The 'gang' returns to the Winter Palace - and the Egyptian Police investigate - but events in Armant remain a mystery for the authorities. The 'gang' then visit Dendera - the last of the Ptolemaic temples, and Zac and Josh take their revenge in Armant.
The distance from Armant to Luxor, of course, is less than ten miles, so by morning they were safely moored close to the Winter Palace.
Unfortunately for Jim, however, immediately after breakfast a visitor arrived on the 'Hadeel'.
 |
| Egyptian Civil Police |
It was an officer from the الشرطة الوطنية المصرية (Egyptian Police)
And it was not just an officer...it was a عقيد (Colonel).
Ethan immediately called Ismail and Zac - and also, much to Jim's relief, Faunus appeared.
The Police Colonel politely introduced himself as Ayman Mahfoud.
He explained, using 'Ali', (Faunus - who he took to be Egyptian), as interpreter, that he was making enquiries about the visit that had been made by a number of young American tourists to Armant the previous day.
 |
| The Temple of Montu - Armant - Upper Egypt |
The Colonel then explained that the police in Armant had been informed that the American tourists had been asking for directions to the 'Bull Necropolis'.
The Colonel went on to explain that tourists were not permitted to visit the Necropolis, and the young Egyptian man that they had asked about where the site was situated had, apparently refused to take them there.
Jim replied that they had not asked to be taken to the Necropolis - which was true.
The Colonel then suggested that the group had subsequently visited the town later in the evening.
Jim agreed, but explained - through 'Ali' - that they had only returned to do some shopping - but had found little to interest them.
The Colonel then asked if they had found or purchased any 'antique' items, either in Armant or in any of the other towns they had visited.
 |
| Alabaster Vase |
 |
| Haj Abdu Abu Esh |
The Colonel asked to see the vase... and Jim sent Ethan down to the cabin to get the it, and show it to the Colonel.
When the Colonel saw the vase he smiled - and admitted that it was obviously not antique.
The Colonel then added - cryptically - that Haj Abdu, one of his sons, and an employee had disappeared recently - but it was presumed to be the result of a village dispute.
 |
| An Unexpected Storm |
 |
| جسم غامض |
The Colonel did not leave the 'Hadeel' immediately, however, but instead spent some time talking to Captain Hamdi.
"So Faunus.... what is the Colonel and Captain Hossam talking about.", Jim asked.
"Well, you won't be surprised to know that they are talking about some strange happenings out in the desert, to the West of Armant.
Strange lights in the sky, in Arabic - جسم غامض - and an unexpected storm.
Apparently it has made the people, and the police for that matter, in Armant very nervous.", Faunus said, with a smile.
"So Faunus.... what is the Colonel and Captain Hossam talking about.", Jim asked.
"Well, you won't be surprised to know that they are talking about some strange happenings out in the desert, to the West of Armant.
Strange lights in the sky, in Arabic - جسم غامض - and an unexpected storm.
Apparently it has made the people, and the police for that matter, in Armant very nervous.", Faunus said, with a smile.
 |
| Hadeel Moored at the Corniche - Winter Palace - Luxor |
Later in the morning the crew of the 'Hadeel' transported the 'boy's' luggage over to the 'Winter Palace'.
The 'Winter Palace' Manager welcomed Jim and his 'group' back to the hotel.
The rooms and suites were still being held for Jim and the group, and so things quickly returned to the way they had been before to the trip to Aswan.
The first thing that Ethan did - even before unpacking - was to take Bastet and Sekhmet down into the 'Winter Palace' gardens, which they had obviously missed during their time on the 'Hadeel'.
The others, however, had rushed to their rooms, and then down to the pool for a morning swim.
When things had settled down Ismail spoke to Jim.
Now that they were back in Luxor Ismail wanted to spend some time with his family on the West Bank.
Jim had no objection, but was anxious to know if Ismail could accompany them to Dendera, and later possibly to Cairo - which was, of course, where they had first met.
Ismail, who would be 'at a loose end' once back in Luxor, was only to happy to continue his association with Jim and the 'boys' which was, undoubtedly for him, very lucrative.
So Ismail left the Winter Palace, but would be waiting for a call from Jim to summon him back to the 'Hadeel' - and of course he would 'read-up' about Dendera, so that he could justify his presence on that part of the Nile cruise.
After speaking to Ismail, and then the hotel manager, Jim went to relax in the gardens and watch Ethan playing with Bastet and Sekhmet.
The rooms and suites were still being held for Jim and the group, and so things quickly returned to the way they had been before to the trip to Aswan.
 |
| Winter Palace Gardens - Luxor - Upper Egypt |
The gardens of the Winter Palace consist of 40,000 square meters of lush planting, and contain fifty different species of trees, some of which are around 120 years old. Beautifully landscaped and adorned by a fountain and pink bougainvillea in urns, this is probably the best part of the hotel - at least that's what Bastet, Sekhmet and Glaux think.
Meanwhile Jim went to talk to Captain Hossam - and also pay him well, in order that he would remain moored in Luxor until he was needed to take them to Dendera. |
| Winter Palace - Pool - Luxor - Egypt |
When things had settled down Ismail spoke to Jim.
Now that they were back in Luxor Ismail wanted to spend some time with his family on the West Bank.
Jim had no objection, but was anxious to know if Ismail could accompany them to Dendera, and later possibly to Cairo - which was, of course, where they had first met.
Ismail, who would be 'at a loose end' once back in Luxor, was only to happy to continue his association with Jim and the 'boys' which was, undoubtedly for him, very lucrative.
So Ismail left the Winter Palace, but would be waiting for a call from Jim to summon him back to the 'Hadeel' - and of course he would 'read-up' about Dendera, so that he could justify his presence on that part of the Nile cruise.
 |
| Sekhmet - Winter Palace Gardens - Luxor |
"I think I like this hotel more that the Cataract Hotel in Aswan...", Ethan said, as he twiddled a long flower stalk which Sekhmet furiously, but unsuccessfully, chased.
"I think it's because the gardens here are so nice...", Ethan added.
