Day 4: Luxor: Balloon Ride, Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Hatshepsut

 

Another 4 am morning just about did us in. Sadly we're all getting a big sick. The girls started out with a cold when we left, it has grown into some pretty yucky stuff. Samuel was the worst the night before and didn't plan to get up and come but then we told him the big surprise-We were going in a hot air balloon. He dragged himself out but he, Brigham and Eli were all not quite right. Elise is blessed with the ability to fall back to sleep. We sat in the bus and slept for a bit while things were getting started. They did a weather test and then start filling the balloons.

What can I say more? Truly, doesn't everyone dream of taking a flight in a balloon? If you don't are you even alive? I was beyond excited for this experience. Sadly my kids weren't all feeling like living out their dreams. Still, they were glad that they went. Seeing Egypt from the birds-eye perspective was really interesting and a little sad if I'm being honest. The entire trip left me feeling a little sad. It's hard to see people living in such conditions. I hope they're all happy, but on the other hand, I wish everyone has the opportunity to have a safe home, clean water, a way to support their family, and opportunities for education. That certainly isn't what Egypt has. Many houses are in a serious state of ruin. There are farmers who look like they have their needs met, you can see the animals living in the roof area like they have for centuries. Children aren't required to get an education so it's up to the parents whether or not they want the children to to learn to read. I loved waving to the people on the ground who were excited to see the balloons in spite of likely seeing them every morning.

She was a little nervous. Matt was even more nervous. Not me, not even a bit.

Elise was excited for a bit but not for too long. Sennia on the other hand enjoyed it as much as I did though she too was nervous.

These two were definitely not up to par, only able to stand for a short time.

For several miles along the Nile, there is farm land. Then suddenly, all dry, brown sand without a speck of green.

Then it was over, only a boat ride home. Back to the Cruise Boat for breakfast.

After breakfast we had to check out of the boat and get on with our tour even though my kids were desperately tired. We went to see the Valley of the Kings. One of the most exciting parts because my heroine spent so much time there. The tombs were very beautifully decorated/illustrated.

Poor little family all doing their best to use their precious time in Egypt while feeling more like going to bed.

There were two stumps of trees from thousands of years ago. Amazing!

She wanted to take some pictures. This is the Ancient Temple of Hatshepsut.

The colors in the tombs were bright and lovely.

We barely made it to the Villa. There was no food, it was too cold to swim and we all were desperate for sleep. Alena can't nap so she and Eli stayed up and we all tried for a nap.

The villa was lovely. The view was incredible, right on the Nile. The farm around us was charming except in the wee hours of the morning when the rooster wouldn't quit crowing and the donkey was ridiculously loud.

The housekeeper Ramadan set up a lovely dinner for us outside. It was a little ridiculously expensive, but we didn't have much say in the situation. We needed some real food in a huge way.

On the way to an early bedtime the girls found more towel sculptures by Ramadan. He also made us fresh mint tea which was appreciated so much we asked for 2nds and 3rds! Poor Brigham couldn't get out of bed the entire time we were there. He was feverish all night. The fever had broken the next morning and he needed food but all that sleep saved us from disaster.