Further into the ancients of Egypt

After an super busy and event full first day of Egypt we got a two hour sleep before an early wakeup call and a plane ride to Luxor. The program said hotel next after the plane ride and most of us had dressed for an slightly early and chilly air ride planning an outfit change upon arrival.

But plans are easily changed we learned. Egypt had its own way we soon experienced. With the sun rising we got loaded into the bus and off we went to explore. Explore the temples.

After a quick stop at the colossus of Memnon (10 minuets yelled the guide!! – try that one with 35 media people!!) we were heading for the Valley of the kings. I was looking so forward to this despite being quite exhausted and now getting hungry. Remember we got up at 3 AM, I skipped breakfast ´cause it was way to early and the boxed they served way to big to drag into the bus along side my suitcase and travel bag. My plan was all along to grab some fruit at the hotel before heading out to see the temples.

Back to valley of the kings. Unfortunately it is banned for photos, both cameras and cell phones. To preserve the colors intact. Therefor I have no pictures. As we are getting close to the sight we see the tombs of the nobles all along the theban hillside. It looks like a thousand small caves in the Egyptian mountains side. Stopping at a carpark we go outside to wait for the mini train to take us up the hillside. The heat is soaring even if it only is noon. I feel my face getting damp and my body temperature quickly rises. Right about now I question my self if the jeans I put on at night might have been a mistake.

For some reason I had pictured valley of the kings to be close to the nile with a huge temple – not so (and I am not sure where I got this image from even today). The valley of the kings are located inside the steep hillside hidden so that the grave robbers would leave the graves alone. They are still excavating the site in search for new tombs. There is nothing to see beside stone, stone and more stone until you head down to some of the tombs. Long shafts heading into ground with stunning and colorful hieroglyphs along the sides before stopping at the burial chamber. This is also the place to visit King tutankhamuns grave. Keep in mind that there is an extra entry fee if you want to visit his burial site. And Yes he is still resting down there – hopefully lifting the curse.

Starting to get weak from the heat, lack of water and food we are getting into the bus yet again to go see the temple of Hatshepsup. This temple is unlike any other temple in Luxor. Built in three terraces with its back to the hill it really stands out. Even at distance. When stopping at the colossus of Memnon it is easily spotted in the hillside.

I can imagine this must have been a beautiful temple in its day when there was gardens and plants to liven it . Yet again we park in a lower parking space and are driven up to site by a small train. It strikes me that there is hardly any tourist here or at the valley of the kings. We share the place with maby one bus load leaving us pretty much alone at this grand place to explore the ancient past of Egypt.

The ancient Egypt has loads to show and considering how old these monuments are it is truly amazing. Even the hieroglyphs, they are so detailed and non primitive. Remember to bring plenty of water, a snack or even a nutrition bar and don’t forget that sunhat and sunscreen. The sun is really fierce at these parts even this early in the day.

This post was brought to you in collaboration with Egypt.travels. The opinions and text are all mine.