After a lovely quiet night and a good sleep, we are up early for a 7:30 departure for our excursion to the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut temple, Habu temple and the Colossi of Memnon. It starts to sprinkle lightly and much excitement is evident all around. Tarek explains that this is the first time it has rained in 7 years! Wouldn't you know it - just when we visit. We call it drizzle really but the clouds are quite threatening. At least it doesn't look like it will reach the forecast 37 degrees.

I won't describe all the archaeological sites here, but they are all mind blowing and we marvel at this ancient civilization's abilities. Photographs do not do them justice. In any case we aren't allowed to take photos in any of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. We only enter 3 tombs (max allowed) and marvel at the incredible clarity of the inscriptions and colourful drawings made over 3000 years ago. We will just have to remember what we saw here in this huge site which is far bigger than we ever imagined. Eyes down, we march through the endless sellers determined not to be accosted and back to the bus.

As we drive back to the ship, the rain starts to tumble down a bit heavier. Children & adults alike dance around in the dusty streets with arms outstretched towards the skies. We realise that some children wouldn't remember what rain looks like. The wipers on the bus haven't had much use so they don't work so well and the roads quickly puddle up and are having a long overdue wash. I fasten my seatbelt thinking "these drivers aren't used to driving in rain" but we are safe in our very skilful driver's hands. It is now 1pm - lunch time and sailing time. We are bound for Esna stopping for our first lock at about 6pm.