"Yes... they are very beautiful..." Jim said.
"So...can we bring the 'kitties' here often ?", Ethan asked.
"Yes...why not ? - whenever we are in Egypt." Jim replied.
"So we are coming back to Egypt sometime ?", Ethan asked.
"Yes, of course...often...", Jim replied.
"But what I'd like to do is buy this beautiful garden for the 'kitties'...", Ethan said, dreamily, tickling Bastet under the chin.
"Well... why not ?", Jim replied.
"OK... so stop making fun of me... it's just one of those stupid day-dreams...", Ethan said.
"Perhaps - but of course it wouldn't be possible to buy just the gardens on their own.
I think you'd also have to buy the whole hotel - if the people who owned it wanted to sell it.", Jim.
Ethan didn't reply, as he thought that while he was playing with the kittens - it seemed that Jim was 'playing with him'.
Jim gave Sekhmet a stroke...
"Have you noticed, Ethan, that all the time we have been staying at this hotel, there are very, very few other people staying here ?", Jim commented casually.
"Well yes - but it is very expensive to stay here...", Ethan replied, wondering where Jim was taking the conversation.
Jim gave Sekhmet a stroke...
"Have you noticed, Ethan, that all the time we have been staying at this hotel, there are very, very few other people staying here ?", Jim commented casually.
"Well yes - but it is very expensive to stay here...", Ethan replied, wondering where Jim was taking the conversation.
The 'Winter Palace Hotel' was built by the 'Upper Egypt Hotels Co', an enterprise founded in 1905 by Cairo hoteliers Charles Baehler and George Nungovich, in collaboration with 'Thomas Cook & Son (Egypt)'. It was inaugurated on Saturday 19 January 1907, with a picnic at the 'Valley of the Kings', followed by dinner at the hotel and speeches. The architect was Leon Stienon. During World War I the hotel was temporarily closed to paying guests, and employed as a hospice for convalescing British soldiers.
A regular guest at the hotel from 1907 on was George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon, better known simply as Lord Carnarvon. Carnarvon was the patron of Egyptologist Howard Carter, who in 1922 discovered the intact tomb of Tutankhamun. After the discovery was announced the Winter Palace played host to the international press corps and foreign visitors there to follow the story. Carter used the hotel's noticeboard to deliver occasional news and information on the discovery.
Lord Carnarvon
 |
| Howard Carter - 'Winter Palace' |
"That's true, Ethan, but you see when this hotel was built it was the British who controlled Egypt....", Jim began,
"Yes, but what about all those weird Egyptian guys whose tombs we saw in Cairo...?
I thought they were kings, or something.", Ethan said, interrupting.
 |
| Lord Kitchener - 'Sirdar' of Egypt |
"Yes, but they were really controlled by the British, who held onto power in Egypt because of the Suez Canal, which was important for them as, at the time, they had a large empire, and they needed their navy and trade to pass through the canal....
It's complicated, but you can ask Teddy about it later.
But... if I may continue... the very rich British people believed that Egypt, and particularly Luxor and Aswan, were good and healthy places to stay in order to get away from the very nasty British winter... and that's why the British holiday company, 'Thomas Cook & Son', got involved in building and running the 'Winter Palace' - which was a very expensive hotel, intended mainly for very rich English people to use - mainly, as I said, in the Winter, and that's why it's called the 'Winter Palace'...". Jim explained.
"And who owns the hotel now ?", Ethan asked.
"At the moment the hotel is actually owned by the 'Egyptian General Company for Tourism & Hotels' - in other words it's owned by the Egyptian Government, but it's actually managed by 'Accor', a French Hotel company, as the Egyptians are really unable to manage hotels to an international standard - meaning a European and American standard.", Jim said.
"No... I didn't get the information from Teddy - I got it from Franklin, by encoded email, a week or so ago - if you really want to know.", Jim replied.
 |
| Accor Hotels Logo |
"At the moment the hotel is actually owned by the 'Egyptian General Company for Tourism & Hotels' - in other words it's owned by the Egyptian Government, but it's actually managed by 'Accor', a French Hotel company, as the Egyptians are really unable to manage hotels to an international standard - meaning a European and American standard.", Jim said.
Accor S.A. is a French multinational hospitality company that owns, manages and franchises hotels, resorts and vacation properties. It is the single largest hospitality company in Europe, and the sixth largest worldwide. Accor operates in 100 countries, with more than 4,800 hotels and 280,000 employees worldwide."And how come you know all about this - 'cause you're sounding a bit like Teddy quoting from his data-base ..?", Ethan asked, sounding rightly suspicious.
"No... I didn't get the information from Teddy - I got it from Franklin, by encoded email, a week or so ago - if you really want to know.", Jim replied.
"So what's goin' on, Jim ?", Ethan finally asked.
"Well, as you said, it's very expensive to stay here, and now not many people do stay.
The very rich people have, by and large, found other places to go in the Winter- and also in the Summer for that matter - places with better infrastructure, roads, railways and such-like.
Also, unlike long ago, most people like to have the sea and a beach nearby when the are on holiday - Luxor only has the Nile - which is definitely not suitable for bathing.
Also, unlike long ago, most people like to have the sea and a beach nearby when the are on holiday - Luxor only has the Nile - which is definitely not suitable for bathing.
And, as you may have noticed, Egypt is a very unstable dictatorship that has been under a 'State of Emergency', and ruled by the Army since the early 1950s - so it's not really a very safe place for a holiday."
 |
| جمهورية مصر العربية Coat of Arms Arab - Republic of Egypt |
"But you still haven't answered my question... what are you and Franklin up to ?", Ethan asked - rephrasing, but repeating his previous question.
"Now Ethan, I don't want you talking about this to the others, but Franklin and our lawyers are in negotiations with the Egyptian Government to buy the 'Old Winter Palace'.", Jim said.
"So you weren't joking about buying the gardens for the 'kitties'..", Ethan said, sounding a little uneasy.
"No..", Jim curtly replied.
"But what are you doing buying a hotel that seems to be empty almost all the time ?", Ethan quite sensibly asked.
