Just received up to date itinery, I might be flying out of Cairo ond day earlier than originally planned. Need to be sort things out quickly now. I am still in Luxor.

Yesterday spent about 6hours in the Karnak complex, what an amazing place.

I was yet again drawn to the gateway I was silouted in the night before, I followed the path and was rewarded with a little temple under restoration, not a single tourist in sight! a mini version of the main chapel being reconstructed, signs of fire damage on ceilings and walls. Had a chat to two Frenh stone masons placing a large floor slab, one could take 1-2 hours, just thing how long the entire place has taken! well actually the whole thing originally took 2000 years being added to by many many Ferohs.

I am ill prepared for the lenght of time, I have water but no food, dates under the palm trees look rather dirty to try. Some guards doing their ablutions and prayer, I freshen up at the tap, mobile phone chiming some arabic song goes off in one of the guards pockets twice while in prayer.

I approach what appears to be an archealogist and assistant to ask for some food which I would be happy to pay for, I am told I should not be there and must leave before there can be trouble. I guide as many other tourist in the direction of the temple as I can, some are suspicious because this is usually a precursor for asking for money if done by a local.