The Temple of Isis at Philae

Experiencing dawn at the Temple of Isis at Philae should be a part of everyone’s holidays in Egypt. However, usually only people going for spiritual travel will get to have this incredible opportunity. We take a bus from our cruise ship, arriving in the pitch black at the ticket booth, and then step onto a ferry that takes us over to the small island where the temple is located. Moved stone by stone when the Aswan Dam was built, the temple looks as if it has sat in the same spot for thousands of years. Just before we dock in the darkness, our guide Emil motions to the boatman, who switches off the motor with a flick of his wrist. These holidays in Egypt are powerful, spiritual travel empowering the extra oomph that makes all the difference.

It is still, so still, the inky water lapping at our hull the only sound as we drift across the lake. Suddenly, looming like the outline of a mountain, the temple appears in the distance. Tears spring to the eyes of many of our guests — we don’t know why, but this place inexplicably moves us and for several on each tour it is their hands down favorite. Another signal and the motor pushes us through the water to the dock. Emil signals to me and on these holidays in Egypt I lead the spiritual travel group out of the boat and up through the outer temple walls. As always, my shoes come off the very second I hit the first wooden walkway. We move through the outer courtyard and into the inner chambers, headed towards the sanctuary and our pre-dawn ceremony. Pigeons hoot softly overhead. Cats – the island is home to several – sometimes yowl and purr at our legs as we walk, welcoming us into their temple. Isis would have appreciated this — felines were sacred to the ancients. No matter what everyone expected prior to this morning, these holidays in Egypt will be unforgettable, spiritual travel at its best. Moving sure-footed in the dark, the wood under my feet still warm from the sun the day before, I guide our group into the Holy of Holies and towards the Mysteries of Isis…