"All the hotels that you own back home, and in Mexico are always full - so why buy this one.", Ethan continued.
"Well because it's not making much money anymore - and there are too many large hotels in Luxor, most of them more modern, and cheaper to run... Accor and the Egyptian Government want the place 'off their hands'.
 |
| 'Winter Palace Pavillion' - Luxor - Upper Egypt |
There is, of course the 'Winter Palace Pavillion', where our chauffeurs are staying, but although it's modern, inside it's quite run-down, and is also not really viable - but buying the 'Pavillion' is not part of the deal.
The 'Pavillion' anyway is actually due for demolition, as it's in the way of some important archaeological work - the 'Avenue of the Sphinxes'.
If they weren't going to demolish, it I wouldn't have considered of buying the 'Old Winter Palace', as the 'Pavilion' overlooks the pool and the gardens of the 'Old Winter Palace.
"And why are you concerned about the pool and gardens ?", Ethan asked.
 |
| 'Avenue of the Sphinxes' - Luxor - Upper Egypt |
"Well I'm not buying the 'Winter Palace' to run as a hotel - it makes no money.
No, I want it as a private place for us to stay whenever we're in Egypt.", Jim said.
"Your joking !", Ethan replied.
"No... not at all....
I like Egypt - and I think you and the 'boys' also like 'Egypt', - it's a bit like the world that we used to know... so in the Winter we'll spend our time here - and in the Summer... well, we'll find somewhere nice to live in the Summer - somewhere in the US.", Jim said.
"And what about my Penthouse ?", Ethan asked.
"Well it is yours... and I would like you to keep it - if it's OK with you... for sentimental reasons - as that's where we began our adventure together." Jim said.
"So when's this all going to happen ?", Ethan asked, realizing that Jim was being quite serious.
"Not for some time yet... so keep it quiet for now.", Jim warned.
"What ? I can't tell Teddy ?", Ethan asked.
"Well... it's alright with Teddy... he already knows..", Jim replied.
"Oh yes...", Ethan said, sounding slightly annoyed.
"Yes... well you can't keep anything from Teddy... he knows what you're thinking - like Faunus.", Jim said.
"So I suppose Faunus knows, also...", Ethan said.
"Of course... Faunus seems to know everything...", Jim replied.
"True...", Ethan commented.
"But don't expect anything to happen soon...
First there's the negotiations, and the Egyptian bureaucracy is painfully slow - and then, if we get it, there will be a lot of work to be done to the building.
You see it looks quite good when you're just a guest... but because there has been a significant shortfall in income for some time, the fabric and interior has deteriorated to some extent.
Also we won't need five restaurants - just a couple of dining rooms - and of course we won't need eighty-six bedrooms - but the
six suites can be retained, and some of the bedrooms can be combined to make more suites.
And of course many of the bedrooms can be combined to make various reception rooms, a couple of studies and a large library - for Novius perhaps to use, and also a gym, indoor pools, and a couple of small cinemas, and so on....
But I want to keep the bar as a sort of 'memorial' to Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter.", Jim explained enthusiastically.
"Well, you certainly seem to have it all worked out...", Ethan said.
"Not really Ethan... this is going to be a big project, and I want you, and the others, to contribute your ideas...", Jim added.
Ethan was very excited at the prospect of another home, and this one on the banks of the Nile... but as the morning was wearing on, it was getting hot, and both Jim and Ethan sought the shade and, lying on the grass with the kittens, they both dozed off.
Jim was the first to wake up, and he immediately nudged Ethan.
"I think it must be time for lunch..."
 |
| Ethan's Dream |
Ethan sat up, blinking...
"And just when I was having a really good dream.", Ethan said, yawning and stretching.
"Right ... but I'll just take the kittens up to the suite... and come back down...", Ethan said.
"OK... I'll be at the poolside restaurant.", Jim said.
So Ethan had the difficult job of waking up Bastet and Sekhmet, and then carrying them back up to the suite.
"So how's Teddy ?", Jim asked when Ethan eventually returned.
"Oh, he's quite happy.
He doesn't really like sitting in the sun much, and us being away has given him time to prepare a lecture, and print off some plans of some temple he says we're going to see tomorrow.", Ethan explained.
"Yes... that's the 'Temple of Hathor' at Dendera - probably the last temple we'll be looking at during this trip..", Jim said...
When they finally arrived at the pool-side restaurant, Ethan was simply bursting to tell everybody about Jim's plans for the 'Winter Palace' - but of course he knew he couldn't say anything - so for lunch he was very reserved and quiet - which was almost as bad as 'spilling the beans'.
"So what's up, Ethan... 'had a row with Jim ?", Josh asked.
Jim looked aggressively at Josh...
"No...", Ethan began sheepishly...
"I think I just got a bit too much sun... lying out on the grass with the kittens", he managed to say, conveniently thinking of a good excuse.
"And where's Teddy...?", Glen asked.
"Oh, he's upstairs, sorting out plans for our next trip..", Ethan replied nervously, feeling that he was being interrogated - and imagining that everyone had suspicions about his newly acquired 'secret'.
"And where are we going on our next trip ?", 'Sigi' asked.
"...'better ask Jim...", Ethan said, refusing to answer any more questions.
"Well, it's to Dendera - possibly the best preserved temple in Egypt... and that reminds me.. I need to 'phone Ismail.", Jim said, taking his cell-phone out of his pocket.
Jim then moved away from the table where they were taking lunch to make the call."
Ismail was pleased to hear from Jim.
 |
| Coptic Cross |
When Jim told Ismail of the trip to Dendera, Ismail reminded Jim that permission was needed from the Egyptian police to travel to Dendera.
