So after we spent a few hours at the Valley of the Kings, we headed out to the Valley of the Queens.

Although significant, the Valley of the Queens is somewhat smaller than the valley of the Kings. It was reserved for the Queens and the royal children. It’s a long walk uphill to the temple and tombs. On the way up to the main entry, you climb 3 levels. Only the royals could walk on the 3rd level and enter the temple. There are a couple Sphinx guarding the entrance.

We went inside 3 or 4 tombs to view the sarcophagus inside them. These tombs are even more colorful than the previous tombs we saw. The colors are vibrant and the images are vivid. No doubt they were special.

As has now become my habit, I slipped a few lira to the guard to get some photos on the other side of the ropes. Oh for joy!

After a couple hours of exploring, it was time to go. I asked our guide if the driver could take us to where the alabaster was cut and polished. We were not interested in the tourist traps, we wanted the real McCoy. That’s just what we got. They even let me try my hand at shaping a vessel. No thanks, that’s too much work.

After some shopping we headed back to our boat for some R and R. The boat was going to sail soon so we sat out on the balcony and watched the world go by. What’s really a kick is watching the hawkers on the small boats tie up along side the ships and sell their wares. A real Nantucket sleigh ride. They speak multiple languages so there’s no escaping them! Throughout the evening Halo, Halo, Halo!!

The Nile really is beautiful once you get away from the cities, and the sunsets are magical.

More tomorrow!