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....
The morning came - and there was so much to do !
"Now Jim...tell me... where we will be visiting when we are in Cairo ?", Teddy asked insistently.
Jim, however, was half asleep as it was very early.
"Now Jim...tell me... where we will be visiting when we are in Cairo ?", Teddy asked insistently.
Jim, however, was half asleep as it was very early.
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| Nile Sunrise - Morning - Luxor - Upper Egypt |
Now although the sun had only just risen, because Faunus had obviously reinvigorated Teddy, the crazy little bear was bouncing furiously on the bed, making sleep impossible.
"Well I'm not really sure, Teddy....", Jim said at last, watching Teddy's antics through bleary eyes.
Jim thought for a few moments....
"Now let me see... the Manial Palace, the Abdin Palace - some of the Mameluk Tombs - maybe another trip to the Cairo Museum, and then some shopping... and the Khan el-Khalili of course....
Is that enough ?", Jim said, hoping he would then be allowed to go back to sleep.
"Yes, Jim...I think that's an excellent collection.", Teddy said, and then scuttled back to his closet, and began collecting data.
"Has that bear finally stopped causing a disturbance ?", Ethan asked.
"I think I preferred it when he was depressed..!"
"Yes, he's making preparations for when we get back to Cairo.... but I need to 'phone Ismail now, as we need to do some business...", Jim said, struggling to stay awake.
"Okey dokey... well wake me when you're finished...", Ethan said as he turned over and went back to sleep.
Once Jim was up, showered and dressed, he needed to call Mahmoud, in Medinet Habu, for a trip across the Nile, and then Hassan for a taxi, and, of course Ismail, who lived in the village of el Tarif, on the West Bank of Luxor.
Jim's task would them be to say goodbye to Ismail's family, and then take Ismail to Luxor, and explain what he wanted to do.
Jim thought for a few moments....
"Now let me see... the Manial Palace, the Abdin Palace - some of the Mameluk Tombs - maybe another trip to the Cairo Museum, and then some shopping... and the Khan el-Khalili of course....
Is that enough ?", Jim said, hoping he would then be allowed to go back to sleep.
"Yes, Jim...I think that's an excellent collection.", Teddy said, and then scuttled back to his closet, and began collecting data.
"Has that bear finally stopped causing a disturbance ?", Ethan asked.
"I think I preferred it when he was depressed..!"
"Yes, he's making preparations for when we get back to Cairo.... but I need to 'phone Ismail now, as we need to do some business...", Jim said, struggling to stay awake.
"Okey dokey... well wake me when you're finished...", Ethan said as he turned over and went back to sleep.
 |
| Hassan |
 |
| Mahmoud |
Jim's task would them be to say goodbye to Ismail's family, and then take Ismail to Luxor, and explain what he wanted to do.
After ensuring that Ethan was awake, and taking care of the kittens and Teddy, Jim made his way from the Winter Palace to the Corniche, where Mahmoud was waiting for him.
After crossing the Nile, Jim met up with Hassan, who was waiting on the West Bank with his taxi.
It was then a short drive to the house of the family of Ismail.
Everyone, of course, was up and awake as, by and large, ordinary folk in rural Egypt get up early.
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| Ismail outside the family home on the West Bank - Luxor - Upper Egypt |
After the obligatory meetings - with Ismail, his mother and father, his younger brother, Ibrahim, and his sister - there was the equally obligatory glass of 'shai', and then some inconsequential, polite conversation.
Ismail then took Jim to the 'selamlık', (the part of the house kept for men only), for a private conversation.
"Now tonight we are going to Cairo...", Jim began.
"I know it's short notice, but today I would like you to come with me to Luxor, in order to sort out some business.".
Ismail looked puzzled.
"What sort of business ?", he asked.
"Well I may be able to offer you a job here in Luxor... quite soon - but first I need to organize something for you.", Jim said.
"You see, for this job you will need a bank account - and anyway it would be a good thing for you..", Jim explained.
Teddy had already told Jim that only about ten percent of people in Egypt had bank accounts, as banks were generally distrusted, and anyway many people did not have the minimum deposit to open a bank account.
"What sort of job is this you are offering ?"... Ismail asked.
"Well that I can't tell you right at the moment - and it will not be for some months anyway - but I want you to trust me...
Anyway, I will give you one thousand American dollars to deposit in an account that I will help you to open, as a guarantee that a job will be available - but that money is not to be spent irresponsibly, as I may need you to use some of the money to do things for me, here in Luxor, before I return to Egypt.", Jim said.
Ismail looked stunned.
"What can I say...?", he stammered.
Note: the cost of living in Egypt is 72.94% lower than in the United States
"Well what you can do is to get your papers together, while I 'phone Hassan.", Jim said.
Interestingly, at that point Ismail didn't tell any of the family about Jim's proposal - mainly because he would only believe it when Jim actually took him to the bank in Luxor.
So they made their journey back to where Mahmoud had his boat moored, and crossed over to Luxor.
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| Luxor East Bank - Corniche - Upper Egypt |
When Hassan left, Jim paid him one hundred US Dollars (1574 Egyptian Pounds), explaining that he was going to Cairo, and then back to the US - but that he would be returning - on reaching the East Bank Corniche, Jim did the same with Mahmoud.
Of course neither boy believed Jim, as that was what many wealthy Western tourists said when they left - but then they were never seen again - but then that was all 'part of the business'.
With Jim, however, they were to be proved wrong.
The Bank that Jim had chosen, on Teddy's advice, was the 'National Bank of Egypt.'
This was convenient, as the bank was situated on the Corniche, not far from the Winter Palace.
البنك الأهلي المصري - National Bank of Egypt is a bank founded in Egypt in June 1898, and is the country's largest bank in terms of assets, deposits, loans, bank-capital, number of total branches, and employees. The National Bank of Egypt has 338 branches within the country, assets of EGP 366,6 bn., total deposits of EGP 312,7 bn., and total loans and advances of EGP 114,7 bn. The National Bank of Egypt also accounts for 23% of the Egyptian banking system's total assets, 25% of total deposits and 25% of total loans and advances. NBE also financed about 24% of Egypt's foreign trade, and also accounts for 74% of the credit card market and 40% of the debit cards in Egypt.
Like most things, banking in Egypt, is a very slow business, but when Jim offered his papers, and mentioned the amount that he was intending to deposit when he was opening his own account - then things soon speeded up, and as Ismail was obviously with Jim, Ismail also received a speedy and extremely courteous service.
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| National Bank of Egypt - Luxor Branch - Upper Egypt |
Ismail would have to return to the Bank some days later to collect his credit and debit cards, but apart from that the matter was settled.
Jim's cards were to be sent to the Penthouse in Las Vegas.
What was odd about the Bank of Egypt building was the fact that, like Luxor Train Station, it had been designed in the 'Neo-Egyptian' style, and the Bank's logo was a combination of two Egyptian hieroglyphics.
Jim was not sure what they meant - but undoubtedly Teddy would tell him when he got a look at letters from the bank and the credit and debit cards.
While these facts may seem trivial, the use by the Egyptian Government, in the design of many government buildings and government emblems and logos, of Ancient Egyptian forms was a matter of considerable concern to the Muslim hierarchy, and many devout Muslims in Egypt - as they saw this a a sign that the government was الجاهلية.
In literal translation the word means 'ignorance' - but it may also be translated as 'anti-religious' or 'un-Islamic'.