محافظة سوهاج - Muḥāfāzah Sohag - Sohag Governorate is one of the governorates of Egypt, and covers a stretch of the Nile Valley. It is located in the southern part of the country (Upper Egypt). Coptic christianity is the religion of a major part of the population in Sohag Governorate. The governorate is the site of violent clashes between Islamists, Copts and government forces. It isn't simply the conflicts between religious groups that make Sohag dangerous - it is also 'tribal' feuds between families and villages that means that anyone driving through the governorate can be the victim of a stray bullet.
 |
| Coptic Priests - Sohag - Upper Egypt |
Over 92% of Egyptian Christians belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, an Oriental Orthodox Church. The Coptic Church constitutes the largest Christian community in the Middle East and has approximately 9 million members. Religious freedom in Egypt is hampered to varying degrees by discriminatory and restrictive government policies. Coptic Christians, being the largest religious minority in Egypt, are also negatively affected
Jim then told his group that he needed to use their photocopies of their passport details, (fortunately Jim had insisted on 'Sigi' bringing his passport even although he hadn't gone through any passport control on travelling to Egypt).
And so, after lunch, with all the necessary documentation to hand, Jim waited on the steps of the main entrance of the 'Winter Palace' for Ismail to arrive.
Stangely, as it happened, Ismail turned up with Faunus.
"Have you remembered to bring your identity papers with you ?", Jim asked Ismail.
"Of course...", Ismail replied.
Jim had forgotten that Egypt - being under a 'State of Emergency' since the early nineteen-fifties - and being, to all intents and purposes, a 'police state', required everyone to carry their 'papers' at all times.
Poverty in Rural Sohag - Egypt About 27.8 per cent of the Egyptian population lives below the poverty line. The highest percentage of poverty among 99 million Egyptians was recorded in Upper Egypt, mainly in Assuit and Sohag, with 66.7 percent and 59.6 percent respectively, the survey revealed, adding that poverty rates ranged from 80 to 100 percent in about 46 villages in these two governorates.
Jim, Ismail and Faunus then went down the Corniche to the Luxor police station.
Jim was surprised by what he found.
In a series of dirty rooms, police offices sat at ancient wooden desks, idly smoking, drinking 'shai', and reading news-papers.
No one seemed to be doing any work.
Apart from the police, there was one young Egyptian man who was handcuffed to a radiator - presumably a prisoner.
When Ismail explained in Arabic who Jim was, and why he was at the Police station, most of the Police officers pretended to do some work - idly looking through tattered documents.
Eventually Jim, Ismail and 'Ali' (Faunus) were taken to see a senior Police officer.
The senior officer was rather embarrassingly polite and, speaking good English, he explained that because of 'problems' in around Dendera, Jim's three limos would have to be given an armed, police escort.
Also full details of all those travelling in the convoy would have to be provided before the convoy could be approved.
Jim then gave the officer the sheaf of photocopies, along with Ismail's papers, and 'Ali's' 'phony' documents.
Not surprisingly, the Police station didn't have a photocopier, so two of the police were ordered to copy all the documents onto forms, in 'longhand' !
While they were waiting, the senior officer offered them cigarettes, (Marlboro of course), and a very young policeman offered them 'shai' - in glass tumblers, from a dirty metal tray.
The conversation was a little stilted, but the officer spoke good English and began with the usual questions - 'have you visited Egypt before ?' - 'are you enjoying your holiday ?' - 'where else have you visited in Egypt ?' etc.
Faunus, seeing where this was leading, then politely interrupted, and began asking the officer questions - about where he came from, his family, how long he's been in the Police and suchlike.
Of course, when Faunus asked a person a question - in 'that certain way' - they had no choice but to answer - truthfully, and so the talk turned to a long conversation about the Police officer's youth, home-life, family and future aspirations - which meant, of course, that he was unable to probe and obtain information about Jim and the 'boys'.
Eventually the police 'scribes' had finished their work, and Jim was given back the documents that he had brought, and Ismail had his precious 'papers' returned.
And so it was back to the 'Winter Palace' for Jim, while Faunus and Ismail went back to the West Bank.
Thankfully nothing happened that afternoon and night, apart from the boys playing in the pool, and the kittens playing in the gardens while Teddy sat in the shade.
'The trip to where ?'...you may be asking yourself.
Well actually there is next to nothing at Dendera - apart from the famous temple - and Dendera itself is on the opposite (West) side of the Nile to the town of Qena - and Dendera is just a tiny suburb of Qena, which is itself a very small town - but don't worry... Teddy is going to tell everyone all about Qena and Dendera very shortly.
Qena, however, is not really a good place to visit, as it is a bit like 'Dodge City', or similar lawless towns in the Old West.
There are endless feuds and gunfights, which the authorities seem unable to control - so hence the police convoy for our gallant group of young tourists
But the problem was that the police convoy was timed to set off at 8 am, so it was an early start for everybody.
Fortunately Ismail managed to get to the Corniche in good time, and the
'boys' were all up and ready - at Faunus' insistence.
The three Mercedes limos were waiting at the curb, in front of the Winter Palace, and the Police station, where the police convoy was waiting, was just a couple of minutes' drive away.
 |
| Government Convoy to Dendera - Middle Egypt |
"What the....!"
Is there a war going on ?", Ethan exclaimed, seeing the four armoured vehicles waiting for them.
"Well yes... I suppose there is - of a sort...", Teddy replied.
When all the papers had been checked, and the convoy had organized itself, with two security vehicles at the front, and two at the back, they set off.
Travelling in Upper Egypt is not like travelling in most countries.
Basically there is only one main route - whether one uses a boat, a train or a road vehicle - and that is a route that follows the Nile.
 |
| Luxor to Qena - Upper Egypt |
Within just a few miles of the River Nile is just empty desert - where there are no towns, roads or railways.
The river, of course, is essentially the river used by the ancient Egyptians, and the Pharaohs - the rail route is the one originally created by the British - and the road is a more recent development, consisting of a relatively narrow modern road either side of the Nile River.
So... it is quite difficult to avoid the possibility of an ambush as there is no option of travelling in a circuitous route - which is why in some areas in Egypt, and particularly unruly 'Upper and Middle Egypt', police convoys are deemed necessary by the Government.
But back to the trip.
At the same time as the convoy set off - the 'Hedeel' began sailing towards Dendera, as Jim had asked Captain Hossam to pick them up at Dendera - once they had finished their tour round the temple, provide them with lunch on board, and then bring them very slowly back to Luxor.
