Our visit in Luxor concluded with a visit to the incredible Valley of the Kings. To date, they've unearthed 64 tombs of the pharaohs (including the very famous boy pharaoh, Tutankhamen (aka Steve Martin's "King Tut") who ruled from age 9 to 18. He's considered a minor pharaoh in Eqypt, famous only because his is the only tomb to date found undisturbed.
Unfortunately, no photos were allowed in the Valley of the Kings although many visitors choose to disregard this rule with selfies running amok. We found that in Egypt, rules are really just guidelines.
entrance is fairly low key
I did, however, enjoy taking a photos of the beautiful people and was particularly drawn to the highly private Muslim women in the mysterious face covering niqab (nee cob). Although even the Egyptians approach them warily, our guide asked one if I could take her photo. She was hesitant, and asked how I intended to portray her. When reassured it would be positively, she kindly agreed and even asked for a picture of the two of us. I was thrilled!
Egyptian woman in niqab
Alabaster Factory
We then visited an alabaster shop, where they carve as they did thousands of years ago. The shop also had hookahs so that the carvers could take a smoke whenever needed. Traveling in a world where almost everyone smokes is definitely a challenge to the senses.
Hatshepsut's Tomb
Hatshepsut (loosely pronounced "hat" "ship" "suit") is generally regarded as one of the most successful pharaohs in Egyptian history, her reign lasting for at least twenty years. She expanded trade and undertook ambitious building projects. Credit:https://www.parcast.com/blog/2016/10/26/5-powerful-women-rulers-of-ancient-egypt