Sayyid Qutb الجاهلية - 'Jahiliyyah' - 'ignorance' - is an Islamic concept referring to the period of time and state of affairs in Arabia before the advent of Islam in 610 CE. In modern times various Islamic thinkers have also used the term to criticize what they saw as the un-Islamic nature of public and private life in the Muslim world. In current use, 'Jahiliyyah' refers to 'secular modernity'. Radical groups, inspired by the likes of Sayyid Qutb, have justified armed struggle against secular regimes as a 'jihad' against jahiliyyah.
But to return to our story.... having said a somewhat embarrassing 'goodbye' to Ismail, Jim left Ismail on the Corniche, and hurried back to the Winter Palace for what would turn out to be 'brunch'.
'Brunch' is a combination of 'breakfast' and 'lunch', eaten usually during the late morning - but it can extend to as late as 3 pm. The word is a 'portmanteau' of 'breakfast' and 'lunch'. 'Brunch' originated in England in the late 1800s, served in a buffet-style manner, and became popular in the United States in the 1930s.
Little was said in the sumptuous dining room of the Winter Palace.
Word had got round about Teddy being upset previously, but none of the 'boys' really knew what to say - or how to make amends.
Apart from that, they were also puzzled about why they should suddenly be in such a rush to leave Luxor, having only just arrived.
Jim, however, had the problem of logistics - getting the limos to Cairo, while at the same time arranging the flight, and also the hotel.
 |
| New Entrance to Room 33 - Club Athena - Las Vegas |
Once in Cairo, however, they would at least have time to do some final sightseeing before leaving Egypt.
'Sigi' had been explaining properly for the first time, to Glen and Max, about how he had come from the 'Club Athena' by Faunus' strange 'Room 33', and was wondering about why they were leaving Luxor, as it seemed to him that if they were going 'home', the best way would be from the West Bank of Luxor, through the 'Lion's Cave', and that such a route would presumably take them directly to 'Vegas practically instantly.
Nervous about asking Jim, they put their suggestion to Zac.
Zac had a simple answer.
While Jim had taken a risk by previously bringing 'Sigi' through the 'hyperspace gateway', it would be unwise, from a security point of view, to take the whole group back that way.
The 'boys', however, all looked puzzled - and so Zac had to explain that checks were kept regarding passports - and if there was no record of the group having left Egypt, there would then be a problem, as it would be presumed that they had overstayed their visa allowance - and so on - and similar problems would occur on the US side - so they were really obliged to use conventional transport - except maybe in and emergency.
"Yes...", Zac said firmly
"So it's 'Emirates' again...", Ethan commented.
"Well, at least it's comfortable - that's if it's first class...", Max said brightly.
"So you guys had better get everything packed.", Zac advised.
Incidentally, Zac, of course, had received Brody's photo of the strange young guy from Kurt - but as things were unfolding at such a pace in Luxor, and as nothing could be done about the matter until they returned to 'Vegas, he said nothing about it to anybody at that time.
However, the identity of the young guy in the photo came as no surprise to Zac.
Meanwhile, Faunus went to see Glaux, who was sleeping in Josh and Zac's suite.
Faunus explained to Glaux (in 'Owl' - that's the language that owls obviously use) that they were all going back to the US, and so Glaux should prepare himself by flying across the Nile, going to the Theban Hills, and waiting at the 'Lion's Cave' until Faunus came with the kittens, Bastet and Sekhmet.
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| Theban Hills - West Bank - Luxor - Upper Egypt |
So Josh let Glaux give him a peck on the cheek, and then Glaux flew out of the window of the suite in the 'Winter Palace', rose high above the Corniche, circled, and then crossed the Nile, and flew off to the Theban Hills.
Faunus then went to Jim and Ethan's suite.
The kittens were awake, and giving themselves a good wash under Teddy's careful direction - while Ethan was giving them an almost tearful goodbye.
"So... you're taking them to the cave..?", Ethan said sounding extremely despondent.
"Yes... it would be too complicated to take them back by 'plane, and anyway, once they arrived in the US they would have to spend a very long time in quarantine...", Faunus explained.
"So it's just as well that we have that 'cave-thingy'...", Ethan said, sounding a little more positive.
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| Los Angeles International Airport - California - USA |
"Yes...", Faunus replied.
Faunus then turned to Jim.
"Anyway, Jim, once we get to 'Vegas, I'll take Glaux, Bastet and Sekhmet to the 'Villa Athena' and leave them with Novius, and then I'll put everything right with 'Green Valley High' with regard to 'Sigi' - and then I'll await your return, in a few days, at Los Angeles International Airport.", Faunus said.
"That's very good of you... what would we do without you ?", Jim said.
"Very little..", Faunus said, with a cheeky smile.
"Now take care in Cairo..", Faunus said as he picked up the kittens and left the suite.
So then it was a matter of everyone re-packing - which was not very popular, and getting ready for the trip to Luxor airport - which was only a matter of thirty minutes or so by road.
Zac had hired three limos from a local hire company in Luxor for the journey to the airport.
Although they were Mercedes, they were not quite up to the same standard as the 'boys' were used to, and the seating and trunk (UK boot) space was rather cramped, but at least they were air-conditioned, and the trip was only a short one.
Jim had words with the manager of the 'Winter Palace', who regretted to inform Jim that they might not be able to stay at the hotel the following year, as negotiations were underway to sell the hotel to a private owner, who, it was rumoured, was intending to convert the hotel into a private residence.
"He must be a very rich man, and need a very large home...", the manager ruefully observed.
Jim just smiled, and asked the manager what he would be doing for a job.
"For me it is not really a problem, as Accor will re-assign me to another hotel, but some of the local staff might not be so lucky..", the manager explained.
Regardless, Jim rewarded the manager handsomely, and somewhat regretfully left the 'Winter Palace' - hoping it was not for the last time.
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| Luxor International Airport - Egypt |
Soon they arrived at 'Luxor International Airport'.
As usual there were hordes of Egyptian police lounging about, apparently doing very little, despite the fact that there seemed to be very few travellers.
One of the problems with the Egyptian police is the fact that many of them, who look extremely young, (conscription into the police is an alternative to conscription into the army in Egypt), were in plainclothes - usually very tight fitting jeans and expensive looking leather jackets, with a heavy automatic stuffed into the waistband of their trousers.
How anyone was supposed to tell if they were terrorists, or police was a moot point.
It was then a case of passing through the numerous checks for baggage, and documents.
Surprisingly, most of the passport checks were cursory.
The Egyptian authorities seemed to be relatively unconcerned as to who left the country - as long as they did not appear to be Arab or Egyptian.
Ethan carried Teddy, but no one seemed to take any notice, and Teddy was not even humiliated by being passed through a scanner.
And so they arrived in the rather spartan departure lounge, and waited for their flight to be called.
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| Pre-flight inspection - Egypt Air - Luxor Airport - Egypt |
Before they has time to finish their drinks, however, their flight was called.
Although Luxor presented itself as a modern International Airport, one odd anomaly was the fact that to board aircraft, one had to walk across the tarmac.
Of course, Egypt being so hot and dry this was not a real problem - but it did seem a little anachronistic.
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| Egypt Air - Business Class - Luxor to Cairo |
Probably because the flight was so short - only about an hour - there was no 'First Class' available - so the 'boys' had no choice but to travel 'Business Class'.
On arriving in the cabin, however, they were pleasantly surprised.
