Up up and away

Got up at 4am to fly in a hot air balloon over the Valley of the Nobles and
Workers and the Ramesseum. We also saw a monastery.

Amazing view and very quiet.


When you leave at 4 AM it is still dark and the sun slowly comes up as you leave the ground.
Initially the only light is the glow of the fires that heat the baloon, and the only sounds is the rush of gas to the burners.
It is something you really have to do, and this is the place to do it!!

Over the ramesarium - the homage to Julius Schmidt



Return to earth

In the afternoon, we drove through the desert to our hotel on the West
Bank. The Al Moudira is like an Arab compound. (See photos below).


Lots of atmosphere here.



Again we have been upgraded to a beautiful room with twin four poster beds.

They have gauze curtains. We have a huge room with a bath and another big room with a sink and

toilet. Both rooms have domes with white stars on a blue background. We

also have a back door with a little garden. Very nice and very hot.



Just where you would expect to meet Elizabeth Peters character having a G&T.

These are the star domes in the rooms that glow at night.

The pool is salt water and colder than the one at the Winter Palace.
It is so hot, the cooler water is refreshing.

5 star, and all to themselves

Mike, you would love this hotel. The staff is really helpful and the food is excellent.
We have been drinking great Egyptian wine that goes for about $16 in the restaurant.
Both the red and white are good.

Editors note.
Yes Les we get the point.
It is fabulous, and you are so incredibly lucky.
We are freezing at home, no doubt you and Joc will have a drinky winky for us too.
It is all that keeps us going.



I can hear a donkey nearby sending Sophy his regards.
The stars are brilliant, especially Orion's belt.
Love. Les

Tomorrow we will visit these tombs and Howard Carter's house. 
No need for a guide as I know the Nobles tombs well.

Editors Note
Such modesty.