After the concert Teddy gives Jim and Clare a 'good talking to', and then demonstrates the new 'portable' 'dimensional gateway' - by way of a quick trip to the Corniche at Luxor in Egypt. It seems that they all want to go back to Egypt as soon as possible, as travelling there had become so simple and easy (as well as cheap), but Jim then has the task of arranging things in 'Vegas and Mexico, (the gold, remember ?), as quickly as possible - as well as Visas for Egypt.
"So how did it know to bring us back here ?", Jim asked, as he opened the door of the 'dimensional portal', and helped Clare out into the study in the Penthouse.
"Well it - the 'dimensional portal' - didn't know - it's not a person - but I programmed it to bring us back to where we started from - so here we are...", Teddy said.
Ethan patted Teddy's furry little head.
"Very, very clever.
More of your button pressing...
I knew your 'thing' with elevator buttons would come in useful.
 |
| 'Dimensional Portal' |
And everyone should have one of these 'portal-thingys'...", Ethan said, as he tried to waft away what was left of the rather odd smokey clouds that seemed intent on accompanying the 'portal'.
"Now that's just the point.
Faunus has made it very clear that this is not to be spoken of to anyone.", Teddy began.
"What... not even to you ?", Ethan asked, grinning.
"Please, Ethan, take this seriously.", Jim said.
"Yes - OK - sorry,", Ethan said.
"Yes Jim, but what about the others ?", Clare asked.
"Well, so far I am not entirely sure who we should take on the next trip - and if we want to return to Egypt quite soon, then there will be quite a lot of arranging to do...", Jim said.
"Aw shucks ! I thought we would be going tomorrow.", Ethan said, obviously very disappointed.
"Well I'm going to make some tea and sandwiches - and a cheeseburger for Ethan, and then we can settle down in the living room and think about this.", Clare said, as she disappeared into the kitchen.
"Well I'm going to make some tea and sandwiches - and a cheeseburger for Ethan, and then we can settle down in the living room and think about this.", Clare said, as she disappeared into the kitchen.
"So what's the problem about going back tomorrow - now that we've got a 'super-fast' way of travelling ?", Ethan asked, as they made their way to the living room, while Teddy put the 'dimensional portal' back in its box.
"Well it's not quite as simple as you might think, Ethan.
First, to go to Egypt, you will need a stamped passport and a visa.
Otherwise, if you are stopped by the Egyptian police, you can be in serious trouble.
 |
| US Entry Visa - Arab Republic of Egypt - Luxor |
Now Franklin and Faunus can arrange this - but it will take a couple of days perhaps - so you will need to be patient.", Jim explained.
At that moment Jim's mobile rang.
Jim walked into the study in order to take the call privately, while Clare returned with some sandwiches.
Clare then went back for Ethan's cheeseburger as Jim then called Ethan into the study.
Ethan, followed by Teddy, immediately grabbed his cheese-burger, and headed into the study to see what Jim wanted.
"Ethan - that was Faunus.
He obviously knows what's been going on - and he has contacted Franklin.
As you doubtless realize, Franklin holds all the passports and personal papers of all the 'boys', including my own, and those belonging to Clare, in the secure storage of the 'Club Athena'.
From our last visit to Egypt, Franklin has some useful contacts in the Egyptian embassy here, and can get us visas, with appropriate date stamps, by tomorrow lunchtime, so you could arrive in Luxor by tomorrow afternoon.
Faunus will of course accompany you, as he speaks Arabic.", Jim explained.
"Wowy ! That's great !", Ethan said, hardly believing the good news.
"And 'Sigi' will be going with you."..., Jim added.
"Yes, and Teddy...?", Ethan said hopefully.
"Yes, Teddy will obviously be going with you as well - but he won't need a visa.", Jim added, with a smile.
"Well, I think it's time for bed...
Jim has a lot of organizing to do tomorrow, and you, Ethan, will have to pack, and you know how long that takes you.", Clare said, in her best 'school-marm' voice.
"...'suppose so...", Ethan said, as he picked Teddy up by his ear, and reluctantly made his way into the bedroom.
"I've told you about that before... Don't pick me up by my ears !", Teddy squeaked.
Finally they found themselves in Jim's office on the top floor of the 'Club Athena', with Franklin, Dr. Lockwood and Josh.
"Well, I think it's time for bed...
Jim has a lot of organizing to do tomorrow, and you, Ethan, will have to pack, and you know how long that takes you.", Clare said, in her best 'school-marm' voice.
"...'suppose so...", Ethan said, as he picked Teddy up by his ear, and reluctantly made his way into the bedroom.
"I've told you about that before... Don't pick me up by my ears !", Teddy squeaked.
In the morning Teddy was - not surprisingly - sulking, (his ear was still hurting), and so he didn't bother waking up Jim and Ethan.
Instead he checked that his laptop was charged, opened it up, and then started running through his data-base for 'an hotel', (Teddy was always very strict about grammatical spelling as 'hotel' is a word of French origin), conveniently close to the Winter Palace.
 |
| The Sonesta Hotel - Luxor |
 |
| The Steigenberger Hotel - Luxor |
The two nearest were the Sonesta and the Steigenberger
The Sonesta was the nearest, but the Steigenberger was the largest and the most opulent, although nothing like the Winter Palace - which of course was closed - awaiting renovation by Jim.