"Well this is not too bad...", Ethan muttered to Teddy as they passed down the gangway.
"Very satisfactory...", Teddy replied...
"Especially as it's not a long flight."
Jim shook his head...
"Yes... but it's very expensive for just one hour..", he observed.
For this flight Teddy didn't have his own seat, but sat on Ethan's knee, from where he could fiddle with the video, and the individual light controls, and in various other ways annoy Ethan.
"Now don't plug yourself into the sound system, otherwise you might interfere with the 'plane's navigation...", Ethan warned Teddy - but Teddy took no notice.
Apparently, however, Teddy's interference with almost every switch and button on the console facing Ethan's seat had no effect, and after a smooth take-off, the flight passed uneventfully.
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| Landing in Cairo - Egypt |
What was odd, though, was the fact that the passengers had only just made themselves comfortable when the 'plane began its approach descent, and very soon the numerous lights from the vast Cairo suburbs became visible.
As in Luxor, leaving the 'plane was by way of metal steps, and then there was a seemingly long wait for the luggage to arrive.
As there was no baggage or passport inspection, as it was an internal flight, once all the baggage was finally recovered, with the help of some disreputable looking porters, the next step was to find the three limos.
The Egyptian police had presumably decided that the limos were part of a 'diplomatic mission', and had allowed parking close to the departure exit, and an added police guard.
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| Sharia Talaat Harb at Night - Cairo |
Jim quickly paid off everyone, (including the police), and once all the luggage was loaded, and everyone was settled, the three limos made their way through the busy thoroughfares of Cairo.
"Well..I recognise this...", Ethan said - wide eyed.
"So.. where is it ?", Josh asked.
"Well I don't remember the name... something in Arabic...", Ethan said defensively.
"Of course you know it, Ethan.. it's the شارع طلعت حرب - Sharia Talaat Harb..", Teddy interrupted, helping out Ethan.
"Yes... of course...that's just what I was going to say...", Ethan added.
Finally they crossed over the bridge to the island - 'الجزيرة' - 'al Jazeera', and made their way to the hotel.
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| Entrance to the Gezira Palace - Cairo - Egypt |
The limos parked in the forecourt - bellhops rushed out to take all the luggage - including the very heavy trunk containing Jim's telescope - and they all trooped into the lobby - where Jim sorted things out with the manager, who had obviously been expecting them.
"Your suites and rooms have all been held for you...and everything is just as you left it..", the obsequious manager burbled, in accented English, as Jim explained that there was one more member added to their group... 'Sigi'.
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| Jim's Suite - Gezira Palace - Cairo |
Once that had been sorted out, staff escorted everyone to their accommodation.
All Jim wanted to do, when he arrived in the suite, was have a shower, get changed, and then have an evening meal..... unpacking could wait until the morning.
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| Hallway - Gezira Palace - Cairo |
"Well that's something... at least they still have all my cushions in the room..", Teddy said approvingly, as Ethan sat him on the bed.
Meanwhile, 'Sigi' was getting his first look at the Gezira Palace.
"So what do you think of it ?", Glen asked.
".. 'looks very luxurious - and probably very expensive, but a bit old fashioned..", Sigi replied.
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| إسماعيل باشا Khedive Ismail Pasha |
"Well yes...but then it's quite old, and according to Teddy it really was a Palace - for Egyptian Royalty....", Glen explained.
The Ghezireh Palace was commissioned by the Khedive Ismail Pasha, and designed by to host French Emperor Napoleon III and his wife Empress Eugénie during the celebration of the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. - for more information go to 'Chapter VIII'.
"So what's all this business about Egyptian royal people and palaces ?", 'Sigi' asked.
"Well I thinks it's to do with Teddy....
For some reason he seems to have a 'thing' about the Egyptian Royal family...not that they're around any more...
But I'm sure that he will take us to some other palaces, and give us some long lectures...so probably it will be all explained.", Glen said.
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| Lounge - Gezira Palace - Cairo |
"Anyway, at least it will be a change from temples, and Egyptian gods and goddesses....", 'Sigi' said.
And so they made their way to one of the palatial lounges to wait for Josh, Max and Jim and Ethan.
"So, have you enjoyed this trip ?", Glen asked, as they settled down to wait for the others who would be joining them for dinner.
"Well, it was very unexpected, especially the bit in Germany - but that was very strange... more like a dream than a 'real' experience... although even this is a bit unreal, after all... just look at this place.
I'm not surprised that they call it the 'Gezira Palace' !", 'Sigi' said.
"So do you think all these weird things that happen are just down to Faunus ?", Glen asked, rather pertinently.
"Well some would say that Faunus - whoever he really is - was just a very skilful hypnotist, who is able to manipulate people's minds, but I really don't know...
It's like all that business that happened in Armant... about the pyramid and the sarcophagus, and not growing old - I simply don't know....", 'Sigi' said.
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| Marcus Tullius Cicero |
Of course if Marcus' old philosophy teacher, or even Novius, for that matter, had been present, they would doubtless have used the following quotation....
"The voices of the fauns have often been heard, and gods have appeared in forms so visible as to truly demonstrate their presence...."'De Natura Deorum' ('On the Nature of the Gods') - Marcus Tullius Cicero
"The problem is, Glen, that it all seems to fit together - in some strange way - and it all seems so real..", 'Sigi' continued.
"True... and then there is the fact that Jim, Ethan, Josh and Zac all appear to go along with it....", Glen added.
And ... 'speak of the devil'... at that moment Jim, Ethan with Teddy, and Zac with Josh all turned up in the lounge....
"Ok.. no more talk about Faunus...", Glen whispered to 'Sigi'... as the others took their seats.
At the same time Max arrived.
"So... Teddy, what interesting sites are we going to visit tomorrow ?", 'Sigi asked, a little sarcastically.
"Well... I thought perhaps the 'Manial Palace, and also maybe the Abdeen Palace'...", Teddy, who had very little understanding of sarcasm, replied.
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| Dining Room - Gezira palace |
"Ok, well I don't know anything about either of them...so perhaps you could fill us in while we eat....", Max suggested.
"Ok.... as long as no one objects.", Teddy said, being very careful not to upset anyone.
"Good... then let's all go to the dining-room...", Jim said.
So once they had ordered, everyone looked expectantly at Teddy and, as there was no one else in the dining room, Teddy felt free to speak.
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| 'Manial Palace' - Rhoda Island - Egypt |
"Well, unlike this 'palace', the 'Manial' is not an hotel, in fact, shortly after King Farouk I - the last ruling King of Egypt was deposed, the Palace came into the possession of the Egyptian Government, and became a museum.
The palace was originally built by Prince Mohammed Ali Tewfik - the uncle of Malik Farouk Arwal, and stands in extensive grounds on Rhoda Island, on the Nile.
As a museum, it houses an extensive art, furniture, clothing, silver and objets d'art collections, along medieval manuscripts dating back to the Middle Ages.
In addition there are also historical gardens.
I should warn you now, however, that the palace is quite small.", Teddy explained.
"And the other place, Teddy....tell us about that.....", 'Sigi asked.
"The other place...as you put it...is the 'Abdeen Palace'.
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| 'Abdeen Palace' - Cairo - Egypt |
قصر عابدين - or in English the 'Abdeen Palace', is located above Sharia Qasr el-Ni, in eastern downtown Cairo.