Qena itself is not a great distance from Luxor - about one hour and thirty minutes by road - and the only reason that the disorder so frequently troubling Qena doesn't affect Luxor are the numerous roadblocks, police launches on the Nile, and police posts that encircle the Luxor area.
It is an interesting fact, about which most tourists are not aware, that Luxor is effectively isolated from the rest of Egypt by a 'ring of steel', and that the only way to leave that cordon is either by train, (which is carefully controlled), or by air - which is well beyond the financial reach of most ordinary Egyptians.
 |
| Qena - Street Scene - Upper Egypt |
So it was a short journey, but a very boring one for the 'boys' - but at least they made the journey in considerable, air-conditioned comfort.
They finally arrived in Qena, but were not allowed to leave the limos - not that they really wanted to...
"What a dump...", 'Sigi' mumbled under his breath.
"Well, this is a very poor part of Egypt...", Zac said.
The next step was for the convoy to cross the Nile by one of the very few bridges in Upper Egypt.
And then they were finally in Dendera - the site of the famous temple.
"Wowee !... we're actually here, and still in one piece...", Ethan proclaimed - rather sarcastically.
The temple, however is actually one and a half miles from the village of Dendera - so the limos drove to the ticket office while Jim paid the 40LE (Egyptian Pounds) per person for the tickets - although he didn't get a ticked for Teddy or for Ismail - Ismail being an Egyptian student, and Teddy, being a teddy-bear, got in free.
 |
| Approach to the Temple of Dendera - Upper Egypt |
There was then a long paved walk from the limos to the temple itself.
At the end of the walk, they gathered in the portico of the temple - out of the sun - for Teddy to begin his talk - while 'Ali' (Faunus) went to have one of his strange chats to the tourist police at the entrance to the temple complex.
"Right, well.... before I tell you about the Temple - first I should say something about Qena...", Teddy began, rather tentatively.
"Qena is the capital of محافظة قنا - Muḥāfāzah Qinā, or the Governorate of Qena.
The rate of poverty is more than 60% in this governorate - as you may have noticed as we drove here...", and 'Sigi' and Glen nodded.
"Most of the people who live here work in farming.
The city of قنا - Qena was known in antiquity as 'Καινή' - 'Kaine' - Greek meaning 'new' - short for 'New City', and Latinized as 'Caene'.
Present day Qena has one of the highest concentrations of Coptic christians in Egypt - approximately 35% of the total population - and relations between Copts and Muslims have deteriorated for many years.
And just to make things more problematic, Qena is a Muslim Sufi center, and place of pilgrimage.
But to concentrate on the temple...
The 'Temple of Hathor', here at Dendera, is one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt."
Teddy then turned to Ismail.....
Teddy then turned to Ismail.....
 |
| Hathor |
Now Ismail had done some reading about Hathor during the previous few days when he knew that he was coming on the trip to Dendera, so he was reasonably well prepared.
"Well, Hathor was an important goddess in ancient Egyptian religion.", Ismail began.
"She was a sky deity, and she was the mother of the sky god Horus, who was connected with kingship, so she was in a way the mother of the earthly form of Horus - the Pharaoh.
She was in some ways Ra's feminine counterpart, and in this form she would protect Ra from his enemies.
Her more gentle side was that she was the goddess of music, dance, joy, love, sex and mothers.
Hathor also helped the souls of the dead into the afterlife.
Hathor was often shown as a cow, although her most common form was a woman wearing a headdress of cow horns, and a sun disk.
She could also be represented as a lioness, cobra, or sycamore tree.
More temples were dedicated to her than to any other goddess, and her most important temple was here, at Dendera.
Egyptians connected her with foreign lands, such as Nubia and Canaan and with their valuable goods, such as incense and semiprecious stones."
At that point Ismail fell silent... presumably having run out of any further information, but Jim was well pleased - considering what Ismail had said to be quite sufficient.
"So, Ethan... could you distribute the sheets with the plan of the temple, please...", Teddy said to Ethan.
Once everyone had a 'visual aid', Teddy continued.
"So... if you look to the North - the top of the page - there is a wall - which is no longer there.
The temple was never actually finished, so there are no entrance pylons, and the temple begins with a columned façade - and typical Ptolemaic 'screen walls' - and then a 'hypostyle hall' - with eighteen columns - in which we are now standing.
The first temple, however, was built in the Eighteenth Dynasty, about 1500 BC.
The rebuilding of the temple began by the Pharaoh Nectanebo II, last of the native pharaohs, in about 360–343 BC.
Hathor was often shown as a cow, although her most common form was a woman wearing a headdress of cow horns, and a sun disk.
She could also be represented as a lioness, cobra, or sycamore tree.
More temples were dedicated to her than to any other goddess, and her most important temple was here, at Dendera.
Egyptians connected her with foreign lands, such as Nubia and Canaan and with their valuable goods, such as incense and semiprecious stones."
At that point Ismail fell silent... presumably having run out of any further information, but Jim was well pleased - considering what Ismail had said to be quite sufficient.
 |
| Plan of the Temple of Hathor - Dendera - Middle Egypt |
Once everyone had a 'visual aid', Teddy continued.
"So... if you look to the North - the top of the page - there is a wall - which is no longer there.
The temple was never actually finished, so there are no entrance pylons, and the temple begins with a columned façade - and typical Ptolemaic 'screen walls' - and then a 'hypostyle hall' - with eighteen columns - in which we are now standing.
The first temple, however, was built in the Eighteenth Dynasty, about 1500 BC.
The rebuilding of the temple began by the Pharaoh Nectanebo II, last of the native pharaohs, in about 360–343 BC.
Most of the temple that you now see was built in the late Ptolemaic period by Ptolemy XII, and the hypostyle hall was built in the Roman period, under the Roman Emperor Tiberius.
 |
| David Roberts - Dendera Temple - 1848 |
The Temple owes much of its good state of preservation to the fact that since the late Roman period it appears to have been engulfed in sand.