So Teddy took matters into his own hands, (or should that be 'paws'), and made a provisional booking for four at the Steinberger.
With over 300 rooms, excellent cuisine, and a well trained staff, the Steinberger is one of the best hotels in Luxor, and Teddy was quite confident that if Jim spent any time there he would be well satisfied.
So Teddy was pleased with himself, but Clare was not happy as Jim had overslept - and Jim had much to do....
"So Teddy... you let us oversleep...", Jim said.
"Sulking about Ethan pulling your ear, I suppose.", Jim added, as he nudged Ethan awake.
"So, what's happening today ?", Ethan asked, as they sat down to breakfast.
"Well I've made a temporary booking for four at a very nice hotel close to the Winter Palace, where we can stay while things are being organised.", Teddy said, determined to ingratiate himself with Jim.
"I see, and the name of this hotel ?", Jim asked.
"The Steigenberger...", Teddy replied.
"Sounds odd for a hotel in Egypt !", Ethan said.
"Yes, it was originally a German company, but was later taken over by 'Travco', which is an Egyptian company.", Teddy explained.
"OK - but that's neither here nor there.
As long as it's a comfortable hotel, and well-run it will suit our purpose...", Jim said.
"So, as I said - what's happening today ?", Ethan said, repeating himself.
"Well first I have to check with Franklin, and then I need to go and see 'Sigi' in Henderson.
 |
| 'Sigi - Lion Cave Portal - Luxor |
You see 'Sigi' has already been through the 'Portal' when he travelled to Berlin - that was because he could speak German.
So that will save a lot of time explaining things, and 'Sigi' can be trusted with secrets - which is good..." Jim said.
"Yes, and Sigi and I get on really well...", Teddy said - "maybe because we met at a funeral."
"Right... enough said.", Ethan commented.
"So... to continue, I will then return to Summerlin with 'Sigi', stop off at the 'Club Athena', explain to Josh what's happening - and then Josh will stay with Franklin to begin with, in order to organize things in Mexico...."
"Oh - the gold...", Ethan interrupted.
"And then we'll collect the passports if Franklin has managed to have them delivered by courier.
Then it's back to the Penthouse to finish packing.", Jim concluded, breathlessly
"Wow !", Ethan exclaimed.
"So, I'll just 'phone Chuck, and we'll be off.", Jim said.
 |
| 'Sigi' - Graduation Photo |
And Chuck arrived in next to no time, and soon they were in nice, quiet, middle class Henderson, and calling on 'Sigi' in his nice, new, middle class home.
Now if you remember, 'Sigi' had recently graduated (very successfully) from 'Green Valley High', and then, finally being considered an adult, 'Sigi' had moved into a very nice house in 'Spring Palms', Henderson, where he was taking it easy.
 |
| 'Sigi's' House - Spring Palms - Henderson - Nevada |
"Good morning uncle Jim... what's up.", 'Sigi' said brightly as he answered the door, flashing his usual bright smile.
Jim had already 'phoned to say that he was on his way, but had said nothing about the trip or the 'portal' as he was using the cell-phone.
"Let's go inside.", Jim said in a conspiratorial manner.
"And I've told you before - don't call me 'uncle Jim'.", Jim added.
"But you are my guardian - and you're the only person I have who I can call 'uncle'.", 'Sigi' said in his usual disarming and sweet manner.
 |
| Living Room - Spring Palms - Henderson - Nevada |
'Sigi' then led them into the living room, and the house had, with Jim's help been fully furnished.
"Oh, and Teddy - I got you the softer cushions you asked for... " ,'Sigi' said as he plumped up a really big cushion especially for Teddy.
At that point Jim intervened.
"Now if you remember, when we had your 'Graduation Dinner' at the 'Paradise Park', I spoke to you about your 'gap year'.
Well the time has now come for you to make some sort of decision.
I have acquired, as I mentioned, the 'Winter Palace' in Egypt - where you stayed some time ago.", Jim began.
"Yes, and that was a very strange experience.", 'Sigi' said.
"Well this time things will not be so strange, and I think you will have a very pleasant time in Egypt, so I would like you to pack, and with a bit of luck we should be off later today - and if not - then you can stop over at the 'Penthouse', and we shall probably set off tomorrow - it's just a question of visas."
 |
| 'Sigi' - Master Bedroom |
"Well I was feeling a bit bored here, now that high school's over, and Glen is not around much - so I think I would enjoy a holiday in Egypt very much.", Sigi said, as he made his way to his bedroom (one of the three in the house), and packed some clothes.
"And this visa - do I have to do anything, or pay anything to get it.", 'Sigi' asked.
"Nothing, 'Sigi' - Franklin has it all in hand.", Jim replied.
And so 'Sigi' did a quick check round the house, made sure that he had his keys, wallet and credit cards - and then they left.
As 'Sigi' was a 'free agent', he was in the envious position of being able to go off at a moment's notice.
