummy's eating and drinking organs were properly functioning. Believing in the need for these functions inthe afterlife, this was a very important ritual. The sarcophagus is now in the Sir John Soane Museum, London

Tuthmosis IIIThe approach to this unusual tomb is an ascent up wooden steps, crossing over a pit, and then a steep descent down into the tomb. The pit was probably dug as a deterrent to tomb robbers. Two small chambers, decorated with stars, and a larger vestibule are in front of the sarcophagus chamber, which is uniquely rounded and decorated with only red and black.
Amenhotep II A steep flight of stairs and a long unadorned corridor lead to the sarcophagus chamber. Three mummies, Tuthmosis IV, Amenhotep II III and Seti II, were found in one side room and nine mummies were found in another.
HoremhebThis tomb's construction is identical to that of Seti I's with the exception of some of the inner decorations.
TutankhamunThough small and unimpressive, Tutankhamun's Tomb is probably the most famous, due to its late discovery. Howard Carter's description upon opening the tomb in 1922 was, "At first I could see nothing, the hot air escaping from the chamber causing the candle flames to flicker, but presently, as my eyes grew accustomed to the light, details of the room within emerged slowly from the mist, strange animals, statues and gold - everywhere the glint of gold. For the moment - an eternity it must have seemed to the others standing by - I was dumb with amazement, and when Lord Carnarvon, unable to stand the suspense any longer, inquired anxiously, 'Can you see anything?' it was all I could do to get out the words, "Yes, wonderful things."' The royal seal on the door was found intact. The first three chambers were unadorned, with evidence of early entrance through one of the outside walls. The next chamber contained most of the funerary objects. The sarcophagus was four guilded wooden shrines, one inside the other, within which lay the stone sarcophagus, three mummiform coffins, the inner one being solid gold, and then the mummy. Haste can be seen in the reliefs and the sarcophagus, due to the fact that Tutankhamun died at only 19 years of age following a brief reign. Though extremely impressive to the modern world, the treasures of Tutankhamun must have paled when compared to the tombs of the great Pharaohs that ruled for many years during Egypt's golden age.

How to Choose the Best Lipstick Color

Choosing the lipstick color that suits you best can make all the difference in whether your makeup makes you look overdone, washed out, or like a more beautiful version of you. However, many women have a difficult time choosing their best lipstick color.

Things You’ll Need:Tester lipsticks
Step1Determine whether you have fair skin, medium skin, olive skin or dark (brown or black) skin.

Step2
Use your skin tone to determine which shade of lipstick will look best on you.
Step3
If you have fair skin, choose deep plum and wine reds with a blue undertone, light browns or beige with a pink undertone, or light shiny pinks with blue undertones.

Step4
If you have medium skin tone, choose deep browns, deep reds with blue undertones, warm reds, medium browns with pink or yellow undertones, deep, rich pinks, and pinks with brown undertones.Step5
Choose deep and rich browns with reddish or mahogany undertones, dark berry shades, and rich and dark pinks with yellow undertones if you have yellowish or olive skin.

Step6
Choose dark reds with blue undertones, deep plums, any shade of brown, soft sheer pinks and beige shades, and deep berry shades if you have dark skin tone.Step7
Wear lighter and glossier shades if you have thinner lips, as they generally make thin lips appear fuller. Dark lipsticks will make your thin, small lips even thinner and smaller.

Step8Wear darker, matte lipsticks if you have very full lips.

Step9
Wear deeper, darker or bolder lipstick colors and shades with light eye makeup.

Step10
Wear a lighter or more neutral lip color to complement heavier eye makeup.
Step11
Wear lighter and more neutral colors of lipstick with a matte or cream finish during the day (at work, for example), and save your darker, glossier and more dramatic colors for a night on the town

How to Apply Lip Gloss

Lip gloss is a versatile beauty product. It can be used to enhance the shine and color of lipstick, or it can be used alone to add a bit of polish to a natural makeup look. Modern glosses are easy to apply, handy to carry, and they come in a wide variety of colors and textures. Careful application of lip gloss highlights the lips without making them look sticky or sloppy.


Instructions
Difficulty: Easy

Step1
Exfoliate your lips lightly with a soft, clean toothbrush or damp washcloth if they are dry, flaky or peeling. This gives you a smooth surface on which to apply your lip gloss.

Step2
Apply your base color of lipstick, if desired. Lip gloss can be used over basic lipstick if you want a deep color with a lot of shine.

Step3
Load lip gloss from the tube or pot onto a wand or makeup brush. A wand is convenient on-the-go because it stores in the lip gloss tube, but a makeup brush designed for lipstick or lip gloss is more precise.

Step4
Begin in the center of your lower lip. Apply the gloss in short strokes until the natural line of your lips has been filled.

Step5
Repeat steps 3 to 4 until you have achieved the level of coverage and shine you desire.

How to Make Your Lips Soft and Smooth

Make sure your lips are ready for all the reds and other bright colors of lipstick by exfoliating.


Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Things You’ll Need:
Warm water
Sugar
Small dish
Washcloth
Medicated lip balm
Step1
Check your lips: Are they looking rough? Not a problem, we’ll get those puckers looking wonderful! First run tap water to get warm water.

Step2
Get about 1 tbs. of white sugar and put it in your small dish.

Step3
Get enough warm water in your dish to make a paste with the sugar and mix it up with your finger.

Step4
Get ready to exfoliate! Take your sugar mix and gently rub it on your lips with your finger. Don’t lick it off ... I know you want to, but you should rub for at least a few minutes.

Step5
Take a warm washcloth, and gently wipe it off your lips. Feels great, don’t it?

Step6
Go right ahead and throw on the reddest of red lipsticks and love your lips

How to and Why you should Moisturize Your Face

There are many people out there that do not properly clean and moisturize their faces. This is so important because your face gets hit in so many ways everyday. Ie; The sun, wind, your hands, dirt, and oil just to name a few. Think about this: If you take a wet wash cloth and put it out in the sun what is going to happen to it??? It will dry up and get hard. If you take that same wash cloth, wet it, and put it in a plastic bag out in the sun what happens. It stays wet. This is a great example of why it is so important to moisturize your face every day and night.


Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Things You’ll Need:
Face Cleanser
Day/Night Time Moisturizer
Moisturizer
Water
Wash Cloth
Step1
First you need to find yourself a really good cleanser. I suggest Mary Kay’s Time Wise 3-In-1 Cleanser. It cleanses, exfoliates and freshens all in one step.

Step2
Next you should use a day time or night time moisturizer. Again, Mary Kay has a really good product in the Time Wise line that has a day time moisturizer that has UVA/UBV blockers and an ingredient that helps to relax expression lines.

Step3
For your final step you need to cover the day or night time moisturizer with another moisturizer. Mary Kay has an age-fighting moisturizer that helps to hydrate your skin for up to 10 hours

How to Make Skin Glow in Minutes

Our skin is like a mirror to our health, unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with perfect pores. Additionally, not everyone is blessed with a pocket book to pay for expensive beauty products. Whether you have a big event coming up or simply want to improve the look of your skin in general, a few simple tips can make your skin glow in just a few minutes.


Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Things You’ll Need:
Pot of boiling water
Herbs of your choice
Towel
Mild soap
Exfoliator (cream or loofah)
Honey
Flour
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Step1
Begin with a soothing 15 minute facial steam that will help to open and cleanse your pores. Boil a pot of water and place a heaping spoonful of the herb of your choice in the water. For oily skin, choose peppermint or thyme, for sensitive or dry skin chamomile is the perfect choice and for normal skin, try rosemary or lavender. Remove the pot of water from the stovetop and place your head a comfortable distance from the top, covering your head with a towel. Remember to wash your face with a mild soap and lukewarm water before beginning.

step 2

Remove dead skin cells immediately after steaming to make your skin glow. Dead skin cells not only give your skin a lifeless tone, they also build up and clog pores, causing acne. There are many exfoliating products on the market which include apricot shells, sand and other products; however, a natural loofah works just as well. Massage your face with your chosen product for two to three minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.