It was built on the site of a small mansion owned by Abdeen Bey, and is considered one of the most sumptuous palaces in the world in terms of its adornments, paintings, and large number of clocks scattered in the suites and wings, most of which are decorated with pure gold.
It was built by Khedive Ismail, the same guy who built this place where we are staying now.
Construction started in 1863 and continued for ten years, and the palace was officially inaugurated in 1874.
 |
| Sultan - later king - Fuad I of Egypt |
The palace was designed by the French architect Léon Rousseau along with a large number of Egyptian, Italian, French and Turkish decorators.
However, the palace’s garden was added in 1921 by the Sultan - later King - Fuad I.
The cost of building the palace reached 700,000 Egyptian Pounds in addition to 2 million Pounds for its furnishing - a lot considering most of the population lived in abject poverty - and still do....
Between four palaces, King Fuad spent more than 18 million French Francs with just one Parisian furniture manufacturer, Linke & Cie.
فؤاد الأول - Fu’ād al-Awwal - or Ahmed Fuad Paşa - 26 March 1868 – 28 April 1936 was the Sultan and later king of Egypt and Sudan, sovereign of Nubia, Kordofan, and Darfur. He was granted the title of King when the United Kingdom recognised Egyptian independence in 1922. Fuad I is buried in the Khedival Mausoleum in the ar-Rifai Mosque in Cairo.
More money was also spent on the palace’s alteration, preservation and maintenance by consecutive rulers.
The palace has five-hundred suites.", Teddy concluded.
"Wowy !", Ethan muttered.
"Sounds good, Teddy..", Max said.
And so they had all said sorry to Teddy, in their own and quite subtle ways - and discovered some interesting information in the process.
And then, after a very tiring day, they all retired to bed.
The second day in Cairo began, obviously, with breakfast in the cute little breakfast room which tried to pass itself off as a small Egyptian eating establishment.
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| Breakfast Room - Gizera Palace - Cairo - Egypt |
Of course, very few 'ordinary' Egyptians would be able to afford to eat in the breakfast room of the Gezira Palace - but it was an engaging fantasy.
"So where are we going to first..?", Ethan asked, as they sat waiting for the group to assemble.
"Well what do you think, Teddy ?", Jim asked.
"I think that the Manial Palace would be the best place to start...as it's quite small and easy to take in..", Teddy suggested.
Jim appeared to be in agreement, so when the others arrived he got Josh to 'phone the limousine chauffeurs and after telling them their first destination, asked them to be ready at the main entrance.
Once breakfast was over they made their way to the lobby, and then to the main entrance, where they met Faunus, which was a relief for Jim, as Faunus was the only one in the group, apart from Teddy, who could speak Arabic - and it could be awkward, getting a talking teddy-bear to start asking directions or whatever in Arabic.
And, of course, everyone was just a little relieved to see that for this trip, at least, Ethan was without his plastic bag full of Teddy's 'visual aids'.
It was a short trip - just about fifteen minutes - to the Manial - at least it would have been, if it were not for the Cairo morning traffic.
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| Manial Palace - Entrance - Rhoda Island - Cairo |
"Well, Teddy...it's just like you told us...real 'dinky'...", Ethan said, as he got his first glimpse of the palace through the Moorish style gateway.
('dinky' means small, attractive and neat)
"So Faunus, here's some cash...so please use your Arabic to get us some tickets..", Jim said, as they left the limos.
Ethan then stepped forward with Teddy, and Teddy put on his best professional guide impersonation.
Fortunately they had Faunus with them, so it occurred to no one that Teddy was a most unlikely guide for a group of very wealthy looking young American tourists - (in fact only two of them were really American, but then no one was to know that).
"Now first I must tell you that photography is not allowed in the building.", Teddy began very officiously.
(in fact, with a small amount of baksheesh no one would be bothered, but that was neither here nor there, as there were some very lavish books on sale, with plenty of photos, both at the museum, and in bookshops in Cairo).
"So.... قص المنيل - the Manial Palace was built between 1899 and 1929.
The complex consists of six structures.
Among these structures is a museum in which King Farouk's hunting trophies are displayed - all a bit tacky.", Teddy said.
Teddy, of course had no liking for 'stuffed' furry animals - for obvious reasons.
Teddy, of course had no liking for 'stuffed' furry animals - for obvious reasons.
"There is also the residence itself, complete with furnishings, and also a museum in which some of family's memorabilia are found.
In addition there are gardens in Oriental and English style.
The palace includes a collection of manuscripts, carpets, textiles, brass work and crystal.
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| قص المنيل - Manial Palace from the Nile - Cairo Egypt |
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| محمد علي توفيق Prince Mohammed-Ali Tewfik |
It was out of harm's way - mainly from the dust and turmoil of a modernizing Cairo.
In view of its unique topography, the silt-laden island offered, as one of its main attractions, Banyan trees, and also Cedars, Royal Palms and Indian rubber trees - remnants of the 'Bostan al-Kebir', started in 1829 by the prince's great-grandfather, Khedive Ibrahim Pasha - who built our hotel.
Following the partial completion of the Manial Palace in 1900, the prince and his head gardener took off for the 'four corners of the globe' in search of saplings, and one-of-a-kind floral specimens with which to enrich the palace gardens.
The pride of the collection consisted of several cacti acquisitions from Mexico.
It was therefore against a background of luxuriant tropical and desert plants that the five detached 'palace buildings' formed the ensemble of Manial Palace, where 'Turco-Islamic' architecture prevailed.
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| Ottoman 'Selamlık' Reception Room - Manial Palace - Cairo |
The palace's plaster and wooden ceilings are decorated with intrinsic designs and works of art from which hang giant Turkish and glass 'mishkas-chandeliers'. "
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| Golden Hall - Manial Palace - Cairo |
"The palace's marble and wooden floors are covered with priceless oriental carpets forming one of the world’s most important collections. The walls meanwhile are covered with Sermas-silk embroideries and portraits of Egyptian and Turkish royalty, some of them especially painted by court favourite - an artist named Hedayat.
From the palaces in al-Shaam, in Greater Syria, interior fittings that included meticulous wooden and mother of pearl ceilings, Mamluk-era doors, and exquisite glass lamps were purchased.
And from forgotten 'yalis' - traditional Turkish houses - and 'sarays' - Turkish palaces - on the Bosphorus, many objet d’art and irreplaceable artefacts were brought to the Manial.
Twice, Prince Mohammed-Ali Tewfik was Egypt's 'Heir Presumptive' - from 1892 until 1899, & from 1936 until 1952 - and for a short he was head of the 'Regency Council', when Farouk was too young to 'rule' - but the prince never became King of Egypt.", Teddy continued.
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| 'Throne-room-that-never-was' - Manial Palace - Cairo - Egypt |
And Teddy guided them from one pavilion to the next - in this way the palace was in some ways similar to the 'Villa Athena' in Los Angeles, being a series of interconnected pavilions - but the odd thing about the Manial was that each pavilion was in a completely different style.
Teddy continued....
"It appears that Prince Mohammed Ali Tewfik was, however, prepared for the eventuality of becoming King, for as we shall now see, tucked away in this palace, is a 'facsimile throne room'.
 |
| Throne Room - Manial Palace - Cairo (detail) |
Whether out of design and ambition, or simply another weird fantasy with which to embellish his wondrous environment, the intention of this unique hall remains a riddle.
In any case the 'throne-room-that-never-was' remained a venue where the elegantly attired prince, best known for his precariously slanted tarboush, held 'virtual court', directing etiquette and protocol.