Once they were on their way to the 'Club Athena', however, 'Sigi suddenly remembered that he needed to empty the fridge, and shut off the water, gas, and electricity.
"Stop worrying, 'Sigi' - Chuck will bring Clare back later, and she'll sort everything out - and probably tidy up as well.", Jim said with a grin.
 |
| Vestibule to Jim and Franklin's Offices |
 |
| Dr Lockwood |
When the 'Boss' (now deceased) had first moved from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, he acquired a small Hotel and Casino' which he name the 'Club Jaguar', in deference to his long association with Mexico, and his excavations of Mayan remains. After the demise of the 'Boss', Jim, the heir of the 'Boss' renamed the Hotel and Casino 'Club Jaguar' - calling it 'Club Athena' - and undertook much essential refurbishment.
Franklin was busying himself with the passports and visas, whilst Dr Lockwood was preparing to give 'Sigi', Jim and Ethan their five 'shots' - for Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio, Hepatitis A and Typhoid, which he deemed necessary for their proposed trip to abroad.
"Oh... I really don't like needles, uncle Jim...", 'Sigi' said.
"I didn't know you had a nephew, Sir..", Dr Lockwood remarked to Jim, as he gave 'Sigi his first injection while 'Sigi' was distracted as he waited for Jim's reply.
 |
| Jim's Office - Club Athena - Las Vegas |
"Well he's not exactly a 'nephew' - I'm his 'guardian'.
Let me introduce you - this is Siegfried Brandt.", Jim said.
Lockwood raised an eyebrow.
"Brandt you say. - that name sounds familiar."
"Yes, his father was a well known psychiatrist, as you might recall.", Jim said, hoping that Lockwood wouldn't say anything embarrassing.
"Yes...", Lockwood replied, being, as usual, professionally discrete.
"You knew my father ?", 'Sigi' said, wincing as Lockwood gave him another 'shot'.
"Yes, but only professionally - you know, letters' phone-calls and such like...
I never actually met him...", Lockwood dissembled.
"Oh...", 'Sigi' said, obviously disappointed, as Lockwood gave him further 'shots'.
Ethan was next, holding tightly to Teddy, and hoping that his nervousness didn't show - while Josh helped Franklin to sort out 'Sigi's' papers.
Then it was Jim's turn for the vaccinations.
Lockwood then packed away his equipment and went off to have a few quiet words with Jim, while Teddy congratulated Ethan on being such a 'brave boy'.
Lockwood then left Jim's study, and while Franklin sorted out Ethan's papers, Jim had a word with Josh.
"I hope you don't mind, but I will need to leave you here in 'Vegas for a while, as I need someone here to look after things while I'm in Egypt.
 |
| Park Orchestra Logo |
It's a lot, I know, and that's why I didn't feel that I could leave Franklin to manage it all by himself.", Jim explained.
"And what about Novius ?", Josh asked.
 |
| The 'Kid' on the Cell-Phone |
"Now before you go, Jim, we still have a very strange problem...", Josh began.
Jim looked puzzled.
"Like what ?", Jim said, as Josh took out his cell-phone.
"It's this guy...", Josh said, showing Jim a photo on the 'phone.
"Oh yes - the kid who looks like 'Khonsu' - or whatever he calls himself.", Jim said, scrutinizing the image.
"That's the guy...", Josh replied.
"And he's been here again ?", Jim asked, handing back the cellphone.
"Yep... Comes quite often, and always asks for a job.", Josh explained.
"And what name does he give ?", Jim asked.
"..'won't give a name - just says he'll be back.
So I've told security not to stop him coming in - but just to keep a discreet watch on him."
"OK, well just give me some time to think about it...", Jim said.
By then, with Dr Lockwood's medical procedures finished, and all the passports, visas and other documents handed over, Jim said good-bye to Lockwood and Franklin.
"So, Josh, I'm relying on you, so keep an eye on things, and look after Franklin.", Jim said, as he shook hands with Josh.
Teddy then enjoyed himself with the elevator buttons, and they returned to reception, and then took the limo back to the 'Penthouse'.
"So here we are - it's still early - and there's plenty of time for us to get to Luxor.", Teddy said, as he skillfully pressed the elevator buttons.
"Well there should be plenty of time - this 'portal-thingy' seems to be almost instantaneous.", Ethan said, as they arrived at the 'Penthouse' lobby.
Jim opened the large double door, and Ethan gave his usual warning greeting to Clare - 'Hi honey, I'm home !'.
"So, have you got everything sorted out ?", Clare asked Jim.
"Well not really, Clare - here's your passport, papers and other bits and pieces, but we need to go back to Henderson as 'Sigi' forgot to do some things in the house - and I forgot about your vaccinations - so we need to quickly see Dr Lockwood - sorry ", Jim said apologetically.
"But this is all Ethan's fault, as he wanted to get going so quickly.", Jim added.
"That's right - blame me.", Ethan said, pretending to be annoyed, but really he was very excited at the prospect of going away.
"Well, it shouldn't be a problem, as I'm all packed.
And Jim, we need to get a big cat basket for the kittens, although as we're staying in a hotel for a while, we won't need to take them yet - but I'm sure we can get a basket as we go through 'Vegas.", Clare said.
