Friday, 6/7. Departure for the balloon ride was 3:30. Boat across the Nile. Oddly, the nearest bridge is many miles north of Luxor. Revenue for ferries? Quick trip to the lift-off point. 8 balloons? Smooth ride. Captain was excellent pilot and tour guide. We rose, fell, rose again, to tour different vistas. Unfortunately, though the views were great, it was still too dark for good photos. Landing was exceptionally smooth. First recovery crew member arrived on a donkey. Overall, it was well worth the money and time.

After return to hotel and breakfast, departed for the Valley of the Kings. By boat again. First stop was, a huge temple built by the only Queen of Egypt, Hatshepsut. Lots of historical intrigue on how she became Queen and how future rulers tried to hide her existence. The temple has been largely rebuilt out of its ruins. It is very large, but after our visit to the Valley of the Kings, it shrank in our memories.

The Valley is actually on the opposite side of the mountain holding Hatshepsut’s temple. A 15 minute ride to the entrance, then a five minute tram shuttle. The area is much more compact and less glamorous than I expected. Could have been any simple box canyon. King Tut’s tomb is literally under another’s, which helped hide it. Visited five tombs, including Tut’s. Tut, having died young and unexpectedly, had far and away the simplest tomb. Indeed, it was originally meant for another purpose. Turns out that once a king dies, his servants have only 70 days to entomb him. Most tombs are in fact unfinished. The one completed tomb that we visited, holding two kings, was splendid. All were impressive. No cameras are allowed in Tut’s tomb, which is being carefully maintained. Has its own weather station to monitor atmospheric conditions.

Stopped by the house of the founder of Tut, Howard Carter. It’s a museum. Lunch in town. Dinner near hotel. Stuffed pigeon. I’m ready to head home. One more day.

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