Luxor, Egypt

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July 6th: You thought THAT was hot?!?

The Valley of the Kings - tombs, sarcophagi, vividly painted hieroglyphs, critical lesson in Egyptian death rituals and temperatures so high inside the claustrophia-inducing, box-like underground tomb of Tuthmosis III, it made the outside temperatures for what is purported to be the 2nd hottest place in Egypt, feel quite refreshing - was an unforgettable experience. Until this point, we hadn't seen much olor in the monuments and temples, but here, the hieroglyphs look like they were painted in mineral-based paint only a few weeks ago, instead of 3,500 - 4,500 years ago. The size, depth and scale were truly amazing when one considers these spaces were hewn by hand. One of thousands of engineering feats the Egyptians accomplished in an era long before Europeans. By the way, Team Intrepid can all now recognize the 4th and 5th hours of the Book of Am Duat (that which is in the underworld).

Grabbed some handmade alabaster souvenirs and a small bit and off to the Temple of Hatshepsut. For the record, purported (and confirmed by our resilient travelers) to be the hottest spot in Egypt. Angel's trip highlight, despite the oppressive heat of around 48 degrees Celsius.

Cooled down by shopping for gold and silver souvenirs (a traditional product of Egypt) and boarded an overnite train returning us to Cairo, where we spent several hours reminiscing, as a team, our time together in Egypt.

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Photos

Colossi of Memnon
Placed to guard the gate of the funerary temple of Amenophis III

Valley of the Kings
In front of the Tomb of Tawsert (the only Queen buried in the Valley) and Sethnakht (whose own tomb 'ran into trouble', so he had to expand hers

Alabaster Shop
The only shop in Egypt that hand crafts all of their alabaster goods

Temple of Hatshepsut
Restored to its original size and scale - a beautiful (and HOT) place on the back side of the Valley of the Kings

Inside one of the Tombs
The colors inside the tombs of the Valley look like they could have been painted yesterday.

Dinner at Egyptian Family Home
Another huge meal served by a local Egyptian family