And so they started on their second journey.
By the time they returned to the Penthouse with everything done, it was about three o'clock.
 |
| 'A Big Step' |
"So, as far as I can see, everything's sorted out, although I don't see why you're getting so neurotic about this.
If we think of anything else, it'll be no problem, as all we have to do is open a door, and we'll be back in the 'Penthouse'.
It's like going from the kitchen into the living room, or the study.", Teddy said, being very logical - "although it's actually 7,677.718 miles, as Glaux would fly."
"Now you've got me worrying.
 |
| The Cat Basket |
So that step that I would take would actually measure 7,677 miles ?", Ethan said nervously.
"Yes.", Teddy replied as he started to examine the cat basket they had bought in Vegas on their way back from Henderson.
"You know, I could live in here...", Teddy said.
"Don't be silly, Teddy - it's for cats, not teddy bears.", 'Sigi' said.
So then they were coming to the point when they were actually going to have to make a real 'journey', and in a way they were nervous, despite the fact that they had already travelled to Luxor once - but then that was only for a brief stop.
And then there was the fact that Teddy had actually told them the distance that they had travelled - and that fact had slightly alarmed them.
While they gathered together their luggage, after all it was expected that if you arrived from America at an hotel you would be carrying appropriate luggage, Teddy made another disturbing point.
"You know we could arrive this morning, if that would help, as the portal allows you travel through time as well as space."
"No Teddy - it's disturbing enough to travel all that distance in a moment, without arriving in Egypt while we were still in 'Vegas in a previous time...", Jim said.
"OK - I was just giving you your options.", Teddy said, like a good 'inter-dimensional travel agent', as he went to get the 'gold box'.
The concept of 'hyperspace' refers to a parallel universe that can be used as a shortcut when 'traveling'. The 'interdimensional portal' makes it possible to enter and exit from this hyperspace with ease. The 'portal' uses the concept of 'additional coordinate axes'. In this way, the universe is 'crumpled' in a higher spatial dimension, and that by traveling in this higher spatial dimension, a body can move vast distances instantaneously in the 'common spatial dimensions'. An analogy is to crumple a piece of paper into a ball and stick a knitting needle straight through, the needle will make widely spaced holes in the two-dimensional surface of the paper - but really it's a lot more complicated....
A Crumpled Ball of Paper ?
 |
| The Gold Box |
"And that's what 'reality' actually is - 'a big crumpled ball of paper' ?", Ethan said, after Teddy had explained the theory to him.
"No - of course not.
There's no such thing as 'reality'.", Teddy replied.
"Okey dokey... I give up...", Ethan said, shrugging his shoulders.
"So let's go.
But I think we should set the 'portal' up in the study, as there's too many odd bits of furniture round here.", Teddy said.
So they took their cases, and trooped into the study.
Then Teddy put the gold box on the floor.
"Are you sure this room is big enough ?", Jim asked.
"Oh yes, this should be ideal - but I think we should close the blinds, you never know who might be watching - CIA maybe...", Teddy said darkly.
"But we're on the 'top-floor-thingy'...", Ethan said, looking over his shoulder to see if anyone had crept up behind him.
 |
| The Portal in the Study - the Penthouse - Las Vegas |
Teddy then pressed the red button.
The area round Jim's desk seemed to flicker and wobble for a fraction of a second, and then the 'portal' appeared.
"So where's all the smoke and clouds ?", Ethan asked, as the doors to the 'portal' opened, and Faunus appeared.
"I thought, all those clouds and smoke were a bit too 'operatic', so I cut it out - we don't want to draw attention to ourselves, do we ?", Faunus said.
"No...", Ethan replied dubiously.
"But I'm pleased to see we still have the little doggies...", Ethan added.
"And is my desk OK ? - I rather liked that desk.", Jim asked.
"Yes, everything's OK - so let's just go through the 'portal' and get registered at the hotel.", Faunus said as he gallantly took Clare's case.
The 'portal' contained a small vestibule - large enough for Jim, Faunus, Ethan, Teddy, 'Sigi' and Clare - and Faunus allowed Teddy to program their intended destination on a control panel - in fact buttons - that looked suspiciously as if they had been copied from an elevator - and which were situated near the doors.
The operation of the 'portal' was completely silent, and there was no sense of any kind of movement.
Moments later the doors 'clicked', apparently to indicate that they were unlocked.
"Here we are...", Faunus said brightly, as he opened the doors, and they left the 'portal'.
Then 'portal', without a sound, turned itself into the small gold box that Ethan quickly picked up and put into his Walmart bag.
Much to their surprise, as they looked around, they found themselves standing with their luggage in the reception area of a very nice hotel, which they presumed was the 'Steigenberger' in Luxor in Egypt.
"So why are there no guests here ?", 'Sigi' asked, as he looked round the deserted reception area.
"Oh, it's the 'SEBF' - the 'someone else's business field' - it tends to keep people away...", Teddy said.
And what Clare didn't realize was that the 'SEBF' was actually generated by Teddy - Faunus had installed it in Teddy for the first trip that the 'boy's had made to Egypt, (when they were staying in the Gezireh Palace) so that people wouldn't notice that Teddy was talking and walking.
