So, after going to an optician to arrange the repair of a pair of glasses - he didn't have the little plastic nose-pieces in stock so will have to get them in over the next 2 days - I waited while Tayeb bought his winter wardrobe of warm underwear from the shop next door. Then down to Hamees to pass the time. Today the local "exchange office" was open so I took advantage of a good rate. Several Europeans were there today, the ladies all drinking Stella although the sun was not yet over the yard-arm. I had a couple of small Cocacola Zeros. This is the busiest that I have seen Hamees over the last 2 or 3 years. I think that there are a few signs of more tourists around.
Later, at the Passport Office, the fax was broken so they could not receive the completed paperwork from Cairo. My visa will not be ready today, but they will call me when it is ready and Tayeb can collect it for me using the ferry which will save me a round trip by taxi. He can also collect my repaired glasses.
And so to the Ramesseum Rest House. Stella had retreated to a darker corner of the garden with 5 pups, one having not made it through the night. They were suckling fairly quietly and again the photographs are not very clear because she is a very black bitch.
The sandy-brown dog was still in the other corner with her litter but would not let me get close. One picture is of her corner, but it is shrouded by walls and foliage.