Day 7: Luxor's Little Bastards

The cool quiet of the Nile was traded for sticky, sweat, exhaust smelling bus ride. By 8am we were at Kom Ombo temple. The temple, not very well known but well preserved by Egyptian standards. The temple was built in honor of two gods so it housed two seperate alters and two enterance ways to the sanctuary.


After that fairly quick stop we checked into our hotel....there is nothing better than a nice shower, with soap after two days of bathing in the Nile! All fresh and clean, Ashley and I headed out to take advantage of an afternoon of free-time. Conservatively dressed, we walked towards the Luxor temple, which sits visibly in the middle of the city. By day 7, we are used to every cab honking, horse and buggy begging to take us on a ride, tour guides offering excursions, it is exhausting how many times you can refuse in a 10 minute walk. The heat was unbareable, worst than any other day so far, which is bad when everyday averages around 35-39 C. On the back end of the temple, we started being followed by two little boys....'miss, miss, you American, Obama Obama, miss miss, money money' all while motioning that they needed to eat. Sounds heartbreaking and it would have been if I wasn't over these little beggars...yes, I'm heartless but I have accepted my little place in hell for refusing to give every beggar a pound. After 2 or 3 times, we started ignoring them, that is until one little boy grabbed my hand, seconds before 'accidently' grabbing my ass. I told Ash and we both chuckled, until they ran up again, this time he blantely patted my behind, no so funny the second time around. Pat me once, shame on you...Pat me twice, shame on me....Run up and grab my boobs and there is nothing I can do. Ash and I stopped as we heard them run up on us again, not so kindly we grabbed their hands adn told them to not touch us, as we let go, one decided it was perfect time for a grope. Looking around, seeing there were only men on the street, I weighed my options. I could A. Punt the little bastard B. Curse, scream, and chase him C. Yell for one of the adults to handle it. I settled for cursing, threatening, and walking toward the only muslim woman on the street. Disturbed by the actions of the boy, she let us walk a short distance with her. We walked out of our way to avoid the 10 minute walk back down the road of hassel.

As funny as it later became, there is something beyond disturbing about 7-10 year boys attempting anything of the kind adn worse knowing they could get away with it. As much as part of me regrets not pulling a Homer Simpson and choking him, I know it would have not ended well for me....I don't think the Egyptian men would have taken kindly to a white girl beating one of their own.

We spent the rest of the afternoon in the air conditioning....

There were only two things that crossed my mind that day: I want to go home. And thank god Beni isn't here, his protective attitude would still be barred inside an Egyptian prison.

Later that night we met up with our group again to visit another silver shop, have a nice dinner, and visit the Luxor markets. I love haggeling but by now I might kill someone if they say 'Hey Shakira, I make good pirce for you' one more time! I will look at your shitty Tchotchkes if you leave me alone! Did I mention I am ready to go home???