Egypt and others - day 4 (Cairo to Luxor)

First lesson of Egyptian travel - never go out for a walk in the afternoon. In the space of about 100 metres you will be accosted by little boys selling bookmhgarks, boys who want you go go for a ride in their dow to see a crocodile and an island, men who will offer free ride in their horse and buggy, plus about three or four shopkeepers selling almost anything. We gave up and headed back to the boat, only to have to cope with each one again!
The day started at 5.00 with the alarm followed about 5 minutes later by a knock at the door expecting our luggage to be ready! Off to breakfast where we were met by Akmed who had all our airport connections etc ready. Off through the Cairo traffic (just as crazy as ever at 6.00am) for a 50 minute ride to the airport. P,and left on time at 8 and we landed in Luxor at about 9. Plane absolutely packed out.
Met at the airport and taken to meet our guide for this stage of the tour (Ramey) who took us to the huge  Karnak temple, built about 1370bc with massive columns forming a collonade for parading the king etc. Huge statues and walls covered in heirogliphics and decoration. The scale is mind boggling and some of the original colours can still be clearly seen.
Bit of morning tea and we were off through town (Luxor is "very small" - only about 1 million people) and on to the Luxor Temple, built originally by Ramses ll and was connected to Karnak by a massive road along which the parades would travel, carrying the king  in his boat which was about 40 metres in length.
Reached our cruise boat mid-afternoon, had a very good lunch in the dining room and after a ?? Cup of coffee on the upper deck watching all the supplies being carried onto the boat by men with massive loads roped to their backs, set out for the "pleasant walk" as per paragraph #1!
Other travel tips - the sun is oppressive here - it is incredibly hot out walking around these incredible sights so hats and sunscreen are essential. This is not the hottest part of the year but it is really quite draining even now. Worth it though - a whole new experience of both geography and humanity.
More tomorrow!