Step3
Mix honey with just enough flour to make a paste and then add a squeeze of lemon juice to make the perfect mask. Honey has natural antifungal properties which will help to fight acne and moisturize the skin, while lemon will further combat blackheads and help remove any extra dead skin cells. Make your skin glow by applying this mask directly after exfoliating, leaving for about 15 minutes before rinsing.

Step4
Wash your face with warm water and pat dry. For the final touch for your glowing skin, apply a very small amount of olive oil to your fingertips and massage into your skin. While it may seem that olive oil will aggravate problem skin, the opposite is true. Olive oil is a powerful natural moisturizer with antioxidant properties which not only protects, moisturizes and nourishes your skin, it also helps fight acne.

How to get the best from your cosmetics

Using your cosmetics sensibly and with reasonable regularity, most of your cosmetics and beauty products will last as long as you want them to.


Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Step1
Keep cosmetics and beauty products in a cool dark place, and try to make sure that all containers are air and water tight. Heat,light,and moisture will always have a damaging effect on your cosmetics.

Step2
Air damages your cosmetics by contamination. Cosmetics in open containers are more likely to be contaminated than those cosmetics in a tube. Always make sure that stoppers and caps are completely sealed to container. By doing this safe measure it will ensure that no bacteria can circulate due to air flow into the cosmetic.

Step3


Mascara keep it to yourself. Always be selfish with your cosmetics. What I mean is do not share them even with your best friend. Bacteria is transmitted this way and to avoid infecting one another tell her or him where you bought it and that you only care about them. Bacteria and viruses are not smart enough to pick and choose who they want to invade. I have learned this lesson the hard way. I contracted conjunctivitis(Pink Eye) through using my best friends mascara. It was a painful and expensive lesson. Play it smart and safe.

How to Arch Your Eyebrows

Brow Power


One of the easiest ways to achieve a well groomed look without an ounce of makeup is by having your eyebrows properly arched. I will first recommend having an initial consultation with a brow- shaping professional who will help you chose the correct arch style for you and create a look that can be easily maintained at home. Eyebrow arching is somewhat of a risky procedure. If hairs are overplucked, it can take months for them to grow back. There are many ways to shape your eyebrow. You can tweeze, wax, or shave. I've found tweezing lasts the longest, and allows for precision. So this is the way I recommend.



Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Things You’ll Need:
A good pair of tweezers
mirror
bright light or daylight
patience
Step1
First, you need to chose the correct shape for your brow. Your brow shape depends on the shape of your eye. The eye and the brow should look balanced.
-If you have small eyes, you should thin your brows so they don't overwhelm the eye area and detract from the natural beauty of your eyes.
-If you have a full or wide eye, your brow should be full.

Step2



Shaping Next, you need to find where your brow should go. You should
take an eyeshadow brush or pencil and hold it parallel to your nose.Where the brush meets your brow is where the brow should begin.
-To find the end of your brow, extend the brush diagonally from your nostril, following the outside edge of your toward the brow. Where the inside edge of your brush hits is where the brow should end.
-To find your arch, hold the brush parallel to the outside edge of the colored part of your eye (iris). Where the brush meets the brow is where the highest part of where you brow should be.

Step3
Now you know the shape you are going for you now want to begin the tweezing process. If you visited with a professional you should only be looking for strays that have returned. If not, began by tweezing the inner brow above the nose. Be sure to tweeze pulling each hair out in the direction it is growing in.

Step4
Tweeze the brow above the pupil of the eye to create the arch.

Step5
Continue tweezing along the brow as it tapers off in the direction of its natural flow.

Step6
Make sure all hairs in the tweezed areas are removed.

Beauty tips by Deepika

Deepika Padukone talks about her tried and tested health and beauty tips

Flawless skin fundas

I am not much of a make up user and stick to the basics like moisturiser and lip balm. I also do not go for regular facials but I do indulge in clean ups once in a while. Almost as a ritual, every week I like to luxuriate in a relaxing body massage with lukewarm coconut or baby oil. It relaxes and rejuvenates me like nothing else.

Water the wonder potion

Water acts like a miracle to flush away all the toxins from the body and I do not mind drinking gallons of it. It keeps the skin supple. I have also heard that a glass of warm water with honey, taken first thing in the morning, not only cleanses your system but also helps cut excess flab.

Fitness is the key

I think working towards maintaining a healthy body should be a priority for everyone. I try and work out as often as possible; since I am regularly traveling, it becomes difficult to have a daily work out routine but whenever I hit the gym I do cardio and light weights. I have an athletic body, thanks to my years dedicated to badminton but I do concentrate on butt regions.

Golden rules of dieting

A healthy diet is like the first step towards a fit body. I take a balanced diet with carbs and proteins, and am very particular about dietary proportions. I have three main meals in a day, breakfast being the most important of them all. Since south Indian food can be heavy sometimes, I try and balance it by say, having a dosa minus the potato filling; if I am having eggs, I take only the white portion and if I have idlis I substitute coconut chutney with a pudina chutney.

Stay sexy secrets

I am a firm believer in natural mediums for skin care. One should never try to overglob any products as I think the more you fiddle with your skin, the worse it gets. Just resort to the basics of skincare and witness the splendid results.

Shape Eye Brows with Threading, Waxing and Plucking with Tweezers

Eyebrows are tricky creatures. You know how they’re supposed to look, but sometimes they don’t want to cooperate, and because they’re growing out of your head, they have a semi permanent character that defies wishes and good intentions.





One of the many problems of eyebrows is the fact that if they aren’t the right color, they can either dominate your face or disappear entirely. Their unfortunate (but necessary) proximity to your eyeballs makes it a pretty major no-no to just sweep the haircolor across each brow and hope it doesn’t drip into your eyes. That’s why the goddess of practical beauty created the eyebrow pencil, an unsatisfactory solution, but sometimes better than nothing if your eyebrows happen to be very pale.


Proper Beauty Tools Make Eyebrow Shaping a Breeze




Plucking the perfect eyebrow shape can be a stressful task because no one wants painful, over tweezed brows. Follow the lead of to make up artists and get the right tweezers and eyebrow care beauty tools. For very little money you can get the same eyebrow tweezers most professional salons use.

Shaping Your Eyebrows: How to get the perfect arch shape

Shape is also crucial, and if your eyebrows are coarse, creating and maintaining the ideal shape is difficult because pulling out individual hairs can leave large gaps, or severely shorten the length of a brow if you happen to pull out the half-inch hair on the very end.
The perfect eyebrow starts above the inside corner of your eye (over the tear duct), and ends at the outside corner, above your eyelashes. Eyebrows should have an arch: in nature, it’s rarely where it should be, which is a frustrating commentary on standards of beauty. Ideally, the arch happens over the iris, the colored part of your eye. It should be gentle, so if you’re planning to reshape your arch, take it very, very slowly. Do a hair or two a day, and err on the side of caution. Hasty plucking can give you a surprised look that lasts for weeks.

