February 20th - I can't tell you anything!

This is going to be short. 

Today was my annual trip to Hierakonpolis, a pre dynastic site just north of Edfu and on the West Bank. 

As Patrons we can ask for permission to visit when we are in Egypt but it's up to the Minister and the Edfu Inspectors to grant that permission. The site Director, Renee Friedman, has to jump through hoops for us. We have to provide ID in advance just for starters. 

However, it's well worth it. No one can just visit this site out of the blue. Some have tried and been given short shrift, the Guardians can be VERY intimidating to say the least. In these troubled times this is the last thing that should happen

We left at 8am and arrived at 10.30am. We travelled on the much more pleasant West Bank road. Some of the sights of daily life are fascinating. 

We reached the turning off the main road and then entered forbidden territory. The most I can show you is an overview of the site with the Fort of King Khasekhemwy. 

And that's about it I'm afraid. 

We had a tour of the dig site and saw all of the pottery sherds that are being painstakingly put together by the team. They are doing amazing work and are expecting to find more animal burials this year, hoping that a giraffe will be one of them. 

We left the site at 2.30pm after a lovely lunch and made our way back to Luxor. 

When I arrived I found that not only had my room been upgraded but also all my stuff had been moved for me too! It was lucky that I had already packed!

I had a message waiting too. I am also involved with the Theban Mappping Library down by the ferry. It's run by Dr Kent weeks and his assistant, Ahmed. I had been contacted to see when I was visiting as I have things for the children. I was then able to make arrangements to visit tomorrow afternoon, which should be fun!

I forgot to mention something about the Valley of the Kings yesterday. Not only was it empty but I. Noticed that security was more heightened than in past years. As we left the valley road to join the main road we passed the security kiosk. I noticed that they have a Stinger on a chain, ready to pull across the road to disable a vehicle if necessary. 

Also, there is no licence being issued for the Amarna site until at least May, as the authorities are very concerned about Middle Egypt. 

Sorry it's such a short one, more tomorrow!