We have visited many temples over the past two days and they are beginning to blend together. Karnak however, is impressive and glorious in both its scale and it’s complexity. The temple has been restored and hundreds of immense columns stand in what was the great hall. In times past, these columns supported the roof and are richly decorated with carved relief. It is cool within the great hall, the columns sheltering us from the sun and their mass absorbing the heat of the day. I try to pay attention to our guide, but my mind and eyes wander to the perimeter of the temple where clusters of palms trees grow, silhouetted against the clear blue sky, mini oasis surrounding this ancient temple.