A painting by the British artist David Roberts exists showing the temple in 1848 buried in sand.
 |
| Hathor Columns - Temple at Dendera |
In this way this temple is similar to the 'Temple at Esna' that we visited at the beginning of our cruise, which had been buried in mud.
The magnificent hypostyle hall, features columns bearing the cow-eared head of Hathor, each face vandalized by those 'cute christians' in antiquity.
The ceiling retains its original paint, and you’ll get a sore neck craning to look up at it - but it’s worth it.
The deeper that we enter the temple, the more sacred the area and the more specific the purpose of the rooms.", Teddy explained, as he told Ethan the route to take - with the others following,
"There was a laboratory for perfumes and incense, an offering hall and several rooms for the divine statues.
The highlight of the year for the worship of Hathor was the festival celebrating her marriage to Horus.
During the summer, her sacred statue would travel by boat along the Nile to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, which we visited a short time ago.
 |
| Stairway to the Roof - Temple at Dendera |
There it would unite with that of Horus, and a raucous celebration would take place lasting for two weeks.
But returning to the temple, there is a feature that is quite interesting.
We can now climb a very dark, slippery staircase that will take us onto the roof.
The view from the roof is magnificent, but as the Egyptian Antiquities Department seems to have little idea of 'health and safety', there is no railing, so it is important not to stray too near the edge as some of the stonework is not very secure." Teddy explained.
"Teddy means the edge of the roof is 'crumbly'...", Ethan added - using one of his favorite words to describe ancient Egyptian ruins.
And of course there was no handrail, and the steps had been smoothed over the centuries by countless worshipers, and the steps were also covered in powdered sand, which made the climb very hazardous - and more so on the way back down.
 |
| The Osiris Chapel - Temple at Dendera |
"Ah... so if the bullets don't get you, the stairs, or the roof will...", Ethan mumbled.
At the end of the staircase was a portico leading to the 'Chapel of Osiris', a small dark room, depicting the death and resurrection of the 'Foremost Westerner' - a title that Osiris was often given.
"Now you may not have noticed it, but on the ceiling is a relief known as the 'Dendera Zodiac'.
 |
| 'Dendera Zodiac' |
This relief is, in fact, a copy, as the French apparently stole the original, and took it to the 'Louvre Museum' in Paris.
The 'Zodiac' contains images of the 'Capricorn the Ram', 'Taurus', 'Scorpio', and 'Capricorn'.
This relief has been dated to the Greco-Roman period.
The 'Zodiac' has been described as the only complete map that we have of an ancient sky, and it has been has been conjectured to represent the basis on which later astronomy systems were constructed.
This sculptural representation of the zodiac in circular form is unique in ancient Egyptian art...
 |
| Roof-top Sanctuary - Dendera Temple - Egypt |
So let's climb further - but be careful...", Teddy warned,
"On the top of the roof there are sanctuaries which were used for very specific and generally daily services.
Rooftop sanctuaries were a common feature with Egyptian temples, but at Dendera those sanctuaries have survived.
It was believed that by bringing the 'cult statue' out onto the roof, the statue would be, in some way, revitalized by the rays of the sun-god Ra.
The roof-sanctuary, of course, was used for privacy - as the 'cult statue' was normally never revealed in public." Teddy concluded.
"Now you may have a peek over the edge, and admire the view... but please be careful... and then there is a little bit more to see outside, but again, be very careful, as it is more dangerous going down the steps than climbing up...", Teddy said.
"Ok... we get the message, Teddy... we'll be careful...", 'Sigi' said, grinning at his little, fluffy 'guide'.
Of course, if Teddy had fallen over the edge, he would have landed safe and sound, but he knew that these gangling big humans were very easily 'broken', and often were not aware of that simple fact.
Of course, if Teddy had fallen over the edge, he would have landed safe and sound, but he knew that these gangling big humans were very easily 'broken', and often were not aware of that simple fact.
Eventually, however, they all managed to negotiate the dark, slippery steps, and returned to the hypostyle hall, and made their way to the main portico.
 |
| Roman 'Mammisi' - Temple of Hathor - Dendera - Upper Egypt |
"Now... if you look at your plans, you will see that directly opposite us is the Roman 'Birth House', or 'Mammisi', which you probably noticed from the roof.
The 'Birth House' is often ascribed to the Roman Emperor Trajan, but may also have been constructed by the Roman Emperor Nero.
The dedication inscriptions and decorations in the 'Birth House' refer to Trajan, but Nero is depicted inside the 'Hypostyle Hall' of the 'Temple of Hathor' making an offering of a model of the birth house, implying that he was involved in its construction.
This is the latest preserved birth house, and despite being built during the Roman period it largely follows the traditional Ptolemaic model.", Teddy said in his best 'Egyptologist's manner
"So tell me something...", Josh interrupted...
"If we're in Egypt, why are there so many temples and things built by Roman Emperors - which don't look anything like Roman buildings ?", and of course Josh should know what a Roman building would look like.
"Good question, Josh... but it's a bit complicated... but let me try to explain."
And as Teddy began his explanation, they walked over to the 'Mammisi'.
"Cleopatra at age 14, became joint regent, and deputy to her father, Pharaoh Ptolemy XII, who died in March 51 BC
 |
| Julius Caesar |
The Will made 18-year-old Cleopatra, and her brother, and also husband, 10-year-old Ptolemy XIII, joint monarchs.
However, in about 48 BC, Cleopatra's younger brother Ptolemy XIII became sole ruler - and the dispute between Ptolemy and Cleopatra over the throne led to the involvement of Julius Caesar.
 |
| Octavian Caesar |
Subsequently Julius Caesar was assassinated, and his adopted heir, young Octavian, (and not Caesarion) - probably your age, Josh - for complicated reasons went to war against Cleopatra and her Roman 'lover', Mark Anthony.
