Valley of the Artisans (Deir el-Medina) Luxor

The Valley of the Kings should also be known as the Valley of the Touts. The moment you step out of your vehicle, you are bombarded. You start by being polite, smiling and saying "No, thanks." You add a few flourishes and become firmer in your tone as the first dozen no-thank-you's don't have an impact. Of course, even if they do, there's always …

"All aboard the love boat, c'mon darling, smile you’re on candid camera" an Egyptian trying to impersonate a cockney accent shouted through a loud speaker.

OK, this is a bad dream. Turn over and get another hours sleep I thought.

“Smile your all on Candid Camera” the voice shouted again.

At this point, …

I woke up feeling awful, with what appeared to be a full-blown cold: a very sore throat, congestion, body aches, and a headache -- not exactly the perfect recipe for a holiday. Some drugs and a shower later, I was feeling somewhat better, so we went to the restaurant upstairs for breakfast overlooking the Nile. We filled up on carbs and made a game …

... from the Book of the Day and the Book of the Night. From the Valley of the Kings we were driven to the Valley of the Artisans.  Buy a ticket for Deir al-Madina for EŁ30 at the Antiquities Inspectorate Ticket Office.  There are two tombs to ...

... village located at the foot of the mountains on the west bank. The village also happens to be right next to the Valley of the Artisans, Valley of the Nobels, and the Valley of the Queens. Good planning on the villagers part ehh! What this means, is ...