Visitors to the temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel in southern Egypt bear witness to a monument built in the 13th century B.C. It's the site of pilgrimages ancient and modern and the subject of an illustrated lecture "From the Valley of the Kings to Philae: Ancient and Modern Pilgrimages" by Eugene Cruz-Aribe, professor at the University of Northern Arizona.

The lecture will discuss pilgrimage routes in ancient Egypt, the conflicts that arose between groups over control of sacred destinations as well as Cruz-Aribe's field work in Egypt at the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Isis on the island of Philae, and the archaeological wonders of the temples at Abu Simbel. 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Doris Duke Theatre, Honolulu Academy of Arts. www.III.hawaii.edu/AIA.

MIDDLE EAST

BIG ISLAND

AT THE FORD IRONMAN, EXTREME ATHLETES MEET HUGE CHALLENGES

For extreme athletes, there is no bigger day in the sport than the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua, Kona, on the Big Island. Just to get to the starting line, you must either get yourself a spot through a lottery, or win yourself a slot at one of several qualifying events held around the world.

Ironites face a punishing 2.4-mile roughwater swim across Kailua Bay, a marathon run (26.2 miles) and a bike ride of 112 miles through lava fields.

If you're not entering yourself, there is excellent viewing and a party atmosphere at the Kailua, Kona, pier start and finish lines.

Triathletes from all over the world will compete following the festive pre-race parade. Oct. 11. Check out the action at www.ironman.com/worldchampionship.

SHANGHAI

WALK ON A GLASS FLOOR 100 FLOORS ABOVE A BUSTLING CHINESE CITY

Shanghai's new sky bridge on the 100th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center opened to the public this month. The 180-foot walkway, which tops off the world's highest public observatory in one of the world's tallest buildings, has canted walls and a glass floor, providing visitors with panoramic views of the Huangpu River.

The World Financial Center is also home to the Park Hyatt Shanghai, between the 79th and 93rd floors, making it the highest hotel in the world. Fall rates start at a head-spinning $535 per room per night; entrance to the public observatory walkway costs around $20. www.shanghai.park.hyatt.com.