"Well that seemed to go alright - so let's just check in.", Jim said, still surprised that nothing had gone amiss.
Now contrary to what Teddy had appeared to say previously - the 'portal' was fitted with AI ('artificial intelligence'), and so 'it' had hidden itself neatly behind a very large pillar, and in such a position that it would appear that the group would look as if the had come into the hotel from a genuine entrance, so none of the receptionist were in any way disturbed by the fact that this particular group of guests had suddenly appeared in the 'reception area'.
If, however they had been very observant (perhaps like 'Sherlock Holmes'), they might have been alerted by the fact that the guests had no dust or sand on their shoes - having just stepped from an immaculately clean Penthouse.
So, Jim and Ethan (with Teddy) registered in the so called 'Presidential Suite'.
Clare took an 'Executive' suite, and 'Sigi' did likewise.
"Faunus, of course, didn't take a room, as he was supposed to be their Egyptian 'guide', Ali, and he spent his time during the registering chatting in Arabic to some of the receptionists, spinning them tales about his interesting life in Al-Iskandariya (Alexandria).
"No...", Ethan replied dubiously.
"But I'm pleased to see we still have the little doggies...", Ethan added.
"And is my desk OK ? - I rather liked that desk.", Jim asked.
"Yes, everything's OK - so let's just go through the 'portal' and get registered at the hotel.", Faunus said as he gallantly took Clare's case.
The 'portal' contained a small vestibule - large enough for Jim, Faunus, Ethan, Teddy, 'Sigi' and Clare - and Faunus allowed Teddy to program their intended destination on a control panel - in fact buttons - that looked suspiciously as if they had been copied from an elevator - and which were situated near the doors.
The operation of the 'portal' was completely silent, and there was no sense of any kind of movement.
 |
| Arrival at the Steigenberger Hotel Before the Portal Doors Opened - Luxor - Egypt |
"Here we are...", Faunus said brightly, as he opened the doors, and they left the 'portal'.
Then 'portal', without a sound, turned itself into the small gold box that Ethan quickly picked up and put into his Walmart bag.
Much to their surprise, as they looked around, they found themselves standing with their luggage in the reception area of a very nice hotel, which they presumed was the 'Steigenberger' in Luxor in Egypt.
"So why are there no guests here ?", 'Sigi' asked, as he looked round the deserted reception area.
"Oh, it's the 'SEBF' - the 'someone else's business field' - it tends to keep people away...", Teddy said.
And what Clare didn't realize was that the 'SEBF' was actually generated by Teddy - Faunus had installed it in Teddy for the first trip that the 'boy's had made to Egypt, (when they were staying in the Gezireh Palace) so that people wouldn't notice that Teddy was talking and walking.
"Well that seemed to go alright - so let's just check in.", Jim said, still surprised that nothing had gone amiss.
Now contrary to what Teddy had appeared to say previously - the 'portal' was fitted with AI ('artificial intelligence'), and so 'it' had hidden itself neatly behind a very large pillar, and in such a position that it would appear that the group would look as if the had come into the hotel from a genuine entrance, so none of the receptionist were in any way disturbed by the fact that this particular group of guests had suddenly appeared in the 'reception area'.
If, however they had been very observant (perhaps like 'Sherlock Holmes'), they might have been alerted by the fact that the guests had no dust or sand on their shoes - having just stepped from an immaculately clean Penthouse.
So, Jim and Ethan (with Teddy) registered in the so called 'Presidential Suite'.
Clare took an 'Executive' suite, and 'Sigi' did likewise.
"Faunus, of course, didn't take a room, as he was supposed to be their Egyptian 'guide', Ali, and he spent his time during the registering chatting in Arabic to some of the receptionists, spinning them tales about his interesting life in Al-Iskandariya (Alexandria).
اسكندرية al-ʾIskandariyya - Greek: Αλεξάνδρεια Alexandria, is the second-largest city in Egypt. Alexandria is the largest city on the Mediterranean and is the sixth-largest city in the Arab world. Alexandria was founded in c. 331 BC by Alexander the Great. Alexandria grew rapidly to become an important centre of Hellenistic civilization, and remained the capital of Ptolemaic Egypt and Roman Egypt for almost 1,000 years.
Presumably Faunus would be staying (now and then) with Ismail - his 'friend' on the West Bank.
And so everything turned out well.
And so everything turned out well.
For Jim, Ethan and even 'Sigi' this was nothing new, but not only had Clare never stayed in an hotel, but also, like a large percentage of US citizens, she had never even travelled outside the US as very few American even own passports - mainly for trips to Mexico and Canada - so suddenly finding herself in Egypt was rather a shock.
 |
| Presidential Suite - Bedroom |
So Jim, with Ethan carrying Teddy, were taken up to the 'Presidential Suite'.
As in many hotels, the title 'presidential' probably didn't mean that the 'president' stayed there, but rather, it indicated that it was the largest, and certainly the most expensive suite available.
"Well this is quite nice...", Ethan commented.
"Yes - it reminds me of 'Sigi's ' bedroom in 'Spring Palms', but not so big, and not so luxurious.
