A nice half day trip to the Tombs, Temple of a “Lady Pharaoh” and old workers’ village and tombs.
So this morning, we left the Cruise ship and drove to our Hotel in Luxor, quick coffee and our driver Saber picked us up. After a short drive we arrived at the Valley of the Kings & Queens, where we got to visit 4 Tombs, one of which the one of Tutankhamun, the famous child Pharaoh who took over the reign of Egypt at 9 years, but died at 19. He was also the son of Akhenaten and Nefertiti, am sure that they might ring a bell!
Honestly, the valley, and its tombs were not a favourite part of our expedition, but we still made the best out of it. The energy inside was very heavy, and the amount of tourists did not help the situation at all. In fact we rushed through the 4 available exhibits, and left for the next stop.
Next stop was Hatshepsut Temple, and the guide explained that she was a Queen who dressed like a Pharaoh to demand the full Authority. The story goes that since her husband died, her stepson should have been the King, but being a 6 year old, she sent him to military school and reigned for some years until she died. Once, the step son was finally appointed King, he tried to destroy anything related to his step-mother so little is documented on her.
One important detail that I recorded was that this “Queen” was very keen to trade with Sudan, Somalia and the area… in fact one can see painted some typical houses, trees and animals such as giraffe and lions. My personal conclusion was that this “Queen” wanted to restore the Nubian descendency with the reign of Egypt, but there were forces that objected to this, so they destroyed any trace of her doings…
Anyways, after leaving the temple, we were taken to and old workers village called Deir el-Medina, where we visited 3 tombs. Although being much smaller than the Royal ones, it was amazing that all the painting were fully preserved in full colour… simply amazing.
Then one quick stop at an Alabaster Factory where we got some souvenirs, and back to the hotel resting for a bit!
Updating you soon!
CB
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