The Valley of the Vultures

Each day, we would go out early and visit a monument of one sort of another.  At each and every one we had to pass what we began to call “The Valley of the Vultures”.  

This walkway was always filled with vendors selling the same exact stuff at each stop!  While they would say it was “made in Eqypt”, the proper comment might really be “sold in Eqypt”.  Sure, there were some stalls that had ‘real’ Eqyptian cotton t-shirts and other appear but not many.  

The key to getting through all of this was to not make eye contact, don’t interact in any way as it only encouraged them. If you might say “Maybe on the way back” they would watch for you and bug you to follow up on your promise to get something on the way out.

There were exceptions to this, particularly when our bus stopped at specific places where they had previously made arrangements for us to visit – always with an eye toward quality items.  We were always given a demonstration of how their products were made and offered quality items for sale.  One example was a visit to Abo El Komsan, a store and manufacture of stone items that has been a cornerstone of Egypt’s natural stone industry for decades, specializing in the extraction, refinement, and global distribution of alabaster, basalt, and granite.  Alabaster, in particular, is a stone revered since ancient times for its ethereal translucency and soft, warm glow. Historically used in Egyptian tombs, canopic jars, and sculptures, alabaster remains a symbol of luxury and artistry.

Lois was a great sport trying to drill out the center of this stone block

We started out at the entrance where we were shown how the stone was worked and rough shaped into various items.  

Inside, there was a large display area with beautiful items all around.

At each of our shop visits, they offered a beverage. At the Alabaster shop it included coke’s in the bottle. Well, as I have only one skill, I had to stack them as I’ve done many times.

I admit, it is always amazing to see the reaction when I do this…all of a sudden there were cameras clicking away! Clearly a trick not previously seen.

These items were all hand-made and beautiful.  Yes, we did purchase a few items to take home.

Another stop was a carpet weaver – the Akhnaton Carpet School! They provide space, looms and material for families to continue this “cottage industry” weaving carpets. Each family learns a pattern and passes it on to the children, who spend time between school and vacations weaving.

What a great concept. We toured their awesome facility and saw the process from spinning the silk from the silk worms, to the actual looping of the carpets. It was inspiring watching the young children creating such unique masterpieces.  While we thought about picking up a carpet (silk, wool and cotton styles all available) we couldn’t think of where it would go.  Another time maybe.

Fortunately, overall, we were able to limit our purchases – after all, we have to fly home someday and all of this would add bulk to our suitcases!