I was woken at 5am again, with noise from outside. I've basically given up on sleeping to 7am!
I had breakfast and met new Dutch guests, then the English ones I already know. We're going to share a taxi to the airport on Monday morning, as they are flying home as I fly to Cairo.
I left the hotel late, having been told that the Theban Library that I support is moving buildings and so is open at 1pm instead of at 3pm. I have things to drop off, so I'm taking them out with me. I wanted to go to the Ramesseum to see someone, an decided to use a local bus. I just walked up the main road and flagged one down, as easy as that, and only 1LE to the ticket office!
This is how green the fields are looking along up towards the Colossi.
I got off just before, as I wanted to walk the full stretch of the site. Ahead of me I could see a large minibus parked up. I was so busy looking at the work on the site I didn't really look at it. Suddenly a man shouted my name and I looked up and saw an old acquaintance, Ibrahim, the driver for my past trips with a group. We had a brief chat and then the guide I also knew emerged from the bus, so I went through it all again! I was keen not to linger, as I had to walk onwards to the Ramessum. I still had my ticket from last week, so I was able to bypass the ticket office and cut the corner by the Marsam Hotel.
I arrived at the Ramessum and took a photo for Jo, from well outside the entrance at the Rest House area.
The guardian went nuts! He was shouting - did I have a ticket? I just ignored him because I had one and he would soon know it. I couldn't believe they would stop someone taking a photo from outside of the site. That's REALLY the right way to encourage visitors!
He soon calmed down when he saw my ticket. The next hurdle was the police at the gate. They decided I had to completely empty my bag, something that has never happened to me before, either here or anywhere else. It didn't help matters that had all the things for the library with me, including obvious items for children.
I remained calm, which was a trial for me (as you can guess Ladies!) Then they started on about how many children they had, but I didn't take any notice and walked through to the site. The previously hostile guardian became yet another limpet.
However, he must have felt bad because he took me on to the site where the new Karomama shaft was covered with a grill. I looked down but quessmwhat! It was a dark shaft! Nothing more, nothing less. I wandered around but couldn't shake him, nor could I bore him to death, so I gave up and just ignored him. This type of behaviour really spoils visits to sites, particularly when I'm trying to concentrate on getting new or different hieroglyph pictures.
I had forgotten how much colour remains at the Ramesseum and the top of the hypostyle hall looks quite beautiful.
When it was time to go I knew I might have a battle on my hands, so I prepared myself. I had a bit of baksheesh ready, as the guardian had shown me the shaft then I got a packet of clicky pens out, ready for the onslaught. This is where they got really cheeky. They were even choosing the colours and, to add insult to injury, insisting on something out of my bag for their myriad of children!
Their behaviour was appalling. I only escaped by the skin of my teeth. Just to wind everyone up, I'm writing this at the Ramesseum Rest House, where yet again they try to double the price of a drink - they don't succeed!!!
I called my driver on the phone and he arrived about fifteen minutes later. It's been a boon for me to be able just to call him up to get a lift. I hadn't realised how much I would use it. The other thing is that it is an iPhone and I've been able to tether it to my iPad. This has enabled me to write this blog anywhere and keep it up to date.
I went to the library and found that they were between buildings, so I made my way on foot back to Gezira across the fields. This is a good short cut but I wouldn't do it at night. It runs at an angle to the main road so cuts off quite bit and its a lovely walk. I came across some dogs playing in a field.
I also saw a mass of ladies all dressed in black, making for a house. A local man had just died and it reminded me of mourning scenes from the tomb of Ramose.
The new location of the library is very close to my hotel so great for future visits. They are just getting it all sorted for next week, which will be a miracle I think! My friend works so hard on this project as does Dr Weeks. He went flying past me on a motorcycle earlier!
My friend took me to a nearby roof cafe to discuss the plans for the library. He the phoned Dr Weeks to tell him I was there and we spoke on the phone. He wants to see me tomorrow, before I leave on Monday, so I will go back around lunchtime.
I spent a very pleasant half hour watching the busy traffic below on the road and beyond that a mango orchard. It's amazing what you can see from a roof!
After returning to my hotel to freshen up, I went over the river to change some money and meet up with my Trip Advisor friends. We returned to Wenkies, where I ate too much of their delicious ice cream! They also hand make fantastic flavours of chocolate, so there are some reading this blog who know what they will be getting when I return home!
After this we went for a meal at the Jewl on the Nile. It was fine, but I couldn't really appreciate it due to my overindulgence. I don't suppose it helps having dessert before the main course!
We took a taxi to the ferry and I parted company with my friends, intending to meet up in the morning at the Valley of the Queens.
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