Cleopatra and Mark Anthony were defeated, and committed suicide, and Octavian became 'Augustus Caesar' - and took Egypt as his private 'possession', and was declared 'Princeps'.
 |
| Death of Cleopatra - Jean-André Rixens - 1874 |
Interestingly, when modern day Egyptologists translated the Roman Emperors' names and titles which were inscribed in Egyptian hieroglyphics on the various monuments and buildings, they discovered that the names and titles were transliterated from the Greek, rather than the Latin, and so Emperor was 'Autokrator', and Caesar was 'Kaisaros' and, for example, Nero was the Greek 'Neron'.
But anyway, back to the 'Birth House'.....
In order to ensure that the birth house was level with the temple of Hathor it was built on a raised platform, with an access stair at its side.
There is a large false door set into the back wall of the sanctuary and a niche cut high into the wall which corresponds to the location of the niche in the temple of Hathor which would have held the cult statue.
There is a large false door set into the back wall of the sanctuary and a niche cut high into the wall which corresponds to the location of the niche in the temple of Hathor which would have held the cult statue.
The birth house was the ritual site of the birth of two youthful deities described as the sons of Hathor and Horus.
The external walls feature beautiful representations of the divine birth and childhood of these deities.
There are also numerous depictions of Bes (who was a patron of childbirth) on the capitals of the columns surrounding the birth house.
Now, the next thing we need to do is to walk down to the back of the temple.", Teddy said.
The temple was larger than they imagined - and the day by then was very warm, and on their way Teddy pointed out some rather boring looking ruins.
"This is all that remains of a building known as the 'Sanatorium'.
This building is apparently unique in Egyptian religion, and Egyptian architecture.
The 'Sanatorium' was essentially a sort of 'spa', where people could come to be cured by the 'goddess'.
"And now we come to the final part of out tour...", Teddy said with a dramatic flourish.
The external walls feature beautiful representations of the divine birth and childhood of these deities.
There are also numerous depictions of Bes (who was a patron of childbirth) on the capitals of the columns surrounding the birth house.
Now, the next thing we need to do is to walk down to the back of the temple.", Teddy said.
 |
| Sanatorium - Dendera Temple - Upper Egypt |
"This is all that remains of a building known as the 'Sanatorium'.
This building is apparently unique in Egyptian religion, and Egyptian architecture.
The 'Sanatorium' was essentially a sort of 'spa', where people could come to be cured by the 'goddess'.
 |
| Sacred Lake - Dendera Temple - Upper Egypt |
There were sacred waters for bathing, sleeping quarters, where the sick would hope to gain the help of the goddess in their dreams, and the priests of Hathor operated an early type of pharmacy, dispensing unguents, and advising on cures.
An inscription on the base of a statue implies that water was poured over the sacred texts inscribed on the statues, and that this water could then effect a cure for a wide variety of ailments.", Teddy said - but then Teddy got Ethan to continue walking to the rear wall of the temple.
 |
| Temple of Hathor - Dendera - Upper Egypt |
"Yes, well... lots of very big blank walls...", Ethan said.
"Now Ethan, be fair...", Glen said...
"You get a very good idea of how big the temple really is..."
"Yes... but what's the point ?", Zac said, looking intently at the huge sandstone walls.
"Well I think it's very interesting, but first you have to walk just a little further... to that far corner...", Teddy said.
 |
| Cleopatra and Caesarion - Dendera Temple - Egypt |
And that's what they did - 'walk a little further'.
"OK, Teddy - some more carvings and hieroglyphics..." , 'Sigi' said.
"So, what's so special ?", Max added.
"Well, according to my researches, and I may be wrong, it's the only depiction of Cleopatra and her son Caesarion that you'll find in Egypt.....
A bit eroded and battered - but then it's a very old carving...", Teddy said proudly.
"So... I must admit that's interesting, but how do you know it's them.", Ethan asked.
"I know...
If you remember, I can read hieroglyphics...", Teddy said boastfully.
"And perhaps the most interesting thing is that the sculpture shows Caesarion wearing the 'Double Crown of Egypt' - which means that he is Pharaoh.", Teddy said.
"So is that it, Teddy ?", Jim asked.
"Yes, Jim... that's it..", Teddy replied.
 |
| Dahabiya 'Hadeel' - Moored - Dendera - Upper Egypt |
"Right, then let's get back to the 'Hadeel', and have some lunch...", Jim suggested.
So they left the temple enclosure, returned to the limos, and took the short drive to their dahabiya, which was moored at the bank of the Nile.
Captain Hossam, along with the kittens and Glaux was ready to greet them, and soon they were being served refreshing drinks on the sundeck, as the crew cast off.
Later, after lunch, there was time to relax on the sun-deck, but this journey, sailing north one again, was relatively short as the two 'cities' were only forty miles apart.
On arriving at the Luxor Corniche, as the 'Hadeel' was moored, they all lined up to say their farewells to Captain Hossam, with Jim coming last and giving the captain one of those pristine white well filled envelopes, and a promise of further cruises in the future.
Then on reaching the 'Winter Palace', the next step was to decide how to travel to Cairo.
Cairo was seventy-five miles distant - and by limo it would take about eight hours - so that was out of the question.
 |
| Gezira Palace Hotel - Cairo - Egypt |
Flying, direct from Luxor to Cairo, however, would only take one hour - so it would be the obvious choice.
Jim had reserved the accommodation in Cairo that they had previously used - so the rooms were all vacant and awaiting their return - and it was just a matter of booking the flight, and then informing the Gezira Palace of their intended arrival.
 |
| Lion's Cave Portal - West Bank - Thebes - Egypt |
The only problem was Glaux and the kittens - but Faunus would see to that by sending the little bird and the 'kitties' through the 'portal' in the 'Lion's Cave' on the West Bank in Luxor, (previously used by 'Sigi'), so that they would be waiting for the Jim, Teddy and the 'boys' at the 'Villa Athena' in Los Angeles.
So Josh was given the task by Jim of making all the appropriate estrangements, while Ismail found someone reliable with the facilities to garage the Mercedes on a long term basis after they had been used for transport in Cairo.
So Jim, Ethan and Teddy, after checking in at the reception desk at the 'Winter Palace', went up to their suite.