The style of the room is what is commonly called 'Turkish Baroque' - a style that is still popular with wealthy middle and upper class Egyptians.
 |
| Emblem of the Egyptian Revolution - 1952 |
With the birth of King Farouk's only son in January 1952, the thought of reigning over Egypt was forever erased from the prince's mind, and in any case, Mohammed Ali's dynasty was to receive a fatal blow the following July when the so called 'Free Officers' did away with Egypt's tottering monarchy.", Teddy explained.
"So, Teddy, what's all this business about TurKish stuff ?", 'Sigi' asked.
 |
| علي باشا Muhammad Ali Pasha |
"Well 'Sigi, you were not here when we first came to Cairo, so you missed some of the stuff about محمد علي باشا - Muhammad Ali Pasha....so let me recap......
Even today the Turkish minority in Egypt numbers about 1.5 million.
This is because for about four hundred years the 'Ottoman Turks' ruled Egypt.
During that long period of time almost all the powerful and influential people in Egypt were Turkish, or of Turkish descent, and it is for that reason that even today many words in 'Egyptian Arabic' are derived from the Turkish language.
The most significant incursion into Egyptian political life was the arrival, in 1805, of Muhammad Ali Pasha, who became governor of Egypt on behalf of the Turkish Ottoman Sultan.
 |
| Osmanli Armasi |
Later, Muhammad Ali's successor, Ismail Pasha, gave himself the Turko-Persian title of 'Khedive' - meaning Viceroy.
Muhammad Ali, being an Ottoman Albanian, brought order to Egypt, and made many reforms which modernised Egypt.
On his death in 1849, his heirs became rulers of Egypt, becoming partially independent of the Ottoman Sultan, and so a dynasty was founded, and eventually in 1922 the British government, who by then had taken control of Egypt, allowed Fuad I who, at that time, had the title of Sultan of Egypt, to proclaim himself King of Egypt and the Sudan, and Sovereign of Nubia, Kordofan, and Darfur."
Teddy then stopped, looking to Jim to see what he wanted to do next.
Jim could see that the others were a little overawed by this prufussion of elaborate, gilded decoration, and suggested that they had a look at the gardens, and eat their packed lunches (just like ordinary tourists).
 |
| Manial Palace Gardens - Cairo Egypt |
So they wandered through the Turkish style gateway, and made their way to the 'English Garden' - and found a nice shady secluded corner, away from the hot, midday sun, and settled down to relax and have their lunch.
 |
| Gardens of the Manial Palace - Cairo - Egypt |
"Now I think the kittens would really like this garden....", Ethan said, as he opened his plastic food container, in which languished a rather warm salad.
"Yes...", Jim replied, very much on his guard...
"But I don't think the Egyptian Government would sell it to us just for the kittens...", Jim continued.
"But why not ?", Ethan answered, very much in his 'spoilt little boy' mode.
"Because the Egyptian Government makes a fortune from visitors coming to this place.", Teddy said, disapprovingly.
Ethan looked around at the deserted gardens, and recalled the fact the the palace had been equally bereft of visitors, but decided to say nothing, rather that cause any disagreement.
Ethan looked around at the deserted gardens, and recalled the fact the the palace had been equally bereft of visitors, but decided to say nothing, rather that cause any disagreement.
"Anyway, that's enough about the kittens - but what about the palace ?", Jim asked generally.
"I thought it was really 'creepy'...", Max said....
'Creepy' was a favourite word that Max used for anything that he considered 'old fashioned', although he didn't use the word for ancient Egyptian things, as they were obviously far too old to be 'old fashioned'.
'Creepy' was a favourite word that Max used for anything that he considered 'old fashioned', although he didn't use the word for ancient Egyptian things, as they were obviously far too old to be 'old fashioned'.
"Well, maybe no quite 'creepy', but certainly 'odd' - but then this guy, 'Prince Ali something', hanging about all those years for relatives to die so that he could become king - it's a strange story...", Josh said.
"And a bit sad...", Glen added.
"Well actually, the whole story of the family of Muhammad Ali is very strange - although I didn't want to bother telling you all about it - but after Muhammad Ali himself, the family members became stranger and stranger - and that was probably one of the causes of the 1952 revolution that finally brought the monarchy to an end.", Teddy said in his typically scholarly manner.
"Also, I suppose the fact that this small group of Turkish - or Turkish descended people having all the power and the money must have caused problems with the ordinary people.", Zac suggested.
"Yes... and of course there is a 'racial' aspect to this.
You may have noticed that some Egyptians have very pale skin - almost like Europeans, while others are quite dark.
Now if you have been very observant, you might have also noticed that the paler the skin, the higher the social position....and this is a hangover from Ottoman rule, as the Ottoman Turks were very pale skinned.
The 1952 revolution slightly changed this, as the real leader of the revolution, Gamal Abdel Nasser, was a dark-skinned Saidi, along with some of his co-conspirators.", Teddy explained.
"So what about Ismail - I thought he was Saidi - but he is very pale...", Ethan said.
"Well actually Ismail is not الصعيدي - Saidi, he is شخص من القاهرة - 'Cairene' - he comes from Cairo, and is almost certainly of Turkish descent, like his father.....
As a general rule, however, the further south you go, the darker the skin, and the less Turkish blood is evident.", Teddy said.
(Teddy, of course, could risk being 'politically incorrect', as he was only a teddy).
"Oh I do wish you'd stop talking in Arabic - it's so weird...", Ethan then said.
"Why ?..we are, after all, in an Arabic speaking country !", Teddy replied haughtily.
"And, looking to the future, Ethan, perhaps you should learn some Arabic..", Teddy added...apparently enigmatically.
The others looked to Ethan and Jim - but they were giving nothing away.
"Ok, well once we have finished our lunch, perhaps we should have a look at the Abdeen Palace.", Jim suggested.
"And a bit sad...", Glen added.
"Well actually, the whole story of the family of Muhammad Ali is very strange - although I didn't want to bother telling you all about it - but after Muhammad Ali himself, the family members became stranger and stranger - and that was probably one of the causes of the 1952 revolution that finally brought the monarchy to an end.", Teddy said in his typically scholarly manner.
"Also, I suppose the fact that this small group of Turkish - or Turkish descended people having all the power and the money must have caused problems with the ordinary people.", Zac suggested.
"Yes... and of course there is a 'racial' aspect to this.
You may have noticed that some Egyptians have very pale skin - almost like Europeans, while others are quite dark.
 |
| جمال عبد الناصر حسين رئیس Rais Gamal Abdel Nasser Hussein |
The 1952 revolution slightly changed this, as the real leader of the revolution, Gamal Abdel Nasser, was a dark-skinned Saidi, along with some of his co-conspirators.", Teddy explained.
(more about Nasser when we get to the Abdeen Palace)
"Well actually Ismail is not الصعيدي - Saidi, he is شخص من القاهرة - 'Cairene' - he comes from Cairo, and is almost certainly of Turkish descent, like his father.....
As a general rule, however, the further south you go, the darker the skin, and the less Turkish blood is evident.", Teddy said.
(Teddy, of course, could risk being 'politically incorrect', as he was only a teddy).
"Oh I do wish you'd stop talking in Arabic - it's so weird...", Ethan then said.
"Why ?..we are, after all, in an Arabic speaking country !", Teddy replied haughtily.
