A Balloon Aerial to outline the scope of the Monument , the site Google is of use still for overview. This shot early morning from the hot air balloon is at about half the eye height of the Google. The tarmac strip from the carpark is immediately noticeable. It terminates on the entry paving to the ascending causeway and you can see where Lenka was kneeling to take the gorgeous header shot we have used for this gallery.
We are going to walk the terraces and colonnades and in particular look at the third and final courtyard against the cliffs. Above the protecting rear wall is an ancient sea shore extending across the entire rear of the site. Also see the Funerary Temple of Nebhepetre-Mentuhotep slightly to your left of the Hatshepsut complex. From the air it bares a striking similarity in concept and design, although we are told the super structure which has not survived may have been very different.
Imagine rows of full grown sycamore trees lining the terraces, the shade they provided, and the constant care needed to keep them healthy in the heat.