How to Pluck Eyebrows with Tweezers: The Do's and Don'ts

Many women pluck their eyebrows with tweezers. Some wax them, but wax is tricky because it’s hard to get an accurate shape. And some go to a hair removal salon to try "threading." Although threading is newly popular in the United States, it is a centuries-old technique of hair removal practiced in India. The eyebrow experts say never, never to pluck your eyebrows from above, but always to pluck from the bottom of the brow. I say, if you have some wild or stray or bushy hairs growing above your brows, feel free to pluck them. I did it once, and nothing bad happened to me.
I read somewhere that it’s okay to trim your eyebrows. I think this is good if the single hairs are long and thick. You can pluck some hairs and trim the others, brushing them up, evening the ends (be careful not to trim too much!), then brushing them down checking again and again as you go along.


Use Eyebrow Gel to Keep Your Brow Shape Neat after Tweezing

Finally, keeping your brows neat can be done with special eyebrow gel, or you can use a little hair gel to smooth them and keep them shapely

Home Mask For Weak And Dry Hair

A good remedy for weak and dry hair is the hair mask with lemon juice. You will need: 2 tbsp. castor oil /or almond oil/, 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp. honey. Add the honey and the castor oil to the lemon juice. Mix all the ingredients well and apply the mixture generously first to the roots and then to the entire length of the hair. Wrap your hair with a towel. Leave the mask on for approximately one and a half hour. Use gentle shampoo and wash your beautiful hair. Do the mask twice to achieve best results - the mask will nourish and hydrate your hair deeply, while making it appear healthier and more shining.

How Makeup Should Be Worn

There are some general rules on how makeup must be worn on different parts of the face. Find out what celebrity wears makeup properly and get inspired by them!


Face
How to apply makeup foundation
Clean face with your favorite lotion to remove any impurity, then use a very good moisturizer all over your skin and give it a time to settle in. Makeup will look flawless if you’re applying concealer to camouflage imperfections and will balance out complexion by hiding out blemishes and under-eye circles.

Use your fingertips to apply small amounts of concealer around the eyes, nose, chin and the center of your forehead.
Pick up small amounts of foundation with a thick brush or sponge and gently brush forward until it’s completely blended into the skin. The look you want to get it’s an even, smooth canvas. Just remember, when applying foundation, the main idea is not to cover the skin – is to give it an even color, without looking heavy.






She wears it best:
Rachel Bilson – She looks always fresh because she applies the base and foundation evenly. Rachel prefers hydrating products that promote that super healthy glow to the skin.





How to apply blushes
The blush-brush will be too loaded at the first application, so the most important thing is to shake or blow off the excess and use a popping technique while applying it. This will create a natural flushing look, the color will just gently and slowly come forward on the skin. Smile while applying the blush.

She wears it best:
Sienna Miller – She’s always acquainted with the latest trends in makeup. Sienna’s cheeks define a look that’s really fresh and healthy glowing


Eyes
How to apply eye shadows and mascara
If you want small eyes to look larger, use a neutral shadow on the mobile lid (the idea is that light shades brighten the eye) and apply a darker shade in the crease. Use eyeliner avoiding the inner corners.
If you want big eyes appear a bit smaller, use a darker warm shade in the mobile lid (dark shades of eye shadow effectively create a closing effect). Stick to pencil eyeliners – liquid ones tend to be too heavy on pronounced eyes.

If you consider that your eyes are closer together, you can create the illusion of being apart by using a darker shade, stroke it outward and slightly upward from the middle part of your lid to the outer half of your lid. Apply mascara by wiggling the wand at the base of the lashes and then pull up. Also, don’t over exaggerate your brows, keep them nice and soft – you don’t want them rigid looking – you want just as slight bit of a whispy look that soften the eyes.





She wears it best:

Rihanna – She doesn’t step aside from wearing bold eye makeup, even if her skin tone is pretty fastidious. We don’t know if she does her own makeup, but she certainly can carry off ultra glam looks.






Lips
How to apply lipstick
Before applying lip liner and lipstick, moisturize with lip balm. Then, if you want your lips to appear more pouty, use the lip liner the same color as your lips to accentuate your "cupid's bow."
Using a lip gloss that’s shade has a slight iridescence and letting it creep up to the crest of the lip can give the illusion of a fuller mouth. But this requires a very light touch.
If you want your “kissies” appear smaller skip lip liner, but if you like to have those looks then soften edge with your finger. Give the finishing touch to your makeup with luscious, brightly colored lips.

She wears it best:
Megan Fox - The foxy actress’ eye makeup is kept minimal and simple, leaving lips overpower her lam look.

For Glowing skin

A facemask of egg white and honey gently removes the tan from your face.
Mix oats with honey, yogurt and ground almonds. Apply this in your face, leave it for five minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
Cucumber is a natural cleanser. Mix cucumber juice with milk and use it instead of a cleanser.
Take 1/3-cup cocoa, three teaspoons of heavy cream, 1/3-cup ripe papaya, 1/4-cup honey and three teaspoons of oatmeal powder. Mix it all together. Apply on your face. After 10 minutes, wash your face with warm water. This is best for oily skin
For oily skin, apply a mixture of grapes, lemon and egg white. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. While lemon acts as a natural cleanser, grapes will soften your skin and egg whites will tighten it. Don’t be alarmed if your skin tingles.
Cut the lemon and rub the wedge all over your face. Leave it for about 20 minutes, then rinse off with cold water. This will refresh your face. Avoid doing this if you have dry skin.
Mix honey, lemon and vegetable oil .This mixture is a good moisturiser for dry skin. Apply this mask for 10 minutes.
Apply the mixture of honey and milk on the face . This will make your skin glow.
Prepare a mask by mixing a slice of pumpkin with egg yolk and milk. Let this mask set on your face for 30 minutes for a glowing skin.
Mix half-a-cup honey to your bath water for soft and smooth skin.
For a soothing body pack, prepare a paste of mint leaves and almonds. Mix it with warm water and apply all over your body. Leave it till it dries and rinse with warm water.
Buttermilk dabbed on skin for 15 minutes will soak up oil from your skin without drying it.
Carrot juice applied daily fades blemishes.
For dark underarms and neck apply lemon juice mixed with cucumber juice and a pinch of turmeric daily. Leave this on for 20 minutes.
For removing facial hair.. Apply a sticky paste of egg white blended with sugar and corn flour. When it dries, gently peel it off. Repeat this three to four times a week.
Thin apple slices rubbed onto oily skin will help in controlling oily shine.
For supple skin, apply a ripe smashed banana on your face for 20 minutes daily.
Cauliflower juice applied on warts regularly will make them fall.
For a fair skin, try this natural bleach. Mix orange peels (sun dried and powdered) with milk. Apply this paste for 25 minutes and wash off.
Mix half teaspoon dried curry leaf powder with multani mitti (fullers earth) and apply on the face. Wash it after it gets dry.
Apply the mixture of tomato juice and honey on the face and neck , wash it after 15 minutes.
Apply the mixture of carrot juice and basin. Leave it till it dries and wash the face.
Add two teaspoon of tomato juice with 4 teaspoon of curd and apply on the face.
Add a pinch of yeast with 2 teaspoon of cabbage juice and apply.
Mix 1 table spoon of barley powder with half teaspoon of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply it on the face and wash after 20 minutes.
Mix pineapple juice and carrot juice together and apply it on the face and wash it after 15 minutes.
Mix vinegar and rose water in equal quantities and apply.
Mix curd and cucumber juice and apply it on the face.
Apply the mixture of coconut water and thick pineapple juice.
Make a paste with 1/2 teaspoon of milk powder, 1/4 teaspoon of egg white and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice and apply on the face.
For dry skin, Make a paste with egg yolk, olive oil and lemon juice. Apply it on the neck and face, wash it out after 10 minutes.
For oily skin, take a mixture of oatmeal and egg white and apply it on the neck and face
For glowing skin, use basin or green gram powder mixed with milk instead of soap.
Apply the mixture of raw turmeric and cream of milk on the face and wash it after 20 minutes. It will make your skin fair.
Apply the mixture of honey, basin, cream of milk and olive oil as a face pack.
Apply the paste of fenugreek with milk on the face and let it dry. Wash off with luke warm water.
Make a paste of red sandal wood and apply it on the face every day for glowing skin.