But at least it's got lots of pillows - and they do look soft.", Teddy said quietly, so as not to alarm the 'bellhop'
"OK - now Ethan, have you still got the gold box safe in your Walmart bag..?", Jim asked.
"Yep... It's safe.", Ethan replied.
"Right, well let's decide on somewhere really safe to put it.", Jim said.
So they found somewhere safe - but we can't say where, because, as Ethan would say, 'it's a secret'.
 |
| Presidential Suite |
Then they explored the rest of the large suite,
"So, at least we have somewhere private to meet...", Teddy said, surveying the nice set of cushions in the lounge of the suite.
 |
| Bedroom for Sigi - Steigenberger Hotel - Luxor |
"Yes... it's excellent...", Jim agreed.
Meanwhile, Sigi was admiring his suite, although it didn't have the charm of his room that he had previously occupied in the Winter Palace - when it was still an hotel.
Clare, having never stayed in an hotel previously, was naturally surprised to find herself in a very beautiful suite.
But back in the 'Presidential Suite' Ethan was beginning to get worried.
"So what do we do next ?", Ethan asked Jim, as he watched Teddy methodically rearranging the pillows on the huge 'presidential bed - apparently intent on creating some sort of 'teddy bear nest'.
Back in the 'Presidential Suite', the precious 'gold box' had been successfully hidden.
"Well, as I see it, there's a great deal for us to do - but actually there's very little that we can actually do without Faunus' help, as we need his Arabic.
"Well....why don't you 'phone Faunus ?". Ethan asked.
"Clever !", Teddy said.
Ethan was not sure if Teddy was being sarcastic or complimentary, but said nothing, simply wondering how Jim would respond.
"OK...", Jim said..", opening his cell-phone.
Fortunately Faunus had not changed his number.
"Hi Jim...I was wondering when you might call.", Faunus said.
"Well Ethan suggested that I call you, as we need your Arabic if we are to do anything about the Winter Palace.", Jim said hesitantly.
"Well of course, Jim.
And I've been using my Arabic to talk to a number of people here on the West Bank.
 |
| Mercedes Limousine |
They're still here, safe and sound in a secure garage.
At the moment they're being dusted and vacuumed - oil checks are being made, batteries charged, and tyres checked, and in about half an hour they'll be up and running.
Hassan has a friend, with a genuine current driving license and a genuine identity card, who would like to work for you, so we can bring two of the limos over for you - no trouble.", Faunus explained.
"Well that's great, but I think the next thing after that will be to get the interior of the Winter Palace tidied up and cleaned.", Jim said.
"Well that's no problem.
There are very many nice ladies over here on the West Bank who would be happy to help with that for a small wage - a wage that would be very much appreciated here, as the tourist business has not been very good here for some time.
So.... if you agree, Clare could come over here tomorrow and interview them - with me translating, and if she finds any of them suitable, then we could take them on.", Faunus said.
Jim was lost for words for a moment.
He had never thought of Faunus as a practical person - making arrangements for checking out limos, and hiring cleaning ladies...
It was all very strange and unexpected.
"Yes... yes of course...
That would be wonderful..", Jim said.
"Good... so we'll be here in about half an hour - OK ?", Faunus said.
 |
| Etisalat Logo |
"Right, Ethan...we mustn't forget to have the phones fitted with Egyptian cards.", Jim said.
"Oh, I remember... Etisalat - and real cheap.", Ethan said.
"And now we need to have a quick talk to Clare - before the limos arrive.", Jim said, as he rang the reception in order to contact Clare, and ask her not to meet in the lobby, but instead to come to their suite.
"So - while we wait, Ethan, get yourself looking smart, dig Teddy from out of his pile of pillows, and put the gold box in the Walmart bag.", Jim said decisively.
|
| The Gold Box |
"So why are we going to take the box with us ?", Ethan asked.
"I hope we're not going on any more of those 'dimensional hopping thingys.", Ethan continued pleadingly.
"No Ethan, but taking it with us in an unobtrusive, everyday Walmart bag is probably safer than leaving it here.
Remember, the management of the hotel has keys to all the rooms and suites, and desk clerks can easily be bribed to hand out keys.....
The dimensional portal is probably the most valuable single item in the world.
Think of it Ethan - if some organisation, or government had the technology and the ability to instantly travel - anywhere - at no cost.
They would do anything to get their hands on it.", Jim explained.
"Now you're scaring me, Jim", Ethan said.
"Good !", Teddy added, finally untangling himself from his pile of pillows...
"So just give me a quick brush before we go out.", Teddy then said to Ethan.
At the moment the buzzer sounded -
and it was Clare at the door of the 'Presidential Suite'.
"Come in Clare.
How are you finding things ?", Jim asked nervously.
 |
| Presidential Suite - Sitting Room |
"Yes... well anyway, come in and take a seat...", Jim said, guiding Clare to the huge, L shaped sofa in the sitting room.
Jim then took a seat in the only armchair.
"Now if you have no objections, I would like to take you, Ethan, Teddy and Sigi for a trip round Luxor.
I have three limousines - Mercedes-Maybach Pullmans - already here in Luxor, and as we speak two are being brought to the hotel.
