WARNING: these posts have not yet been proof-read. It’s difficult to find decently priced internet connections here. The actual posting time of these entries is April 22, in Jerusalem – in the Olive Tree hotel… with free WiFi!

2005.04.15

*Pilgrimage Day 6*

Day 6

We’re about halfway through the tour, this has probably got to be the most tiring day so far, because of all the heat and walking. We woke up at about 5am and left for The Valley of the Kings at about 7am.

Valley of the Kings

As you probably know, the Valley of the Kings is literally a mountain valley, which contains the tombs of various Egyptian kings. It isn’t that pleasant a place to be in because of the scorching heat and everything, but you can’t help but feel awe in what these Egyptian’s have accomplished during their time. To literally carve out tombs from mountainsides and have such an extent of “culture” infused in it (the Hieroglyphics, etc.)

What I’ll remember from this however, is how I illegally took pictures and didn’t get caught. In fact, God seemed to be on my side then. Photography inside the tombs is strictly forbidden – to the point that if the proctors notice you having a camera, they have the right to take it before you leave and check it (if digital).

My sister had gone out before me and saw how a proctor take a camera from a man’s hand as the latter exited, and started sifting through the images. They were apparently making sure no one had taken pictures inside the tomb. Luckily as my group was on the way out, the lights went off – it was a blackout. And we slowly exited. The lady right in front of me had a bag, and was made to stop for inspection (of her camera I guess).

I had decided that starting today, I would bring only my camera body, one lens (the ever so useful 28-135mm) and just pocket my extra batteries. That turned out to be the best decision I had made as the man didn’t notice that I had it on me (it was slung by my side out from the proctor’s field of vision).

Hatchsepsut

Then we went to a temple/tomb of a woman Pharaoh called Hatchepsut. This is about the time where our 2am sleep-time started to kick in. I bailed and opted to just stay in the bus… and slept through the whole thing – so any information related to that temple is lost for all eternity.

Alabaster Homes

Next, we visited a place that shows one of the “old-school” ways of life in Egypt. I don’t know what they call places like those, but Alabaster furniture (jars, etc.) were one of the common products since ancient egypt – and these places showed exaclty that aspect of Egyptian life. If we have our wooden antique furniture, they have their Alabaster stuff. Aside from explaining how they make their stuff, they also gave us some bread which they bake with sunlight.

Valley of the Queens

We then proceeded to the Valley of the Queens (not sure if that’s what they called it). It’s basically similar to the Valley of the Kings, but for the women obviously.

Karnak

We then went to Karnak the biggest temple of them all. Actually it’s because different Pharaoh’s added to it over time. Again, it was amazing how a civilization without our current technology, was able to construct the structures and details you can find in temple’s such as Karnak.

Shopping

We then went to some jewelry shop (and shirt factory) where our women (and some men) did their thing. I decided to have a shirt made with an arabic inscription. Carlo looked really stupid so I went with my net name Nargalzius – which you will see in the picture for day 7.

Karnak take 2

We returned to Karnak that night for the sound and light show… or should I call it the sound show, because there was nothing fancy about the lighting. In any case, it was free – so I didn’t really mind if it sucked or not.

That ended the tour for the day. We returned to the liberty for dinner which surprisingly, was quite good (Salmon, which we were allowed to order twice hehehehe). I then proceeded upstairs to go straight to bed… ended up sleeping for 10 hours. Lovely!