Make a paste with red sandal powder and coconut milk and apply on the face for soft skin.

For Black Spots

* Make a paste with mehndi and oil and apply on the face
* Make a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and glycerin and apply it on the spots
* Apply the paste of turmeric and curry leaves on the face and wash it after 15
minutes.
* Apply a mixture of mehndi and turmeric. For a piece of turmeric, 2-3 leaves of
mehndi are used
* Grind dried basil leaf, neem and mint (100 gm each). Add some turmeric powder and rose water to make it in a paste form and apply it on the spots.
* Grind betel leaf and add a little coconut oil and apply it on the spots
* Soak a chappathi in milk overnight . Make it into a paste and apply it on black heads. Repeat for several days

* Make a paste of saffron and add some honey , apply it on the face to remove black spots.

* To remove black spots... apply a paste of turmeric and basil.

* To remove wrinkles on the face, apply a mixture of sandalwood powder, rosewater and glycerin. Wash with cold water after some time

For pimples

Apply a mixture of turmeric and neem on the face .

A mixture of crushed mint leaves and oats will reduce pimples. Leave this for 20

minutes and wash it with warm water.

Mix thick curd, turmeric and two drops of oil. Apply on the face.

Crush garlic and take the juice and apply it on the face daily to reduce pimples

Make a paste with sandal wood and turmeric and apply it on the

FOUNDATION

Foundation should be considered as a skin improver. Foundation should match your skin tone. To choose a colour apply little on your cheek or inside of your wrist. Be careful to blend around nose and chin and fade away under the chin. Heavy foundation is old fashioned and ageing. Foundation should never appear like a mask. The shade chosen should be as close to your natural skin tone, so that there is no sudden change of colours between Chin and neck.

Different types of foundation

Foundations are available in various forms liquids, gels, creams, solid creams, in sticks (pen stick), cakes (pancakes). This can be chosen depending on how much clarity or cover you prefer.
.
Emulsions : These are packaged in tubes and are formulated for a variety of skin types- for dry skins, oily skins and normal skins. This gives less sheen than cream or liquid foundations, but cover blemishes very well.

Creams: These are packed in jars. As they contain a high proportion of oils, they are particularly suitable for dry skins. These also provide a heavy cover, but gives a glossy finish.

Liquids: These are packaged in bottles and can be formulated for all skin types. They give a light sheen cover but are too light to cover any blemishes and scars.

Gels : These are packaged in squeeze tubes. They give a light, natural look and are the variety you should use if you have a blemish free normal skin.

Cakes or sticks : These are the solid forms of foundation. Since they have a drying effect, use them on an oily skin. They hide blemishes and scars. Solid forms are popular for photographic and stage work but are too heavy for every day use.

Powders : The original full coverage face-powders have now given way to transparent powders; these transparent powders control shine and provide oil - blotting. They are used after foundations to give a matt finish. Cake or compact powders are more heavily formulated; as they contain a certain amount of foundation. These are not the best choice for the initial powdering over foundation because they may rub the foundation off and also cause an unattractive colour build-up. They are best used for touching up during the way, as they help to reinforce coverage.

Choice of a foundation

Two aspects should be taken into account before choosing a foundation - the form of the foundation and its colour. Some forms are more suited to certain skin types than others. Age and the basic condition of your skin also influence the choice of the foundation.

Choice based on the skin type:

An oil based foundation is most suited for dry skin as this gives additional moisture. An oil -free, water based foundation (Cake or stick form) is most suited for oily skin. Any form of foundation is suited for the normal skin type especially, Emulsions and liquid foundations which can be used for any skin type.

Choice based on age and condition of skin :

For young and fine skin, a thin foundation (light sheer liquids) is most suited. For a skin with uneven colour and tone, blemishes etc a heavy foundation (cream of stick) is suitable, to cover the poor condition of the skin. For older skin, 2 coats of light liquid foundation is suitable- a heavier foundation may emphasize the lines and skin creases.

Choice based on Colour :

A make up base or foundation must match the natural skin tone of the person as much as possible. This colour matching is best done in day - light and not in artificial light. A fair skin can use Beige, brownish gold or ochre and darker skin can use pinkish beige, peach or pinkish ochre. If there are more than one colour tone in your face, then match the foundation to the middle tone. Mixing two colours -one which matches your skin and the other which complements your natural colouring could have very good effect.


Powder

A shade close to your skin colour should be used. Powder is not really meant to add colour, but it helps to add a smooth finish. Apply with a bushy brush or with cotton and dust off excess powder.

Blusher or Rouge
After facial make up, the next thing that comes on the face is the blusher. Blusher can be in powder form as well as cream form. The colours should not be very much darker than your skin tone. Smile widely with your lips closed. Your cheek naturally raise; apply rouge on the raised area and fade out gradually towards the hairline. Never apply rouge too close to the nose and too low on the cheeks.

Eye cosmetics and make up

Cleanliness and hygiene should be followed when using eye cosmetics or it can lead to some infections of the eyes. It is not good to borrow or lend any eye make up and it is best to always keep your hands clean while using eye make up.


Eye Shadows

Eye shadows leave a shiny or opaque finish depending on the time of make up and shape of eyes. To achieve the perfect daytime look with eye shadow, you need to follow some basic guidelines. The basic tones you need are
(a) a pale highlighter shade for your brow bone area.
(b) a basic shade for your eyelids.
The shades you choose can be deep-toned or pale, neutral or bright, but they should be applied so that they are not too strong. Blending is important while applying eye shadow. The colour used should be appropriate to the colour of the skin and match the colour of the dress. When you use more than one shade they should be so well blended that you can't tell where one ends and the next one begins.

Forms of shadows:
Eye Shadows come in a variety of forms like pressed powders, pencils, sticks, gels or creams. Pressed powders are the most popular form of shadows. They are available in pearly and matt textures. You can get a better effect, if you apply them with a wet brush. The cream shadows are oil or wax based. It is best suited for dry lids and should be avoided on greasy eye lids. Pencils have a high colour and filling ability. Gels are suited for oily skins.



Brushes for application:
A straight - bristled brush for each colour and a round bristled brush for blending.

Application:
When you apply eye shadow, always start with the highlighter shade. Brush it just under the outer end of each eyebrow and quickly blend the colour inward toward the inner end of the eyebrow, above the inner corner of the eye. After that apply the eyelid shadow by beginning in the centre of each lid, just above the pupil of your eye. With a blending brush, make a quick back and forth motion. Finish the make up by blending upward to meet the highlighter shade.

Eye liner

Eye liners are the most extensively used form of eye make up. Eye liner is used to make the eyes more prominent and create an illusion of thicker lashes. Eye lining is done with a black or brown eye liner on the top lid of each eye and sometimes under the lower lashes. The line should be smooth instead of a harsh line.

Forms of liners:
Eye liner comes in liquids or pencil form. Care should be taken when using liquid eye liner. It should not go into the eyes. Liquid liners can be either water based or alcohol based. Alcohol based liners are water proof.

Application:
To apply liquid eye liner, draw the brush out of the bottle or tube and stroke it against the mouth of the tube to remove excess liquid and taper the brush to a fine point. Using the very tip of the brush, stroke the eyeliner evenly across the lid as close to the base of the lashes as possible, beginning with the inner corner of the eye and continuing to the outer corner of the eyelid. Apply the line in several short brush strokes.