"And, looking to the future, Ethan, perhaps you should learn some Arabic..", Teddy added...apparently enigmatically.
The others looked to Ethan and Jim - but they were giving nothing away.
"Ok, well once we have finished our lunch, perhaps we should have a look at the Abdeen Palace.", Jim suggested.
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| قصر عابدين Abdeen Palace - Cairo Egypt |
It wasn't a long ride - and soon the Abdeen came into view.
"Now that's more like what I call a palace !"..", Max exclaimed.
Now however important Jim and the others thought they were, there was absolutely no way that they would be allowed to drive through the main gates of the Abdeen Palace - which would be somewhat like driving across the White House Lawn, or driving through the main gates of Buckingham Palace in England.
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| قصر عابدين Abdeen Palace - Rear Entrance - Cairo - Egypt |
So they had to park round the back - although that was still very grand, in a heavy, neo-classical way.
"Mm...quite impressive, for a 'back-door'...", Ethan remarked, as the limos 'parked up'.
"So let's get out and have a look 'round...", Zac suggested.
"Well before we go in perhaps Teddy should tell us a little about the place...", Jim said.
So Teddy did some of his explaining - which at least would probably prevent him from sulking later on.
"Now I've already told you a lot about the Abdeen.
 |
| The Citadel - Cairo - Egypt |
Up until the time the Abdeen was built, the centre of Government of Egypt was in the Citadel in the old part of the city - which most of you visited when we first came to Cairo.
Our old 'friend' Ismail Pasha, however, decided that he needed a palace that would be built in the style of, and rival the magnificence of the great palaces of Europe.
The building of the Abdeen was a long drawn out affair, undertaken by a number of Khedives, partly because the palace was so large, and also because of problems with the raising of finance - in the form of loans that basically bankrupted Egypt.
It was these lavish expenditures by members of the House of Muhammad Ali, on this and numerous other palaces and public building, that caused the British and French to 'intervene' in the running of Egypt, in order to ensure the eventual repayments of the debts that had been incurred over the many years.
The British, of course, also had the added concern of ensuring the security of the Suez canal.
The Palace today is mainly used by the Egyptian Government to 'entertain' foreign dignitaries and heads of state - although most of the building is used as a museum.
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| فاروق الأول Fārūq al-Awwal at the Abdeen Palace |
The last ruler of Egypt to use the Abdeen as a personal residence was the much maligned فاروق الأول - Malik Fārūq al-Awwal - who was the tenth ruler of Egypt from the 'Muhammad Ali Dynasty', succeeding his father, King Fuad I, in 1936.", Teddy said.
They then entered the palace - which seemed entirely deserted.
"I wonder why nobody comes to these places ?", Glen mused.
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| Egyptian Police |
"Well let me try to explain - like Teddy has said -
Egypt is a military dictatorship, under a state of emergency since King Farouk was kicked out by a bunch of is own traitorous officers, and since then, many of the people who had previously been unhappy with those who succeeded Muhammad Ali, have been even less happy with the state of affairs since 1952 - so it's not an ideal place to come for a holiday - after all, you've all seen it yourselves - teenage police conscripts, with machine guns, on every street corner, and by every bank, hotel and government office - and the armoured convoy for us, just to travel a few miles from Luxor to Dendera...", Jim said.
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| قصر عابدين Abdeen Palace - Grand Staircase - Cairo - Egypt |
And so they wandered from room to room.
"Well I don't know much about palaces and fancy houses - but I do think these places in Egypt are just a bit overdone....", 'Sigi' said.
Ethn nodded in agreement.
"It's a bit like the rooms in the 'Manial Palace-thingy' we saw earlier - and also our hotel here in Cairo...
Just too many 'fiddly bits', and too much decoration...
It makes me wonder how the 'cleaning-lady' manages...", Ethan said.
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| قصر عابدين Abdeen Palace Interior - Cairo - Egypt |
"Yes, but you need to understand that it's all part of the 'oriental' concept of 'projecting an image'...", Teddy began.
(here, of course, Teddy is once more being 'politically incorrect', but then Tedy's programing requires that he always has to convey things in accordance with 'fact' or 'reality' - and not according to political or cultural 'fashions'.)
"You see, in Oriental thinking, it is important to display one's wealth and power forcibly and visually - and if you are, supposedly, the wealthiest and most powerful person in a country - then you have to make an extreme display of that 'fact'.
Oddly, however, Ismail Pasha, and his descendant, right up to Fārūq al-Awwal, were not the wealthiest and most powerful persons in a country - they were, by and large, hopelessly indebted, and under the control of foreign powers - in the first case, the Ottomans, and later the French and British, so this Palace, and other similar projects, were very much a case of 'whistling in the dark'.", Teddy concluded, with a phrase that he had recently acquired for his data-base - meaning - 'trying unsuccessfully to change something which cannot be changed'.
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| Jim's New Office - Club Athena - Las Vegas - USA |
"Well I think you can do what theses guys seem to be trying to do, but still not go 'over the top'.... like in Jim's new office...", 'Sigi' then said.
"What !, You've seen Jim's new office in the 'Club Athena, back home ?", Josh said....
"Yes...when Jim brought me to Luxor we stopped off at Vegas, and I saw the new elevator lobby, and his new office.", 'Sigi' said.
"Yes, and that's enough of that, 'Sigi' !
Now just let Teddy get on with showing us round this place.", Jim said reprovingly, and 'Sigi' looked suitably chastened.
"Yes..and remember, I helped to choose that office...", Ethan said, ensuring that he was not to be forgotten.
"Well, as I was saying earlier..it's all a matter of changing fashions...", Teddy said, trying to smooth things over.....
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| قصر عابدين Abdeen Palace - Throne Room - Cairo Egypt |
Anyway, in this palace there is a real throne-room....so let's go and look at it...", Teddy said encouragingly.
"Now this is more like it !
This is a real 'throne-room-thingy' !", Ethan said enthusiastically.
"Yes...well just make sure your shoes are clean - otherwise you'll get into trouble with that 'cleaning-woman' lady you mentioned before..", Jim warned.
And so they made their way across the remarkably shiny floor, all the while gazing up at the huge chandeliers and elaborate, gilded ceiling..
"Tell me, Teddy - what does a King do in a 'throne-room-thingy' ?", Ethan asked.
"He sits...", Teddy replied - not very helpfully.
"Oh...I see...", Ethan replied, still puzzled.....
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| Abdeen Palace - Reception Room |
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| Abdeen Palace - Reception Room |
"So there's a few more rooms, and then the real museum bit starts...", Teddy said.
Of course it was difficult to resist the urge to sit on the central seat - which presumably was the 'throne', especially for Ethan, but eventually they all managed to leave the 'Throne Room', and look at a few more ornate 'reception rooms.
"Now if I remember rightly, Teddy....you said that there were about five hundred rooms in this palace - so I hope that you are not planning to drag us through all of them...", Josh said wearily.
"Well you mentioned about the real museum, Teddy - and I'm interested to know more about this last king of Egypt - this Farouk guy....so do you know if will there be any information about him ?", Jim asked.
"I know all about this palace...", Teddy boastfully said.
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| Abdeen Palace - Hallway |
"And yes.. there are lots of things about Fārūq al-Awwal - so shall we go and see ?", Teddy asked.
"Lead on Teddy...", Max said.
So they passed through yet more heavily decorated rooms, and then came to part of the palace which looked a bit more modern.