On arriving, Jim and Ethan started to unpack, while Teddy sat quietly among his pillows and cushions on the bed.
"So how's it going ?", Ethan casually asked Teddy.
 |
| The Suite - Winter Palace Luxor - Upper Egypt |
"Oh... as well as can be expected...", Teddy replied, sounding a little despondent.
Jim looked suspiciously at Ethan.
"Didn't you enjoy your trip to Dendera ?", Jim asked.
"It was interesting actually... to see it, I suppose...", Teddy said.
"So what's wrong, Teddy...", Ethan asked, thinking that Teddy might be upset about something.
"Well... I just get the feeling that no one's really interested in the little talks I give when we go to these places, or the plans and things I print out for them...", Teddy said rather lamely.
"Don't be silly, Teddy...", Jim retorted, putting down the clothes he was about to hang in the closet...
"Without all your 'little talks', as you call them, or the visual aids, I don't think there would have much point in us going to all these places - and it was those visits that made this trip to Egypt worthwhile - after all, we would have soon got bored in the pool, or lying in the sun all day." Jim said.
"Well I think the others just think I'm silly...", Teddy said, as he hid under the bed covers.
"And I'm feeling homesick...", Teddy added.
"Oh... well we're going home soon...", Ethan said, worried, and trying to reassure Teddy.
"Teddy, tell me something - where is 'home' - for you I mean.", Jim asked, puzzled.
"It's where I first came out of my 'box'... in the living room, in the Penthouse in Las Vegas.....
"And I want to go back there....", Teddy said.
"Yes, well we'll soon be back there - very soon...", Jim said.
"So you just take it very easy for now...", Ethan added.
 |
| Ethan and Josh - Cell Phone |
At that moment Ethan's cell-phone sprung into life.
Jim looked over to Ethan, questioning.
"It's Josh...", Ethan said.
"Josh ?", Jim reiterated, somewhat surprised that Josh should be phoning as he was in the same building.
"OK, buddy... what's the problemo ?", Ethan asked.
Jim quickly gestured to Ethan.
"Ask if the call's encoded ?", Jim asked urgently.
And Ethan asked.
"Josh says 'of course... that's why he's using the 'cell-phone'...", Ethan explained to Jim.
"So ?", Ethan asked Josh...
For a few moments Ethan listened to Josh.... and then turned to Jim.
"It's about a call from 'Vegas' - the 'Club Athena'.
A young guy's turned up asking for work.
Everything was OK, until Brody saw the guy - and he 'put two and two together', and thought that something was wrong.", Ethan then told Jim - and then returned to listening to Josh.
"OK... you're not making much sense, Josh - so talk to Jim...", Ethan said, feeling he was getting out of his depth, and handing the 'phone to Jim.
And so Ethan passed the 'phone to Jim.
 |
| Kurt and Josh |
"So Josh... what's this all about ?", Jim began.
"It was a call from Kurt...", Josh replied..."
"OK... perhaps it would be better if I come down to your suite, and we talk about it - rather than on the 'phone..", Jim then said - being unsure as to what this 'call was all about.
"So... do you have anyone with you ?", Jim asked.
"Just Zac...", Josh replied.
"Right... well I'll be there very soon..", Jim said, closing the 'phone.
"..'want me to come ?", Ethan asked.
"No... it's better if you stay here with Teddy..", Jim replied, as he prepared to leave the suite.
Now Josh had a strange story to tell...
Apparently a young guy had turned up at the 'Club Athena' looking for work.
Frank, as he often was, had been on the door, and the young guy had given Frank a strange story.
Apparently the guy claimed that he had had met Jim in New Mexico.
To Frank it began to sound genuine as the young guy claimed that he knew Jim's name... James Johnson, and described Jim as being tall, fair-haired, about twenty, and very rich.
Apparently Jim had told the guy to make contact if he ever needed a job - so Frank took him to see the 'Club Athena' manager.
The manager, however, was not prepared to make an instant decision.
 |
| Brody at 'Club Athena' |
At the same time, however, Brody was at the Club Jaguar - taking a message from Kurt to Franklin.
Brody apparently recognized the young guy, and immediately 'phoned Kurt, so that Kurt could alert Josh in Egypt
Also, Brody had managed to take a photo, with his cell-phone, of the young guy, and Kurt would be sending the photo, electronically encoded, to Zac.
"So who is this 'young guy' ?", Zac asked.
 |
| Albuquerque - New Mexico - USA |
"Or do we have to wait for the photo ?"...
Jim looked troubled.
"New Mexico... that probably means Albuquerque - and that could mean trouble...", Jim said quietly.
"So... what do you want us to do ?", Josh asked.
"Put the whole thing on 'hold'... have Kurt get the young guy's address and 'phone number - and get him to have someone reliable check it all out - and get the information back to us - and keep this guy 'isolated' - I don't want him talking to anyone until we get back - which should be in a few days.", Jim said decisively.
"So what do you think it's all about,, Jim...", Zac asked.
"I'm not sure - but keep me informed... and Josh... get Glaux to contact Faunus - I want him to see Teddy.", Jim concluded.
So Faunus had a talk to Teddy, and Josh finalized the arrangements for the move to Cairo by air, while Zac worried about the latest developments in 'Vegas.
"So what do you think it's all about,, Jim...", Zac asked.
"I'm not sure - but keep me informed... and Josh... get Glaux to contact Faunus - I want him to see Teddy.", Jim concluded.
So Faunus had a talk to Teddy, and Josh finalized the arrangements for the move to Cairo by air, while Zac worried about the latest developments in 'Vegas.
 |
| 'Villa Athena' - Los Angeles - USA |
 |
| Novius |
Faunus gets Teddy back on his feet... Zac gets the photo of the mysterious young man in 'Vegas', the limos are sent on ahead to Cairo, and everyone needs to pack, yet again for the flight the next evening - and then it's a fond farewell to Ismail - and in Cairo the last of the sightseeing, and time for some proper shopping....
LINK
LINK
and
CLICK BELOW FOR
and
All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 202