I arrived at 10am and it was pretty quiet. It's Friday, so I knew it would get busy later. This time I went straight to the small dynasty 18 temple, on the right as you enter through the main portico. I took some photos of the men at work, lifting stones down from a rebuilt wall adjacent to it. I then went to the temple itself and this time I used the long lens lens on my camera to photograph the hieroglyphs right at the top of the right hand pylon. They were amazingly clear, so plenty to work on in the coming weeks ladies!!!
I went inside and used the long lens again, then swapped it for the normal one as I made my way into the final three, small, hypostyle halls. Using Kent Weeks' book I was able to see and understand a great deal more than I have in the past. There are a number of doorways either side of the halls but what I hadn't realised that some of them led to other chambers. I managed to get into one that is normally gated. It was open when I went in but closed when I wanted to leave, so that was interesting!
This room was full of colour, so lots of photos on the iPad again, due to the poor light.
When I emerged into the bright sunlight, I was met with a throng of Egyptians enjoying their day off. They were very noisy and taking selfies with the pillars in the hall! I had to push my way out as there were so many people.
What was really weird that so many of them wanted me to have my photo taken with them. It became quite unnerving to say the least.
I then went around the outside of the temple and immediately noticed some changes. Where the palace had been there were now resorted mud brick walls. The whole site looked neater, if that's the right word. The area by the house if Betamun was roped off because Chicago House were doing restoration work on it. All the external mud brick walls have been re-made and the holes filled in.
I made my way around the perimeter of the temple and back to the workmen, who this time gave me a wave. I had probably stood and watched them for too long before as they all told me heir names!
I left just before midday, just as the masses were leaving too. I was conscious that the driver wanted to get back in time for prayers.
When I got back to the hotel I had a quick rest then got ready for my trip,to see Khaled's family. I got my gifts for them together then sat down to write some of this blog. I also had to dress my first bite, which I got yesterday. Only the one up to now but still going bad so I've started the new regime already!
Khaled arrived a short time later and off we went. I was glad to hear that he has now found work in Marsa Alam, making airport transfers for Russians. He's learning that language to help him get a job as a tour guide near the Red Sea resorts.
Khaled has changed in twelve months. He's lost a great deal of weight and has got his pride back because he has a job. He's changed into a man now and I could see his family is very proud of him, although they miss him when he's away. He only gets back every three months so I was lucky to catch up with him.
Last year he showed us where he would build his apartment on the roof of the family home. I was amazed to be taken up on to the roof to see that he's nearly completed it! I spent a lovely hour with his family, including grandma, who is getting very frail at 85 yrs old, but still managed to give me a hug.
I left after an hour and went back to the hotel for a quick change then over the river to sort out a boat and meet my new friends. I have decided not to sail on Sunday as then I can be around whilst they are still here. Tuesday is the latest I can sail, so I'm looking at boats on Sunday afternoon.
We met on the Winter Palace terrace overlooking the Nile. We chatted for a while then they returned with me to my hotel, as they really wanted to eat outdoors. I thought the restaurant on the roof of my hotel would be good and it was. We came over on the public ferry, a first for them but they went back on a motorboat because it is quicker. We parted, arranging to meet up again soon.
Time for bed. It's a big day tomorrow, leaving for Hierakonpolis about 8.30am. Can't wait!
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