"You must remember that this place was used as a Royal Palace until 1952 - when it became a tourist attraction - not that there are many tourists here - apart from us - so some parts, at various time were redecorated - sometimes in a more modern style.
"Ok so what about Jim's question...?", Zac said, trying to remind Teddy of why they were in the museum section of the palace.
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| Monogram of Fārūq al-Awwal |
"Ah yes... king Farouk..
"Well he was born in 1920...", Teddy began, only to be instantly interupted by Ethan.
"Well... at last an almost modern person...", Ethan said.
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| Farouk, Fawzia, Faiza, Faika and Fathia Abdeen Palace - Cairo - Egypt |
"Yes Ethan...", Teddy said, before getting back into his lecturing style.
"Farouk had four sisters - Fawzia, Faiza, Faika and Fathia - King Fuad II gave all of his children names starting with 'F', after an Indian fortune-teller told him names starting with 'F' would bring him good luck - just shows how wrong you can be...
And there they are...", Teddy said, indicating with his furry paw a rather odd looking photo.
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| Ras El Tin Palace - Alexandria - Egypt |
"This, however, is another one of those sad stories, like the story of Mohammed-Ali Tewfik - our 'Prince who never became King'.
You see, growing up in a palace - in fact not just one palace but many palaces - and in particular the 'Ras El Tin Palace' in Alexandria - young Farouk had no other boys to play with - only his four sisters, and the family's Italian rather horribly subservient servants - so it's probably not surprising that in some ways he grew up a little 'strange'.
 |
| Royal Bodyguard of King Farouk |
Farouk was a mixture of Circassian, Turkish and Albanian blood - no 'Egyptian', if there is such a thing - and Farouk was always proud of his Albanian heritage, and as King, he was protected by 30 Albanian bodyguards." (referring to another of the many photographs that were on display in the museum)
Teddy continued.....
"To begin with, Farouk spoke only Turkish and French - French was the language of the wealthy upper classes in Egypt - and he also spoke Italian - the language of the Palace servants.
Later however, Farouk's father, King Fuad, who spoke no Arabic, insisted that his son learned to speak Arabic, and also English.
Interestingly, the Turco-Circassian aristocracy in Egypt - which included the Royal family - made up less than 1% of the population, but owned 3/4 of all the farmland.", Teddy said.
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| Mounted Royal Bodyguard - Abdeen Palace - Cairo - Egypt - 1939 |
"Ok.. well Farouk's father died when Farouk was still a teenager, - just sixteen years old - undergoing training with the British Army in Woolwich, near London.
At the beginning of his reign, Farouk, who was slim and handsome, was very popular with the Egyptian people.
For a while there was a Regency Council, that included our friend Prince Mohammed-Ali Tewfik.
When Farouk came of age, and was finally allowed to rule, however, his authority was still limited.
 |
| Sir Miles Lampson |
The real ruler of Egypt was سفير المملكة المتحدة لدى مصر - the British Ambassador to Egypt, who was also High Commissioner for the Sudan, and that was Sir Miles Lampson, 1st Baron Killearn.", Teddy continued...
"Oh.... so it was the British who really ruled Egypt...", Josh said.
"Yes...", Teddy replied,
"While Farouk was ostensibly king, with wide ranging powers to appoint and dismiss prime-ministers and cabinets at will, it was undoubtedly Lampson who kept 'the boy', as he derisively called Farouk, in check.
Because Farouk had experienced a neglected, and possibly abusive childhood - those Italian servants possibly - when Farouk came to the throne he began with the best intentions, but very soon his lack of self control, and egocentricity, began his slow moral and physical decline, which eventually led to his downfall, and subsequent exile.
Egypt, during Farouk's reign was politically divided between three main 'power-blocs' – the King, the High Commissioner, Lampson, and the الوفد – the Wafd being the main, native political party.
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| حزب مصر الفتاة 'Young Egypt Party' - Logo |
Much of Farouk's time was spent trying to get control of حزب الوفد - Al wafd - also known as the 'Blue Shirts' - and Egypt's other political parties; 'Iskra', the Jewish dominated Communist Party, the 'Muslim Brotherhood', and حزب مصر الفتاة - the 'Young Egypt Party' under the leadership of Ahmed Husayn – who were also known as the Green Shirts, and were an extreme right wing party.
Two early members of the 'Green Shirts' were Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Anwar Sadat.",Teddy explained, which probably explains their leanings towards the 'Axis Powers'.
"This, Teddy, is getting very complicated...", Ethan commented.
"Well yes...but it's good for you to know - perhaps you should follow the advice of Gamal Abdel Nasser - 'To understand Egypt you must know her history.'...", Teddy suggested.
"Now Teddy, you said earlier that Farouk had 'no Egyptian blood', and then said 'if there is such a thing' - presumably meaning 'Egyptian'...so what did you mean by that. ?", Zac asked.
"Well the ancient Egyptians were probably a mixture of Hamites, and what we now call Nubians - but they were not Semites.
The Arab invasion of Roman Egypt left a situation where only about 15% of modern Egyptians are of Arab descent - despite the fact that Egypt today describes itself as جمهورية مصر العربية - the 'Arab Republic of Egypt' - which it is not.
In addition the Egyptian Government, and most Egyptian people are rabidly anti-Semitic - which is strange, as Arabs are Semites.", Teddy explained.
"Ah...so that's why these Egyptians all seem bit confused...", Ethan said - seemingly not really understanding what Teddy had said.
"Possibly...". Teddy replied noncomittingly.....
"But Farouk was in a hopeless position - and was not really intelligent or experienced enough to deal with it.
On the one hand he wanted to be rid of the British, but at the time the only outside powers that just might help him were the Germans and the Italians.
 |
| The 'Free Officers' - Cairo 1952 seated - left to right - Nasser - Neguib - Amr - Salem - Sadat |
Of course once the British became aware that Farouk - and some of the 'Free Officers' who would eventually depose him - Nasser and Sadat among others - was making overtures to these groups, Farouk's time started running out.
Both the British and the Americans agreed to make no effort to help Farouk, and eventually, in 1952, the so called free officers deposed Farouk, and declared Egypt an 'Arab Republic', although the officers were no more Arab, than the 'Circassian Turks', like Farouk, had been Egyptian.
And that - to put it very briefly - 'as it's getting late' - is the story of Fārūq al-Awwal.
"That's great...", Max said, remembering that it was important to keep Teddy in a good mood - as he was the only one in the group, at that moment, who spoke Arabic.
"Yes... thank you very much, Teddy, and now I think some of you want to go to the Khan Al-Khalili...", Jim said.
"Right... then let's find our way out of here...", Ethan said to Teddy.
So they passed through seemingly endless ornate reception rooms, and then left, a little ignominiously, by the 'back door'.
Jim the instructed the lead-chauffeur to take then to 'Old Cairo', and the Khan Al-Khalili.
So the three Mercedes limos smoothly left the Abdeen - and they even got a salute from the police guarding El-Gomhoreya Square - the police presumably thinking that they were some sort of official delegation.
Rather inadvisably, Ethan got Teddy to wave as they left, but thankfully no one noticed.
It was supposed to be a ten minute journey, but instead it took about 20 minutes - but then that's the Cairo traffic.
 |
| Coffee Shops - Maidan Hussein - near the Khan Khalili - Cairo - Egypt |
Now everyone had previously visited Khan el Khalili - except for 'Sigi', but their main reason for going there was for some refreshments - looking round palaces and museums was, after all, hard work.