Indians have our own indigenous type of eye make up -kajal. Home made Kajals does not contain any chemicals.

Eye defining pencil

Eye defining pencil adds definition and a hint of colour to the bottom of each eye. It is available in variety of colours. The pencil should have a fine point and a medium to soft lead so it glides on easily under the lower eyelashes.




Eye brow Pencil

An eyebrow pencil emphasizes the eye brows, improves their shapes and makes them look thick. The colour of the eyebrow pencil should never be darker than that of your brows or hair colour.

To apply eyebrow pencil, brush your eyebrows with a eyebrow brush to remove excess foundation or face powder. Then with outward brush strokes, smooth the hairs in the direction in which they grow. To shape your brows properly, begin by using short, light strokes of the pencil to outline the top of each eyebrow up to its arch. Use featherlike strokes to extend each brow to the end. Fill in any sparse areas by using these same strokes. Then brush your brows with an eyebrow brush to smooth them and blend in the pencil strokes.

Mascara

Mascara thickens the eye lashes and increase attractiveness of the eyes and emphasize them. It gives the eye make up the finishing touch. Brush the lashes, apart from application. Light coats are better than thick ones.

Forms of Mascara:
There are 3 different forms of Mascara - water based, water proof and the mixed variety. Mixed variety is the the most useful one. Water based mascaras can be applied quickly and removed easily. So they are gentle to the lashes and eyes. But they won't stay for a long time, as the mascara smudges easily when it comes into contact with water, tears and perspiration.
Water proof variety stay for a long time and is water proof and smudge proof. They are a good investment as they are resistant to contamination and can be used even years after they have been manufactured. But it takes a long time to dry and is difficult to remove the liner. The mixed variety is a combination of water based and water proof mascaras. These dry quickly and is easy to remove.




Application:
Apply mascara by looking straight into the mirror, with your chin lifted slightly so you can see your lashes clearly. Gently twist the spiral brush as you withdraw it from the masara bottle. Stroke your upper lashes evenly from their base to the tips, curling them upward with the brush as you apply the mascara. Apply mascara to the lower lashes with downward strokes, wiggling the brush back and forth a bit to separate the lashes. After you have applied the mascara to both eyes, you can repeat the application to add more fullness to your eyelashes.

Under eye concealers: They are intended to hide blemishes and dark circles under the eyes. Application of make up above them, does not remove them.

Soothe a dry, itchy scalp: 5 easy expert solutions

Good hair days start with a healthy scalp. Its job, after all, is to grow strong shiny strands. But dry indoor air can zap moisture and dissolve protective oils from the skin on your head, leaving it itchy and flaky--and your mane dull and unmanageable. Help keep the skin you rarely think about (but should) in top condition with this advice from Valerie D. Callender, M.D., clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Howard University College of Medicine.
The basic facts
Like the skin on your body, the scalp renews itself every 28 days by shedding dead cells and allowing new, healthy ones to emerge. Cold temperatures and low humidity, a reaction to harsh chemicals (like those used in permanent hair color), or a buildup from styling products can interrupt this natural exfoliating process--causing cells to pile up and turn into fine flakes. This accumulation can clog hair follicles and block secretion of sebum, further exacerbating dryness.
What to look for
* An itchy, red scalp after coloring hair or using hot tools.
* Small powdery flakes These are telltale signs that your scalp is dry, as opposed to having dandruff, which is triggered by a fungus and results in white, oily clumps.
Simple solutions
These easy steps will help ease the itch, fast:
* Avoid scratching. It's irritating and can cause hair breakage.
* Use a moisturizing shampoo. Look for ingredients that help lock in moisture, such as sea-buckthorn oil, found in Aveda Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo ($12; aveda.com).
* Gently massage conditioner into your scalp after every shampoo to hydrate it and lift away some of the flakes.
* Lather up with clarifying shampoo weekly. These deep-cleaning formulas rid hair of product buildup and help loosen dead skin cells on the scalp.
* Turn down the heat. Hot water can zap natural oils from your scalp, making it ultra dry and sensitive; also choose the lowest heat setting on your blowdryer.
EXPERT STRATEGY If these tips don't alleviate the problem in four weeks, see a dermatologist. She'll check your scalp for a fungal infection, such as dandruff or ringworm (ringlike marks on your skin), and will most likely prescribe a topical steroid cream or shampoo, which will calm irritation and itch within a few days.
* The bottom line "Dry scalp is common, especially this time of year," says Valerie D. Callender, M.D. "But it's easy to fix. It's just a matter of deep-cleaning the scalp and adding plenty of hydration."
DRY SCALP
1. piled-up cells
2. fine flakes
3. clogged hair follicles

The Ten Best Lipsticks

A deep raisin-pink, sheer and shot through with grown-up glitter, Wild Tulip picks up on this winter's trend for moody shades of aubergine and berry. Because it's sheer, it's subtle enough for paler skin tones.
www.chanel.com; 020-7493 3836
2 Yves Saint Laurent 16.50
Red Desire is a diva-class cherry-red lipstick that looks fantastic on cooler complexions. To avoid a hard look, apply using a brush, and work from the middle of the lips outwards.
www.ysl.com; 01444 255 700
3 MAC 11
ou won't walk away with a desperate-divorcee shade of wine-pink if you buy MAC. It lives up to its reputation for innovation, and a great new colour from the brand is the vibrant, berry-violet Rebel, which looks just as striking on fair and dark complexions.
www.maccosmetics.com; 020-7534 9222
4 Estee Lauder 15
The golden case (first used in 1984) is as classy as this nude- brown colour, Toasted Walnut, especially if you're olive-skinned. Moisturising and subtly shiny, this is well-mannered lippy for grown- ups who aren't into eye-popping colours.
www.esteelauder.co.uk; 0870 0342 444
5 Organic Glam 16.95
The Organic Pharmacy on London's King's Road now has its own make- up line, using organic extracts and mineral coloursand leaving out synthetic preservatives and fragrances. Of its seven shades of lipstick, Red is pure Hollywood glamour.
www.organicglam.com; 020-73512232
6 Clinique 12
Honey Nut is one of those colours that simply can't look bad on any lips. Its texture is sheer, creamy and long-lasting, and its brownish-pink hue is understated enough for the office.
www.clinique.co.uk; 0870 034 2566
7 Bobbi Brown 14
For the make-up artist Bobbi Brown, the ideal lipstick is the colour that matches that of your lips, and her bestseller is the creamy Sandwash Pink, a sophisticated brownish-pink.
www.bobbibrown.co.uk; 0870 034 2566
8 RMK >15
It's called Orange Red, but this is a true red with a matte finish by the Japanese brand. Good for darker skins/warmer complexions - if nervous, tap colour on with a fingertip.
www.rmkrmk.com; 020-7318 3538
9 Lipstick Queen 15
Poppy King's cult brand splits colours into "Sinner" (90 per cent pigment) and "Saint" (sheer), and Berry Sinner is a deep, matte brown, only recommended if you have very white teeth.

