Directly across the Nile from Luxor is the Valley of The Kings. This is where the vast majority of the ancient tombs have been found. Some were still being worked and were off-limits. Some were open for tourists, though usually only by guided tour. The fees for the guide at each tomb were quite modest.
On the last day with Ali, he took us by his mother’s apartment in a run-down area on the west side of the Nile. It was modest, but clean and neat. His family had little money, but Egyptian hospitality required we be offered tea and snacks. We were tempted to think that this was some attempt at getting money from us, but we were wrong. Ali was an excellent ambassador for his culture, and this was his way of showing us how common Egyptians live. Before we could even think of offering to pay for our refreshments, Ali pleasantly mentioned that to do so would be an insult. Hospitality is given freely, not with any expectation of compensation.
After several days of exploration, Tony and Beth headed back to the states, Drew headed to Dahab where I would be a few days later, and I flew from Luxor to Sharm el Sheikh, on the Sinai Peninsula.