The coffee-shops, of which there were a number, were not as busy as they had been on their previous visit, and they had little trouble finding vacant seats.
Teddy had previously told Jim how to order 'shai' in Arabic, so there was not problem when the waiter came to serve them.
"Итак, куда мы пойдем дальше ?", Teddy asked Jim.
"What ?", Ethan asked...
"What language is that ?", Zac then asked Teddy.
"我不明白你在說什麼", Teddy then replied.
At that moment Faunus appeared - apparently out of nowhere.
"Teddy said 'where do we go next ?' - in 'Russian, and then, when Zac asked what language he was speaking, Teddy replied that he didn't he didn't understand what Zac was saying...apparently after being a traditional 'Russian Bear', he'd turned into a Chinese bear, or maybe a Panda.", Faunus explained.
"So what's wrong with him...or is he just showing off ", Josh asked.
"I think it's his thermostat, but just switch him off, Ethan...and let him cool down - after all, it is very hot today, and I think he's probably been working too hard.", Faunus said.
So Ethan switch Teddy off - and Faunus ordered the 'shai'.
 |
| جامِع سيّدنا ٱلحُسين Imam Hussein Mosque - Cairo - Egypt - (coffe-shops are on the left) |
"So where have you been ?", Jim asked Faunus.
"I've been meditating in جامِع سيّدنا ٱلحُسين - the Sayyidna Al-Hussein Mosque - it's just nearby - in fact this, where we're sitting is the 'Maidan Hussein'...", Faunus explained.
"Yes..I remember before, when we went into the Al-Hussein Mosque - very impressive...", Jim commented.
"This mosque, by the way, is yet another of the buildings created by our friend Khedive Ismail Pasha....", Faunus said.
"Mm...him again..", Ethan muttered.
 |
| Cairo Book-shop - Egypt |
"So, is there anywhere we can buy books with lots of good quality photos, and information about Cairo ?", Jim asked.
"Yes, as it happens - on the other side of the square there are some of the best book-shops in Cairo - in fact in Egypt, for that matter...", Faunus replied.
 |
| Khan el Khalili - Old Cairo - Egypt |
Having bought the books, the 'gang' went for a further look at the Khan el Khalili.
The Khan el Khalili was the premier 'souk' in Egypt, but was mainly aimed at foreign tourists.
Now the 'boys' were undoubtedly tourists, of a sort, but what not really interested in the sort of mementos that most 'tourists' would be eager to buy.
Many of the items on display looked very attractive, 'in situ' - but to be honest, there was no appropriate place for them in Las Vegas.
Jim, of course, didn't favour 'ornaments', unless the were real antiques, of pieces of considerable artistic merit...
Jim's only concession to ornament in his 'new life' had been the superb classical sculpture of a male torso, situated in the dining room of the 'Penthouse' - a sculpture that he had inherited from the 'Boss', and had then passed on to Ethan, (along with the 'Penthouse') - although Ethan seemed to have hardly noticed ....
There were ornamental sculptures in the huge building housing the 'California Combat Club' - but again - these were inherited from the 'Boss'.
Having bought very little in Khan el Khalili, they then returned to the limos, and headed out of Old Cairo, in order to shop in downtown Cairo, hopefully for some clothes and shoes.
The Khan el Khalili was the premier 'souk' in Egypt, but was mainly aimed at foreign tourists.
Now the 'boys' were undoubtedly tourists, of a sort, but what not really interested in the sort of mementos that most 'tourists' would be eager to buy.
 |
| Classical Sculpture |
Jim, of course, didn't favour 'ornaments', unless the were real antiques, of pieces of considerable artistic merit...
Jim's only concession to ornament in his 'new life' had been the superb classical sculpture of a male torso, situated in the dining room of the 'Penthouse' - a sculpture that he had inherited from the 'Boss', and had then passed on to Ethan, (along with the 'Penthouse') - although Ethan seemed to have hardly noticed ....
 |
| Downtown Cairo - Egypt |
Having bought very little in Khan el Khalili, they then returned to the limos, and headed out of Old Cairo, in order to shop in downtown Cairo, hopefully for some clothes and shoes.
So they spent they spent the rest off the afternoon making quite a few problems for some rather bemused Cairo shop assistants, while Jim made numerous calls in order to arrange a flight for the following day - in this case a flight back home - to Los Angeles......
Interestingly, the 'boys' recognized a number of the shops - which they had also seen in the US.
The prices, to their surprise, were much cheaper than in the US, but even so, the prices were well out of the range of most ordinary Egyptians.
Downtown Cairo was very much a shopping area for the well-heeled, wealthy Egyptian upper classes.
The styles, however, were surprisingly 'chic', particularly with regards to shoes.
Interestingly, the 'boys' recognized a number of the shops - which they had also seen in the US.
The prices, to their surprise, were much cheaper than in the US, but even so, the prices were well out of the range of most ordinary Egyptians.
Downtown Cairo was very much a shopping area for the well-heeled, wealthy Egyptian upper classes.The styles, however, were surprisingly 'chic', particularly with regards to shoes.
And so staggering under the weight of their bags, parcels and boxes of shoes, the weary travellers made their way to the limousines.
Only Jim had no shopping to carry, so he was left with a sadly 'deactivated' teddy-bear.
Soon the limos were winding their way through the Cairo traffic - back to the Qasr Gezira- for this last time - at least on this trip...
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| Qasr Gezira Hotel - Cairo - Egypt |
Ethan gently laid Teddy on the bed in the suite.
"So what's wrong with him ?", Teddy asked.
"Nothing serious...but just leave him with me, and I'll get him back to normal...", Faunus said.
So Ethan went down to the main lobby to find Jim
Ethan was very upset, but was careful not to show it.
He now found that he was without Teddy - and the kittens and Clare were far away in America - so he felt very lonely, - and so it was important for him to find Jim.
Jim, fortunately, had finished his business with the hotel management, and so they went for a walk round the gardens of the hotel.
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| Sunset over 'Old Cairo' - Egypt |
"So this is our last evening in Egypt....", Ethan said a little wistfully.
"Yes, but we do need to get back to 'Vegas as a lot of business needs to be attended to...", Jim explained.
"Yes, I often forget that - 'taking care of business'...", Ethan replied.
"So did you enjoy your trip to Egypt ?"...Jim asked.
"Yes, although Cairo's very crowded, noisy and dirty - but it's got some nice buildings and shops - but best I like Luxor and Aswan....", Ethan explained.
"But I like Egypt because the way of life of the ordinary people reminds me of the way things were back in our 'old life' - it's a simpler life.
These computers, and cell-phones and fancy autos and all the rest are all very well, but I prefer a quiet garden, with the kittens, and beautiful trees an' all...." Ethan said.
"I know what you mean, but we're here, in this 'world', and have to make the best of it.", Jim replied.
And we need to remember that if people are taken from a 'distant time and place', and suddenly find themselves in a new, strange world, then it will be inevitable that they will have difficulties adjusting to a 'new life'.
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| 'A Distant Time and Place' Athens AD 66 |
Teddy recovers - and the Limos take the group to Cairo airport. There is then a repeat - in reverse - of the flights, taking the group back to Los Angeles, where Chuck, and two other chauffeurs have the Cadillacs waiting to take everyone back to the 'Villa Athena', and later the 'Club Athena' in Nevada.
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 202