get better looking lips fast

With a little loving care, your lips can be perfect in no time. Just follow these seven steps - and then pucker up!
Take a water bottle with you wherever you go. Drinking enough water (the equivalent of at least 9 cups of fluids daily) will keep the body, skin and lips hydrated.
Lick the smacking habit. Licking your lips damages the protective barrier, which can dry out the lips, says Robert Brodell, M.D., a dermatologist in Warren, Ohio. (Saliva contains digestive enzymes that can break down this barrier.) Instead, regularly apply lip balm like La Mer The Lip Balm (S40; at Saks Fifth Avenue Stores).
Know thy balms. Look for hydrating ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, vitamin E and almond, jojoba or coconut oils. Good old petroleum jelly (think: Vaseline) works well too. If you have sensitive skin, use camphor-based medicated lip balms sparingly. (They can be irritating.) Instead, opt for the camphor-free Aesop Rosehip Seed Lip Treatment with shea butter ($15; 888-223-2750). But if you have hearty skin, try ChapStick Medicated lip balm ($1.69; at drugstores) with camphor and menthol.
Plug in a humidifer. It can replace moisture in dry indoor air, keeping your lips (and your skin) hydrated. Editor's favorite: Bionaire Digital Cool Moisture Humidifier ($80; bionaire.com).
Exfoliate when necessary. Lip exfoliators (products that contain fruit-acid-based alpha or beta hydroxy acids) slough off dead skin - much like the ones you'd use on your face, says New York dermatologist Dennis Gross, M.D. "But if you have sensitive skin or your lips are severely chapped or cracked, use these products cautiously [no more than once weekly) as they do contain acids that can irritate skin," says Gross. (Signs of irritation: intense stinging and/or persistent redness.) Try Blistex Lip Revitalizer with AHA and vitamin E ($1.89; at drugstores) and Lancome Primordiale Lip Revitalizing Treatment with Gatuline, an AHA alternative ($29; lancome.com).
Protect, protect, protect. Lips are susceptible to sunburn since they lack melanin, the pigment that helps shield skin from the sun. Apply a layer of a sun-protective product daily like Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer SPF 15 ($3; at drugstores) or look for a lipstick with SPF like Estee Lauder Futurist SPF 15 ($17.50; esteelauder.com), which comes in 22 shades.
Don't make matte forever. Matte lipsticks can be extremely drying (which helps these lipsticks stay put for so long). That's why you should use them sparingly when your lips are extremely chapped. Instead, alternate use of them with hydrating lipsticks (as indicated by ingredients like vitamin E and/or glycerin) or add a layer of moisturizing lip balm underneath. Opt for the nonmatte, hydrating Ultima II Ultimate Edition Lipstick with primrose oil and vitamin E ($15; at drugstores) or layer Prescriptives Lip Specialist ($15; gloss.com) underneath a matte.
TREAT YOUR LIPS RIGHT
Follow this guide to treating common lip problems.
CUT IN THE CORNER OF THE MOUTH Keep your lips hydrated with a balm and apply a small dab of an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.
PEELING LIPS This could be an allergic reaction to a lipstick, toothpaste, food, beverage or medication you're taking (Accutane is one drug that can severely dry out lips). Related symptoms include itching and a persistent rash. Your dermatologist can prescribe a mild topical hydrocortisone cream to help decrease the irritation.
WRINKLES AROUND THE LIPS Caused by sun exposure, age and smoking, these wrinkles should be treated like wrinkles on the rest of the face -- with chemical peels and creams that contain anti-aging ingredients like retinol. One to apply: Avon Anew Retinol Lip Treatment with vitamin C and retinol ($10; 800-FOR-AVON).
THIN LIPS If you want fuller lips, the best temporary option right now is collagen (Zyderm) injections, which cost about $300 per treatment and last about six months. (Possible side effects include temporary redness and excessive swelling of the lips.)
SHAPE TESTED
best lipsticks and balms
We tested hundreds of colors and moisturizing balms to pick these favorites. Best vitamin-enriched lipstick Almay One Coat Lip Cream with vitamins A, C and E ($8.75; at drugstores).
Longest-lasting lipsticks It's a three-way tie between Cover Girl Outlast All-Day Lipcolor ($9.50), L'Oreal Endless Lipcolour ($9.75) and Max Factor Lipfinity ($12.75), all at drugstores. They all last up to eight hours.

The Unfinished Obelisk

Much of the red granite used for ancient temples and colossi came from quarries in the Aswan area. Around these quarries are many inscriptions, many of which describe successful quarrying projects. The Unfinished Obelisk located in the Northern Quarry still lies where a crack was discovered as it was being hewn from the rock. Possibly intended as a companion to the Lateran Obelisk, originally at Karnak but now in Rome, it would have weighed over 2.3 million pounds and would have been the worlds largest piece of stone ever handled. However, a crack in the stone occurred, which caused it to be abandoned. Tools left by it's builders have given us much insight into how such work was performed. The site has recently been renovated and equipped with tourist facilities. Nearby is the Fatimid Cemetery

The Unfinished Obelisk

Much of the red granite used for ancient temples and colossi came from quarries in the Aswan area. Around these quarries are many inscriptions, many of which describe successful quarrying projects. The Unfinished Obelisk located in the Northern Quarry still lies where a crack was discovered as it was being hewn from the rock. Possibly intended as a companion to the Lateran Obelisk, originally at Karnak but now in Rome, it would have weighed over 2.3 million pounds and would have been the worlds largest piece of stone ever handled. However, a crack in the stone occurred, which caused it to be abandoned. Tools left by it's builders have given us much insight into how such work was performed. The site has recently been renovated and equipped with tourist facilities. Nearby is the Fatimid Cemetery

Location : Cairo, Egypt
Description : The Egyptian museum was first built in Boulak. In 1891, it was moved to Giza Palace of "Ismail Pasha" which housed the antiquities that were later moved to the present building. The Egyptian museum is situated at Tahrir square in Cairo. It was built during the reign of Khedive Abbass Helmi II in 1897, and opened on November 15, 1902. It has 107 halls. At the ground floor there are the huge statues. The upper floor houses small statues, jewels, Tutankhamon treasures and the mummies.
The Museum also comprises a photography section and a large library. The Egyptian museum comprises many sections arranged in chronological order
The first section houses Tutankhamon’s treasures.
The second section houses the pre-dynasty and the Old Kingdom monuments.
The third section houses the first intermediate period and the Middle Kingdom monuments.
The forth section houses the monuments of the Modern Kingdom.
The fifth section houses the monuments of the late period and the Greek and Roman periods.
The sixth section houses coins and papyrus.
The seventh section houses sarcophagi and scrabs.
A hall for the royal mummies was opened at the museum, housing eleven kings and queens.
More than a million and half tourists visit the museum annually, in addition to half a million Egyptians

Nefertari's Temple of Hathor (Abu Simbel - Small Temple)

Hathor was the wife of the Sun God so in a symbolic way, the two Temples, that of Ramesses II and that of Nefertari, brings Ramesses II and Nefertari and Hathor and the Sun God together as one. The facade of the temple is a receding Pylon, just as the larger temple of Ramesses II. On either side of the entrance to the temple are a deified statue of Nefertari with statues of Ramesses II on either side of her. The statues of Nefertari are the same height as those of Ramesses, which is unusual. Like at Ramesses II's temple, there are children depicted around their feet. There are cobras protecting the Temple door.

This temple is much simpler than the Temple of Re-Herakhte. It has only one hypostyle hall and the sanctuary. Within the hall are images of Ramesses in battle with Nefertari present. Other scenes depict Ramesses being crowned by Horus and Seith and presenting Ma'at to Amun. On the back wall, Nefertari is before Hathor and Mut. Just behind the Hypostyle Hall is a small chamber with images of Hathor cow framed in reeds. Beyond that is the sanctuary with a divine cow emerging from the rear rock wall protecting Ramesses, below her. Above the cow, vultures guard the Queens cartouches. Other scenes show Nefertari offering incense to Mut and Hathor, and the King worshipping before his own image and that of Nefertari

Sun Temple of Ramesses II

The main temple was dedicated to Ramesses II and to the four universal gods Ptah, Re-Harakhte, Amun-Re, and to Ramesses II himself. Of the seven temples he built, Abu Simbel is considered to be the most impressive.

