I'm getting really comfortable here!
We went to change some money and then check in for our Monday flight. There was no point, as they were unable to do it, so I did it later online.
We moved away from the front of the hotel before we grabbed a taxi to Karnak. It's better to do it this way as the price goes up if they see you coming out of the hotel. As it was, it only cost 10LE to get there.
We entered the main entrance and were shocked at the attitude of the security man. He was appalling! He shouted at each person in a very unpleasant way to put items on the X-Ray conveyer belt. I was SO angry at his very rude manner that I told him to his face that he was very rude. I reported him to someone who can do something about him.
The Egyptian authorities really need to get control of obnoxious people like him. They are alienating the very people that they need to be polite to, so that they will not only spend money in the country but also encourage others to visit as well.
We met with our friend and our special tour began. We were shown all of the area in front of the pylons me where there ramps and mooring area for boats had been discovered.
Today I learned all about the vast contribution Taharka made to the rebuilding of Karnak in the 25th dynasty after it had fallen into disrepair.
We walked through the temple aiming for another area to the north but on the way I took some photos, as the sky was SO blue!
As you can see, it was quite busy. There seemed to be lots of school trips and also Asian visitors by the coach load.
From here we moved through a locked gate to the Temple of Montu, to the north. This is in an area which would be impossible for the public to access, as the terrain is very difficult. It was really interesting though and it's a site that really needs excavating, once there is enough money.
We then moved on to the temple of Ptah. I visited here a few years ago, so it was interesting to see the improvements. This was it then.
Here it is now.
From now on I can only show you general photos, as I'm not allowed to show the 'special places' we were taken.
The temple of Khonsu.
We walked Karnak for three hours, none stop. There is still lots that we haven't seen yet, and I've been coming here for years! Unfortunately, it was a REALLY hot day today and we were all very tired at the end of the visit.
Suffice to say that there are areas in Karnak that, after restoration, have the most beautiful and vibrant colours! I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. I would have loved to have photographed them, but unfortunately it was forbidden
It was an absolute privilege to have been allowed to see what we did. We were extremely lucky and won't ever forget what we've seen. Hopefully one day these places will be open for all to visit. As we left the temple, a convoy arrived at the main gate. The security men snapped to attention, so it must have been someone important. We obviously picked the right time to leave!
We a managed to get a taxi to take us back to the hotel and then we went to see Mando at Jolley's to sort out the transport to the airport. It's been great being able to make all our arrangements with him, it's made life easier.
I spent the afternoon on a sun bed by the pool, listening to an audio book. It was still very hot, so I was careful to keep beneath the umbrella.
Later we decided to visit the souk before dinner to get some gifts for friends (you know who you are, ladies!).
We had an exhausting time haggling with the vendors, but I have to say that Luxor souk is much improved! The items are displayed better than in the past, the hassle is still the same though!
Luxor temple looks lovely at night too.
It was nice to se the caleche horses looking in better condition too.
We managed to get a taxi to take us to Jewel in the Nile, where we had a really nice meal. We enjoyed it so much that we've booked it for tomorrow, our last night in Egypt!
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