VALLEY OF THE KINGS

Temple of Hatshipsuit

Valley of the Kings

More Egypt pictures! First we have the temple of Hatshipsuit (that's how it is pronounced - try saying it fast 3 times :) near Aswan. Hatshipsuit was the wife of a Pharoh - he died and rather than pass the throne to her stepson, she made up a story about her father being a god (and mother a mortal) and took the throne herself - the only female Pharoh. She ruled for many years.

Other picture is the other side of the mountain from Hatshipsuit's temple - the Valley of the Kings, were many of the Pharoh's were buried. The top of this mountain is pyramid shaped - pyramids were sacred so the Pharoh's were buried underneath. You can't see much outside at the Valley of the Kings. About 20 tombs are open to the public - you have to go in the mountain to see them. Some still have the colors painted thousands of years ago. Can't take photos inside the actual tombs. Some are pretty plain, some are magnificent. The Valley of the Kings is where King Tut's tomb was found - the only tomb found intact. (Really the only reason Tut is famous is because his tomb was found intact. He ruled for about 10 years, from age 9 - 19.) There are over 5,000 (discovered) tombs near the Valley of the Kings - most are for the commoners.

Cold here today - only 54 degrees the morning! Andy and I have decided to have the stray cats on our compound neutered. We found the government office that does it for free. We borrowed a trap from them, and took our first cat in this morning. It is resting (in a cat carrier) beside me right now. A bit groggy, but seems OK. We'll take another one in next week.

Kids went back to school today - after a month break. Yahoo!