The facade of the main temple is 108 feet high and 125 feet wide with four colossal seated statues about 65 feet high wearing the double crown and having the cartouches of Ramesses II. They are taller than the colossi of Memnon at Thebes and are carved out of solid rock. At the feet of the calossus, beginning on the left are Queen Nofretari, Prince Amenhirkhopshef, the Kings mother Muttuya, Princess Bent'anta, unnamed, but probably Esenofre, Princess Nebettawy, Queen Muttuya, Princess Nofretari, Princess Merytamun, Princess Beketmut, Prince Ri'amsese, and Queen Nofretari, who where all members of Ramesses II's family. (Editor's Note : We wonder if Ramesses II bribed his kids to make good grades. Bring home an A and I'll put you in my new Colossus.)

Above the doorway in a niche stands the sun god, a falcon headed representation of Ramesses, holding a war-scepter which shows the head and neck of an animal which is read as user, in his right and a figure of Ma'at in his left. This cleverly creates the Kings throne name of User-Ma'at-Re. At the top of the facade is a row of baboons which are thought to be greeting the morning sun and indeed the monument looks best at that time. The sides of the thrones next to the entrance are decorated with Nile gods symbolically uniting Egypt, while below are prisoners, representing conquered nations, to the left, African and to the right, Asian.

The entrance leads into a Grand Hall which is 57 feet high and 52 feet wide and was cut from the rock. It is supported with eight pillars with statues of Ramesses. The statues on the north side of the hall wear the double crown, while those on the south the white crown of upper Egypt. Just as other temples in Egypt, the floor and ceiling taper off to draw focus to the sanctuaries in the back of the temple. The reliefs on the north wall of the Grand Hall show scenes from the Battle of Kadesh. Other walls depict the king slaughtering captives in front of the gods Amun-Re and Re-Harakhte, and storming a fortress with his three sons.

To either side of the Grand Hall are smaller rooms, two to the South and four to the North. Most suggest that these rooms were for storage (treasure rooms) but elsewhere it is suggested that they were used for festivals related to the Kings Jubilee.

Temple of Luxor

The Temple of Luxor was the center of the most important one, the festival of Opet. Built largely by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, it appears that the temple's purpose was for a suitable setting for the rituals of the festival. The festival itself was to reconcile the human aspect of the ruler with the divine office. During the 18th Dynasty the festival lasted eleven Days, but had grown to twenty-seven Days by the reign of Ramesses III in the 20th Dynasty. At that time the festival included the distribution of over 11,000 loaves of bread, 85 cakes and 385 jars of beer. The procession of images of the current royal family began at Karnak and ended at the Temple of Luxor. By the late 18th Dynasty the journey was being made by barge, on the Nile River. Each god or goddess was carried in a separate barge that was towed by smaller boats. Large crowds consisting of soldiers, dancers, musicians and high ranking officials accompanied the barge by walking along the banks of the river. During the festival the people were allowed to ask favors of the statues of the kings or to the images of the gods that were on the barges. Once at the temple, the king and his priests entered the back chambers. There, the king and his ka (the divine essence of each king, created at his birth) were merged, the king being transformed into a divine being. The crowd outside, anxiously awaiting the transformed king, would cheer wildly at his re-emergence. This solidified the ritual and made the king a god. The festival was the backbone of the pharaoh's government. In this way could a usurper or one not of the same bloodline become ruler over Egypt.

Temple of Kom-ombo

Location :

Kom Ombo, Egypt

Description :

Located in the town of Kom-ombo, about 28 miles north of Aswan, the Temple, dating to the Ptolemies, is built on a high dune overlooking the Nile. The actual temple was started by Ptolemy VI Philometor in the early second century BC. Ptolemy XIII built the outer and inner hypostyle halls. The outer enclosure wall and part of the court were built by Augustus sometime after 30 BC, and are mostly gone. There are also tombs from the Old Kingdom in the vicinity of Kom-ombo village.

The Temple known as Kom Ombo is actually two temples consisting of a Temple to Sobek and a Temple of Haroeris. In ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the river bank near here. The Temple has scant remains, due first to the changing Nile, then the Copts who once used it as a church, and finally by builders who used the stones for new buildings.

Everything is duplicated along the main axis. There are two entrances, two courts, two colonades, two hypostyle halls and two sanctuaries. There were probably even two sets of priests. The left, or northern side is dedicated to Haroeris (sometimes called Harer, Horus the Elder) who was the falcon headed sky god and the right to Sobek (the corcodile headed god). The two gods are accompanied by their families. They include Haroeris' wife named Tesentnefert, meaning the good sister and his son, Panebtawy. Sobeck likewise is accompanied by his consort, Hathor and son, Khonsu.

Foundations are all that are left of the original Pylon. Beyond the Pylon, there was once a staircase in the court that lead to a roof terrace. The court has a columned portico and central altar. There is a scene of the King leaving his palace escorted by standards. Near the sanctuary is a purification scene. On either side of the door to the pronaos are columns inscribed with icons of the lotus (south) and papyrus (north), symbolizing the 'two lands' of Egypt.

In the southwest corner of the pronaos is the one column that does not echo the duality of the temples. Here, there are scenes depicting purification of the King, his coronation and his consecration of the Temple. The ceiling has astronomical images.

The hypostyle hall has papyrus capitals on the columns. Here, there is an inventory of the scared places of Egypt, the gods of the main towns and the local and national festivals.

In the anti chamber, there are scenes depicting the goddess Seshat launching the building of the temple, followed by a scene of the completed temple with the king throwing natron in a purification ceremony. The staircase leading to the roof is all that remains of the offering hall.

Statues to the gods and the builders of the temple once occupied the net room just before the sanctuaries. The ceiling of the pure place to the north still remains with an image of Nut. There is little left of the sanctuaries.

Temple of Dendera

The approach path to the temple is between two Roman fountains that end at the massive entry gate.The enclosure walls are mud-brick and date to the Roman era. Within the walls are the temple, two birth houses, a Coptic Basilica, a sanitorium, a sacred lake, and a temple to Isis. The temple has a long history. There is evidence that Pepi I (Old Kingdom) rebuilt the temple while other texts refer to reconditioning by Thutmose III, Amenhotep III and Ramesses II and III (of the New Kingdom). Additions were made during the Greek, Roman and Ptolemy periods.

Roman Theater (Kom Al-Dikka)

Over 30 years of excavation have uncovered many Roman remains including this well-preserved theatre with galleries, sections of mosaic-flooring, and marble seats for up to 800 spectators. In Ptolemaic times, this area was the Park of Pan and a pleasure garden. The theater at one point may had been roofed over to serve as an Odeon for musical performances. Inscriptions suggest that it was sometimes also used for wrestling contests. The theatre stood with thirteen semi-circular tiers of white marble that was imported from Europe. Its columns are of green marble imported from Asia Minor, and red granite imported from Aswan. The wings on either side of the stage are decorated with geometric mosaic paving. The dusty walls of the trenches, from digging in the northeast side of the Odeon, are layered with extraordinary amounts of potsherds. Going down out of the Kom, you can see the substantial arches and walls in stone, the brick of the Roman baths, and the remains of Roman houses.

