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In the morning we are up before dawn to catch the first ferry across the Nile. We want to visit the “Valley of the Kings” where the tombs of the pharaohs are located on the far side of the river and people say it is a short ride by bicycle from the ferry landing. So first we rent a couple of well-used bikes.
Reaching the other side of the muddy river, we peddle down an empty country road flanked by empty fields. We pass between the much-ruined stone Statues of Memnon--which used to sing at dawn, they say, but are now mute.
Kids come running from houses across the fields to trot beside us as we ride--yelling good-naturedly for “baksheesh”—the local equivalent of “cadeau”.
The road turns left toward the hills. As soon as we leave the irrigated fields bordering the Nile we enter a short, very dry arroyo. Good heavens! This little dry gulch is the fabulous, world famous “Valley of the Kings”!
Cyclone fencing surrounds the whole ravine. But before we can reach the gate into the “park” men and children offering imitation antiques and other touristic junk block our way.
After a short but serious struggle we break through the swarm, pay the entrance fee and soon walk down a stone ramp right into King Tut’s famous tomb!
It’s nice and cool!
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