But before we leave I need to explain a few things to you.", Jim began.
The door buzzer then sounded - and Sigi arrived.
"Take a seat, 'Sigi', and give Teddy a brush...
I am just about to explain a few things to Clare, but as you have been here before, like Ethan and Teddy, you may already be aware of these matters."
Jim's manner of speaking immediately alerted 'Sigi' and Ethan to the fact that he was about to say something serious.
"I want you to understand that we are guests in the country, and we need to blend into this society as much as possible, and not offend.
Relationships between men and women here are very different to those in America and Europe - old fashioned some people might think.
For the purposes of this visit Clare is to be referred to as my sister, Ethan my younger brother, and 'Sigi' my nephew.
The simple reason is that it would be though wrong for an unmarried woman to accompany three men unless they were related.
As brother, sister and nephew we are all seen a relatives in one family - and in that way we can socialise together without causing comment.
I am sure, Clare, that you have seen movies on TV about the Mafia, and will have noticed that women are often excluded from meetings between men, so you must not be offended if us 'boys' go off together without you at times, as this is the way in Egypt.", Jim explained hesitantly.
"I quite understand Jim - in fact, and I hope this doesn't offend you - that is often the case even in Las Vegas, which is why I often thought that the 'Boss' and his associates were in fact some kind of Mafia organization, as they ran casinos - but not criminal or violent as they show on the movies.", Clare said.
At that point the house-phone rang (relieving a tense situation).
Ethan answered.
"It's reception,
Faunus and Hassan are here with the limos.", Ethan quietly said to Jim.
So they all took the elevator down to the main floor - and Teddy didn't insist on playing with the buttons as he realised that everyone was being very serious.
On leaving the elevator they found Faunus and Hassan waiting at the reception desk.
Hassan came forward, looking equally serious.
"ترحيب أفندي - سلام عليكم...", ('Welcome Effendi - salam alaikum ').
'Effendi' is an Ottoman title of nobility meaning a 'Lord' or 'Master' - Latin - 'Dominus'. 'Salam alaikum' is a Muslim greeting meaning 'Peace be upon you'.
 |
| Hassan - Steigenberger Lobby |
The gesture slightly alarmed Clare, as she had seen such a greeting before when Jim was instated as 'dominus' back in 'Vegas', at the funeral of the 'Boss'.
At that time all she had been able to think was that the people she was involved with were probably 'Mafiosi' - little realising that the gesture actually derived from ancient Rome, and that the gesture was also used in Egypt to greet people of very high status.
However, it then became clear to her that Jim was not simply on a pleasant holiday, but had brought with him all his power and authority that he wielded, but in a hidden and guarded manner, also in Nevada, and probably many other places.
Surprisingly, to Clare, Faunus gave exactly the same greeting - but then Faunus was taking the part of an Alexandrian Egyptian.
Jim then introduced Clare.
"Hassan, I'd like you to meet my sister."
(note that Jim does not give Clare's name, as introducing an unmarried woman to an unmarried man by name is considered improper.
"السلام عليكم ملكة جمال ", Hassan said nervously.
(Hassan addressed Clare as آنسة - 'aanesa' - Arabic for Miss.)
It was easier with Ethan and 'Sigi' as there were fewer problems with introducing men - married or not - and anyway Hassan had met them previously.
"OK, Clare, we can take the first limo, and Ethan, Teddy and 'Sigi' can follow in the second limo.", Jim said, as he held open the door of the Pullman.
"What a beautiful limos, Jim.
Did you buy them here...?", Clare asked.
"No, I ordered three of them from Germany, and had them shipped here for my previous visit.", Jim explained
"And are they expensive ?", Clare asked.
 |
| Winter Palace - Luxor - Sunset |
"Well quite, but they are very comfortable.", Jim said, avoiding mentioning the price.
(about $300,000 each - excluding the cost of shipping and extras - and only if you buy three all at the same time !)
By then it was late afternoon, and the sun was just starting to go down, as they took their drive along the Corniche at Luxor.
They moved slowly north, and then, on Jim's instruction, Hassan performed a U-turn, and they drove slowly back, and on to the 'Winter Palace'.
"That's the Winter Palace, Clare.", Jim said, proudly pointing to his latest acquisition.
The architect was Leon Stienon, and the Italian construction company was G.Garozzo & Figli Costruzioni in Cemento Armato, Sistema, Siacci Brevettato. During World War I the hotel was temporarily closed to paying guests and employed as a hospice for convalescing soldiers. A regular guest at the hotel from 1907 on was Lord Carnarvon, 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. The hotel was later owned by the Egyptian General Company for Tourism & Hotels ('EGOTH') of Egypt and managed by Accor. Subsequently the 'Winter Palace' was bought by the 'Athena Corporation', based in Nevada, USA, and then transferred to the private estate of James Johnson (president and CEO of the 'Athena Corporation' and its affiliates).
"It's beautiful, Jim - like something out of a fairy-tale....", Clare said breathlessly.
"Yes, and it was Teddy who really discovered the 'Winter Palace', on our first visit to Luxor.
