West Bank

Temples and Sites

by Orlando A.

On Monday we went to the West Bank; Luxor and Karnak are on the East Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens are on the West Bank. We took a ferry across the Nile and a small boat back the to the East Bank, where we live, afterwards. You could also drive across, or take a cab, but this was our first time going across so we decided with our English neighbor, A, to take the ferry across. The ferry was pretty crowded, but not too crowded and everyone seemed to be in a good mood. Looking out at the Nile from the ferry was like a dream come true. There are also cruise ships which can meet varying budget requirements which run up and down the Nile. You can also rent a Felucca, a smaller sail boat, to bring you back up the Nile from Aswan, but that would take a few days to reach Luxor from Aswan.

When we arrived on the West Bank we were greated by the normal cadre of cab drivers and agents trying to sell cab rides. There should be no problem finding a cab on the West Bank, and since everything is a bit spread out, you will probably need one. We just did a quick drive around the area, with, A, showing us where the valley ticket office and so on. We passed by the Colossi of Memnon which tower from the desert.

A, also took us to a museum in Qurna, or Gurna dedicated to the local residents or Qurnawi, whose houses and whole villages have been largely removed and are now being displaced due to the government deciding that the area should be free from housing and the risks associated with the proliforation of antiquities due to the tunnels that could be created from said structures. In other words, there is said to be a history of people digging beneath their homes to tombs underneath to unearth artifacts. A, told us the story of going into one of the tunnels and having a bit of excitement. Still, it seems that something better could be done for the local residents, other than moving entire villages. However, it is an odd situation to say the least. The residents report that the new government constructed houses are not holding up very well, however, I did not see them. Newer is not always better though.

Afterwards we finished off at a local restaurant for lemon squash, which is lemonade that is blended and water for all. We walked to the Medinat Habu, and then caught a cab back down to the dock. We took a small boat home, which put us closer to the Nile but not close enough for crocodiles! While waiting a young guy saw the kufi I was wearing and asked if I was Muslim. I answered, "I am everything." He looked confused. He thought for a second and said, "it doesn't matter, we are all the same anyway." One God, One Love. People in general, even if they are selling stuff are genuinely happy to see you come down the street. I have had people just pleased out of their minds to see us, selling nothing. I send that love right back to them too.

Anyway, this guy was selling scarfs, which men wrap around there heads here as well. I declined, because I didn't have much money with me, and I had to get back home, but the young brother gave it to me anyway, as a gift. I was very grateful. My neighbor thought he had sold it to me at an overinflated price, sometimes people are just happy to see you. I will post a picture with me wearing it in a day or so. I will look for him, next time I go back and take a picture and actually buy something as well.

On the way back home from the ferry a funny thing happened. A, went out front to look for a cab, I was looking out at the street and saw someone looking over at Cory. This guy's grill looked like it had caked on tobacco from the time of Tutankhamen. So, I looked directly at him, and he is still smiling at Corey. So I am like, "what?" He busts out before I can even say anything, "How much for her?" Me and Candice look at each other and before we can decide whether to curse dude out or bust our laughing he adds, "One million camel!" I just look down and say, "Naw man." Before I can compose myself, he says, "two million camel!" Candice and I just look at each other and bust out laughing. The cab came a second later. We hopped in and headed back to our flat.