Breathtaking would be an apt description. In a valley a few kilometres west of the Nile, opposite Luxor, is a small mountain range where 63 tombs of ancient Pharaohs have been uncovered (the latest being in 2008). From the New Kingdom era (started about 1600 BC) these tunnels carved into the mountain provide a jarring contradiction to the harsh desolate landscape. Colourful artwork covers the walls and as our hieroglyphics knowledge continues to grow, stories told by the paintings take on a life. Sean took the following video of one of the ceiling vaults.
A short drive around the mountains took us to the temple of Hatshepsut. It’s in a valley basin surrounded by steep cliffs which meant hot, still air well in excess of 100F. Energy sapping to say the least. Although only a portion of the original structure has been rebuilt it is still very impressive. Unlike the King’s tombs, this was a temple and as such sits against the cliffs.
We are now at a really large hotel on the outskirts of Luxor that offers lovely gardens down to the edge of the Nile. Fortunately we checked in just before the sandstorm hit. (See previous weather post). Most people are running on fumes so an extra few hours of nothing will be welcome.
The Bennetts On Tour 