Bargain, bargain, bargain... after two weeks in Cairo, I have learned bargain is the name of the game here.  And I have to say that watching Ben (a cool man from Scotland) bargain with the local, it is definitely a form of entertainment.

Our goal for the day is the visit the Valley of the Kings, and Queens across the Nile on the west bank.  Once we get to the ferry port, we are surrounded by taxi drivers who want to take us to all the attractions.  After a bit of bargaining, by Ben of course, we knock down the price from LE120 to LE40. 

There isn't much to see when outside of the valley, it is just a mountain in the desert, but once get inside of the tombs, it is another whole different world.  I was recommended by other travelers I met earlier, that I should see the Tomb of Ramses VI, Queen Tawsert/Sethuaht, and Number 35.

Indeed, these tombs are covered with colorful painting on the walls and ceilings.  Most of them still have the original color.  It is definitely breath taking when stand just a foot away from these thousand year old art of works.  So many times I seen them in Discovery Channel, now they are right in front of me!

Other than bargain, another game here is to tip your way out.  The old saying "Money talks" definitely has a strong meaning here in Egypt.  Well, I am a rule breaker.  After my ticket expired (which only allows me to enter three tombs), I decided to try my luck to sneak into other tombs by following a tour group.  After three successful attemps, my luck ran out  the fourth tomb snce I was the only one there.

To make the long story short, I got caught by a door guard.  Immediately, I tipped the guard 5 Egyptian Pound (about US$1.5) and tried to get away. To my surprise, he not only didn't kick me out of the tomb, but even allow me to take picture with flash (flash are not allowed), and even more, he told me to sit on top of the coffen of this King (show above) and took a picture for me!   I laughed my butt off after I got out of the tomb!  But I think I better behavior myself not to break the rule as often from now on.