Full Day

Up at 4:45 am today, off on a boat across the Nile to the West Bank at Luxor for a farmhouse breakfast (at a farmhouse, but managed and prep'd by the hotel). Food and outdoor dining was may-ya may-ya (excellent). Toured farmhouse, and took pictures of locals which included baksheesh to each one and all. I particularly like the one of the older gentleman with the rifle. But, you will have to wait to see it. Not able to upload pix at this internet cafe tonight.

We toured another house in this area that was designed by famous Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy who was interested in using local materials to maximize energy efficiency and low cost construction. Built in the 50s, it is the last of the 70 houses he built in this town. Under restoration by a family who worked with the architect for 20 yrs. Needless to say, the historic preservation struck a chord with me, which garnered higher baksheesh to our hosts.

Onto lunch at the Thebes Urban Village, and then a stop at an alabaster factory. There are many such here.

In the eve, a ride on a felucca sailing boat, and then a horse/buggy ride around Luxor, which included going down the narrow streets of the Luxor Market. Since I can't upload pix, this link will take you to a view of the market and one of the horse and buggies.

We ended the eve with a stop at an outdoor cafe, where we had Turkish coffee - gritty for those of you who haven't had the pleasure. And some scarf buying. Back to the hotel to see a wedding reception come out of the entrance - lost of musicians, drums and egyptian horns, and tambourines; dancing by the wedding party, mother-in-laws, and singing by the crowd. Very festive. The local banker we visited later, said that was the 4th wedding today at the hotel; that it is very cold and this way you can get some warmth....

It's now almost 10pm and we are in an internet cafe. So that's it for now - we have to get ready for a 4:45 am early rise for a balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings in a basket that seats 20!