Luxor back to Safaga

This morning I was up before 4am to be checked out of the hotel and ready to meet the people from the hot air balloon company. They came at the appointed time, and took me to a small boat on the Nile. We had some tea while filling out paperwork, and then sailed to the West Bank of the Nile where we were met by vans and taken to the launch site. Much like ballooning in Cappadocia, we were not the only balloon in the sky. There weren't as many as there were in Turkey, but the sky sure does look nice dotted with colorful balloons.

This was my fourth time hot air ballooning, and each time is a treat. We rose high in the air just in time to watch the sunrise. We soared over ancient temples and the Valley of the Kings, and landed in the desert. I was then dropped off at the Columi of Memnon, where I met back up with my driver and guide.

We first visited the Temple of Hatshepsut. She was the only female pharaoh and some of the ancient hieroglyphics and pictures still remained. It is remarkable that much of the original color has lasted over the millennia.

Our next stop was the Valley of the Kings, where many of the ancient pharaohs were entombed. I visited three tombs: those of Ramses the I, III, and IV. They were all impressive, but unfortunately they don't allow cameras inside the Valley.

We then stopped at an alabaster factory where they still use the ancient techniques of stone carving to make vases and other works of art. After a quick lunch, we made the three hour drive back to Safaga. Luxor was definitely a highlight of the trip!