The Valley of the Kings

Visitng Egypt was always going to involve an element of risk. We´d discussed and researched on the dfat website all possible ways of avoiding any potential terrorism spots. We agreed to stay away from any symbols of Western decadence such as resorts and swanky hotels, and just do the essential sight-seeing while keeping a low profile. We packed our bags and headed for Luxor in southern Egypt.

It was all a waste of time. Having restricted time to see the many sights we wanted to, we managed to organise a cheap-ish tour. What we expected to be a scummy tour involving rat-infested hotels and non-stop haggling turned out to be anything but. We ended up getting all transport, transfers, a 4 star hotel room (with a pool by the Nile River), a private air conditioned car to drive us around Luxor, and a private guide who explained the history and meaning behind the sites. We felt like movie stars. So much for keeping low. But we managed to fit in all the sights we wanted to see at a bargain basement price.


We started with the East Bank where we saw the temples of Luxor and Karnak. Karnak Temple has the honour of being the largest temple in the world. The temples were like something out of one of the old time Bible movies. Gigantic Pharoah stautes, pillars and obelisks towered over us. It was nice to have all the hieroglyphics and stories explained to us. It also gave us an insight into the amazing scientific knowledge that the ancient Egyptians had accumulated.



The next day included visiting the West Bank, where we explored the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, and all of their associated funerary temples. We drove away from the lush Nile riverside out into the arid mountains just a few kilometres from Luxor, that was used as a giant graveyard for ancient Egyptian royalty. The elaborate tombs, burial chambers and artworks just have to be seen to be believed, as photos are not allowed inside!!! Let´s just say it was an incredible experience to see how they lived (and died!) thousands of years ago.



We have now made it back to Spain safely, a land where we have absolutely no chance of experiencing four star accommodation! We do have the next best thing, though. We are staying with Amelia, Luciano and Rebeca, friends of Andrea´s family. We think she might be trying to fatten us up for Christmas dinner!

Happy birthday to Kris Clogan. Hope you have an absolute screamer!

Chess Championship Result update:
Dennis: 2
Andrea: 2 (Andrea still owes 360 push\sit ups. World of pain, here she comes!)
Stalemate: 1