February 19th. A quiet day

We all decided on a late breakfast which we ate in the garden restaurant, a type of tent. It was lovely! We had the most perfect omelettes, flat bread that was fresh from the local baker and masses of fig jam and honey. Afterwards, Sayed kindly offered drop us off at the ticket office so that we could see the three new tombs at Quernet Marai. 

Of the three tombs, two are at the lower level and the best, Huy, was at the top of a short but steep track. 

The first one, TT278, Amenemhab, is ok, but nothing special. I'm getting picky now!

The second tomb, TT277 Amenemonet, was much nicer and there was a great deal of white background. 

After that we walked to see see TT 40, Huy the Viceroy of Kush. This was SO different from the others and any I've seen before. It was really all about the Nubians and there were some fantastic paintings. The ceiling was unusual in the there were no stars, just vibrant decoration. 

Notice the nursing mother with a baby on her back and other children hanging on to her hand. 

Whilst in here, we met a Dutch group being led by the Egyptologist Jan Koek. We had a long chat with them all and really enjoyed meeting with them. 

On leaving the tomb, which is quite high up, I took some lovely panoramas of the area. It was a bit misty but I think this adds to the mistique of the place. 

We walked from here to the Medinat Habu area to have a sit down and a cold drink, which was very welcome as it was so hot. 

Once finished, we made our way back to the hotel on foot, stopping off a the Egyptian gift shop called Caravanserai. What a lovely place to shop! 

The lady sat outside whilst we were inside, browsing. The lack of pressure to buy was so refreshing that I ended up buy a necklace and bracelet set. Everything was really good value with no need to barter. We chose some things that were heavy so decided to return next weekend, before we return home. 

As we finished I received a call from Sayed from the hotel. He had just finished at the mosque and wanted to know if we wanted a lift back to the hotel. 

Whilst we waited outside we noticed that a donkey and a goat were keeping cool by leaning against a mud brick wall. The goat had markings like those on the cattle in tombs. 

He is so thoughtful. We waited a few minutes and he arrived. It was a nice end to the morning. 

We had something to eat, and a short rest. I started writing this post on the roof of the hotel where I could see the Colossi. What an amazing setting!

It was decided that we would visit the Valley of the Kings late afternoon so we arrived there at 3.30pm. There were hardly any people there, in fact I only saw three, and they were leaving. The vendors stalls were nearly all closed. 

We bought our tickets but I only wanted to visit the newly opened Horemheb, whilst my friend also wanted to see Tuthmosis lll. I have no interest in that as it's not my type of art, all stick men. I waited by Horemheb for a short while then decided to go in alone, my friends would join me later. 

What a fabulous tomb! It has very dark backgrounds but the art work is exquisite, reminding me of last year's wonderful trip to Nefertari. 

As my friends joined me, the Guardian was telling them to be quick as it was nearly time to close. We dragged ourselves up the steps out of the tomb. I don't know how my friends managed it after being in Tuthmosis lll, as that it a very difficult tomb. 

As we exited the door another Guardian had a big, heavy chain ready to lock the door behind us. 

We were the only people there and the last people to leave the Valley. The only visitors seem to be Egyptians 

I have never seen the Valley so quiet. 

We returned to the hotel and started to prepare for our trip to Hierakonpolis tomorrow.