Muntazah Complex

This 115 acre complex is surrounded by great walls from the south, east and west, and with the beach on its north side. This area used to belong to the Mohamed Ali family, that ruled Egypt from the mid 19th century until 1952. The construction was started in 1892 by King Abbas II, who built a large palace inside the complex called the Salamlek. In 1932, King Fuad built a larger palace and called it the Haramlik. His son, King Farouk, built a bridge to the sea to act as a water front. The rest of the 115 acres is nothing but beautiful gardens. Palm trees and gazelles cover the area. This is a wonderful spot to enjoy the beauty of Alexandria

St. Catherine's Monastery

Located at the foot of Mount Moses, St. Catherine's Monastery, was constructed by order of the Emperor Justinian between 527 and 565. Is built around what is thought to be Moses' Burning Bush, which has a chapel built atop it. It is a spectacular natural setting for priceless works of art, including Arab mosaics, Greek and Russian icons, Western oil paintings, paintings on wax, fine sacerdotal ornaments, marbles, enamels, chalices, reliquaries, including one donated by Czar Alexander II in the 19th century, and another by Empress Catherine of Russia in the 17th century. But of perhaps even greater significance is that it is the second largest collection of illuminated mauscripts (The Vatican has the largest). The collection consists of some 3,500 volumes in Greek, Coptic, Arabic, Armenian, Hebrew, Slavic, Syriac, Georgian and other languages. Around the year 1850, the fourth century Codex Sinaiticus, which is now in the British Museum in London, was discovered here. The Monastery even has a small 10th or 11th century mosque which was probably built to appease the Islamic authorities of the time. There is also a small chapel (the Chapel of St. Triphone, also known as the Skull House) which houses the skulls of deceased monks.


The Fatimid Mosque, which lies within the walls of St. Catherine's Monastery
St. Catherine's is also a formidable fortification, with granite walls 40 to 200 feet tall, surrounded by gardens and cypresses. Prior to probably the twentieth century, the only entrance to St. Catherine's was a small door 30 feet high, where provisions and people were lifted with a system of pulleys, and where food was often lowered to nomads. It has withstood numerous attacks over its 14 hundred year existence thus protecting a rich store of art, and today, while it is one of the oldest monasteries in the world, its original, preserved state is unmatched.

Catacombs of Kom El-Shouqafa

These tombs were tunneled into the bedrock in the age of the Antonine emperors (2nd century A.D.)for a single wealthy family still practicing the ancient religion. As a privately financed project, it is an engineering feat of some magnitude. These tombs represent the last existing major construction for the sake of the old Egyptian religion. They are alone worth the trip to Alexandria. Though the funerary motifs are pure ancient Egyptian, the architects and artists were schooled in the Greco-Roman style. Applied to the themes of Ancient Egyptian religion, it has resulted in an amazing integrated art, quite unlike anything else in the world.
A winding staircase descends several levels deep into the ground, with little chapels opening from it, furnished with benches to accommodate visitors or mourners bringing offerings. There are niches cutout to hold sarcophagi.

Philae Temple

Location : Aswan, Egypt
Description :
Philae Temple was dismantled and reassembled (on Agilika Island about 550 meters from its original home on Philae Island) in the wake of the High Dam. The temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, is in a beautiful setting which has been landscaped to match its original site. It's various shrines and sanctuaries, which include The Vestibule of Nectanebos I which is used as the entrance to the island, the Temple of the Emperor Hadrian, a Temple of Hathor, Trajan's Kiosk (Pharaohs Bed), a birth house and two pylons celebrate all the deities involved in the Isis and Osiris myth. The Victorian world fell in love with the romance of the Temple. But at night you can also visit the Sound and Light Show, a magical experience as floodlit buildings are silhouetted against the volcanic rocks and water surrounding them. So today, Philae is more fun then every before.



Although antiquities on the island date between the 26th Dynasty and the Roman Period, most of the work is from that of the Roman. This was a time of immense popularity of the Goddess Isis, and this was her island, where pilgrims would come from all over the Mediterranean. Construction on the island took place over an 800 year span, and it was one of the last strongholds of Ancient Egyptian Religion which continued to flourish here into the 6th Century. When the Temples where finally closed by Justinian in A.D 550, it ended 4,000 years of worship of the pagan gods.
The Philae Temple complex, prior to its removal and restoration, set alongside Biga Island. To the ancient Egyptians, Biga was the sacred mound, the first ground created from Nun out of Chaos. This was the legendary burial place of Osiris. The earth was considered to be part of his body so that only priests and temple servants were permitted to live there.

Plant Island, Gizirat al-Nabatat, Botanical Island

Kitchner's Island is a botanical garden, filled with exotic plants and trees imported from all over the world. It is a perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon in the shade. The island must be reached by boat, and is located on the other side of Elephantine Island from aswan The Island was given to Lord Kitchner for his campaigns in the Sudan, and he moved their and created his garden, importing plants and trees from all over the world. Today, the Egyptian government operates this popular tourist destination.

Akhenaten Temples

Akhnenaten was second son and successor to Amenhotep III. He spent the first five years of his reign in Thebes, and he favored the sun shrine characteristic of the Heliopolitan center of solar worship, which featured open courts on a central axis. Smaller stones were used which a single man could carry. Tens of thousands of these in the best sandstone were quarried at Gebel el-Silsila, about 100 km south of Thebes.

These small blocks were recycled later as the sun temples were reduced, and used as fill or foundation in walls and pylons of the 19th Dynasty. Some have been found in Horemheb’s Pylons II and IX at the Amun temple at Karnak, as foundation blocks beneath the hypostyle hall of the Amun temple, and in Ramesses II’s pylon and outbuildings in the Luxor temple. Some survived to be used as late as the reign of Nectanebo I, and some turned up at Medamud in Ptolemaic period constructions.

Akhenaten erected four major structures at Karnak during the first five years of his reign. The major building was called "the Sun-disk is Found", built in anticipation of the jubilee; then there were the "Exalted are the monuments of the Sun-disc", and "Sturdy are the movements of the Sundisk." The smallest of the four was the Hwt-bnbn, "Mansion of the benben stone". A Hwt-itn, "Mansion of the Sun-disk", mentioned in tombs on the west bank, has not as yet turned up in the scenes on these blocks.

Only one of the four structures has been located and partly excavated. The main Aten temple was built to the east of Karnak. From the center of its western side ran a columned corridor 12 feet wide that led west to connect with the 18th Dynasty royal palace which lay just north of Pylons IV, V and VI of the Amun temple. There were probably life-size statues made of red quartzite representing the king, arms crossed, though other statues may have included the queen as well. Reliefs show the king with one arm outstretched and being caressed by the rays of the sun-disc.

In the Aten temple, the consistent theme was the celebration of the jubilee, or heb-sed. Scenes in the entrance corridor coming from the palace show the approach of the royal party, courtiers kissing the earth, men dragging bulls, etc. Turning right along the west wall, to the southwest corner and then east along the south wall, are reliefs depicting the ritual of the "Days of the White Crown," when the king made offerings dressed as the monarch of Upper Egypt. It is presumed that similar scenes were depicted showing the King in the same ritual for the Red Crown and Lower Egypt.

The Hwt-bnbn, though to-date not found, is reconstructed in the scenes on the blocks featuring tall graceful pylons and walls. But the identity of the celebrant of the offering to the sun-disc is not Akhenaten, but instead, his wife Nefertiti.

The relief decorations of the two temples called "Exalted are the monuments of the Sun-disc," and "Sturdy are the movements of the Sundisk," both structures also as-yet undiscovered, show domestic apartments, rewarding of officers, and other scenes from domestic life.

After the fifth year of his reign, Akhenaten moved from Thebes to Amarna, the new city he had built, and work on Karnak ceased. The name of Amun was obliterated throughout Karnak and the Theban area.