This was a first for both me and Marty, and the hot air balloon ride was one of the highlights of the week. We were supposed to float over the Valley of the Kings, but balloons are rather dependent upon the way the wind is blowing. And this morning, it was blowing us straight toward the River Nile.
We floated over buildings, and I found it fascinating how few have roofs.
We were able to get a bird’s eye view of this church
And here is a look at the full grounds of the Luxor Temple. Very cool!
Our balloon led the way, and we had an excellent captain who was in constant contact with the airport. The balloons are not supposed to float past the river, but he’d received special permission because it was so early and airport traffic had not started.
I wonder what these cows thought of us as we floated past. "What's that thing?" "Mama, why are those humans in a basket? Is it like when the farmer gathers eggs?" "That's udderly ridiculous." "Look at the pretty colors." "If I could fly, I'd jump over the moon or somethin'"
Our ground crew was amazing. They were ahead of us at all times in their vans, and as we started to land, they came running across the fields, grabbed the bottom of our basket and walked us over to a tilled field that had no plants coming up yet, and gently set us down. Then they proceeded to take the balloon down with incredible efficiency.
We watched some of the other balloons coming in for a landing.
The farmer who’s field we’d used as a landing pad, offered us a ride on his donkey. We love the donkeys. In Egypt, they call them Cadillacs, and the camels are their Ferraris.
Next we visited the Valley of the Kings, where 63 tombs have been discovered. Only 15 are open at any one time, and we visited 3 of them: Ramses I, Ramses III, and the last I don’t remember and could hardly spell anyway. They don’t allow cameras, so I have no pictures to present. You’ll just have to go check it out yourself someday. Next we visited a shop where Marty learned about the process of boring out alabaster to make vases.
Then we visited the Temple of Hatshepsut, the female pharaoh who dressed like a man; even wearing a fake beard.
Marty and I enjoyed a couple of opportunities to “walk like an Egyptian”.
Next we visited Karnak Temple, where I spotted this giant potted palm tree. Well, it at least looks like one, don’t you think?
And finally, here is our tour guide and picture taker from the last 3 days: Peter. He was a great "guy"de.
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