That was when the kittens 'adopted' us - and Ethan realised that they loved to be in the Winter Palace gardens - and so he insisted that I eventually bought the hotel so that the kittens could spend part of each year in the gardens - well he was so insistent - what else could I do ?", Jim explained...
 |
| Winter Palace Gardens - Luxor - Egypt |
Clare looked puzzled as she thought about the absurdity of purchasing a huge hotel for two kittens.
"So, the 'Winter Palace', as you call it, has a garden ?"
"Well, not exactly a garden, Clare.
It has 'gardens' - very large and very beautiful.", Jim said, grinning.
"But I'll show you tomorrow.
But now we can take the bridge over to the West Bank.", Jim said, making sure that Hassan understood.
Hassan then turned to Jim.
"المعذرة أفندي (excuse me effendi), could we park here for a moment, as I wish to speak to you ?", Hassan asked.
Jim nodded - Hassan parked, and then got out of the limo.
Jim followed Hassan, presuming that Hassan wanted to speak about something privately.
"I'm sorry to have to talk about this but I have been talking with Ali, and he says talk with you...", Hassan began hesitantly.
"The people in the village - they must know what to call you.
Ali says you understand it is important to show that you are not 'khawaja'."
The term 'khawaja' was once was a title of respect used in the Middle East. At the time of our story, however, it was a disparaging 'slang' term used for foreign tourists."So I need to know what the people on the West Bank should call you."
Jim nodded - and Hassan continued.
"If you were from the village we would say 'ibn', and then your father's name - but Ali tells me your father has been a very long time dead, and using his name will make you sad - so I have a way that you might permit ?
We might call you شاب باشا - the 'Young Pasha'...
In modern Egypt the title 'pasha', sometimes abbreviated to 'pash', is used as an 'honorific', especially by older people. Among Egyptians, born since the Revolution of 1952 and the abolition of aristocratic titles, it is considered a highly formal way of addressing one's male peers - more formal that effendi - although they can almost interchangeable.
Hassan, uncertain of Jim' response, then stepped back a couple of paces, as if he were afraid that Jim might hit him.
"Mumtaz ! "Jim said quietly.
(Arabic for 'excellent' - a word that Jim had learned on his previous visit.)
Hassan then took hold of Jim's hand and kissed it - as he had done before at the hotel.
Hassan then looked into Jim's eyes.
"I feel, Pasha, that you hold a great secret.
I know that it is not for me to know - but I feel that you are not one of the 'khawajas' - but closer to us - and the 'old ways'.", Hassan said quietly."
"!خلص", Jim said firmly.
('khalas' - with a soft, slightly guttural 'k' - A good word for all tourists - difficult to translate - but something like 'enough !' - 'finish ! ' - another piece of Arabic that Jim learned on his previous visit.)
"Of course, Pasha.", Hassan replied.
"So let's go back to the limo - my sister will be wondering what is happening...", Jim said, as he stepped back to the Mercedes.
"So what was that all about ?", Clare asked.
"Oh just some little problem that Ali had raised with Hassan, and he wanted me to sort it out.
 |
| Mahmoud |
Ismail, of course was waiting for Jim to visit, as Faunus (Ali) had been with his family all afternoon.
Mahmoud was also expecting a visit, as Hassan had told Mahmoud of Jim's arrival.
"So how do we get to the West Bank - wherever that is ?", Clare asked.
"Well this is the East Bank, but to get to the West Bank we can either go by ferry, felucca or motorboat, or use the bridge.", Jim replied.
"So which is it to be ?", Clare asked.
 |
| Luxor Bridge - River Nile - Egypt |
"The only problem with the bridge, however, is that in a typically 'official Egyptian' way, the government built the bridge a long way from the town, but at least we have a nice, comfortable limo, and we're not in a hurry.", Jim continued.
And so the two limos proceeded to the bridge, where there was the inevitable security checkpoint, but seeing two very large, identical Mercedes, the police presumed that they were government vehicles, and instantly waived them through.
Then, however, they had to travel all the way back, on the West Bank, to where they had just come from on the East Bank - because, as Jim had explained, the bridge was in the wrong place.
 |
| Medinet Habu at Night |
On their arrival they discovered that there had been a power-outage, (not at all unusual on the West Bank) which made everything look very spooky.
However, Mahmoud was waiting at the door, but fortunately as the two Mercedes arrived the power returned.
Mahmoud hadn't been told that Jim's 'sister' was accompanying him, and this obviously came as a surprise to Mahmoud, and to the other members of the family.
Jim, Clare, Ethan and 'Sigi', however, were not able to stay long, as they also had to see Ismail, but there was quite sufficient time to introduce Clare to Saiidi 'shai' - the first that she had tasted since she had arrived in Luxor, which incidentally, is in Upper Egypt.
With regard to Teddy, nobody even noticed him, as he had set his 'SEBF' to 'maximum' as soon as they entered Mahmoud's family home.
'Saiidi tea' - 'shai'- is common in Upper (Southern) Egypt. It is prepared by boiling black tea with water for as long as 5 minutes over a strong flame. Saiidi tea is extremely heavy, with 2 teaspoonfuls per cup being the norm. It is sweetened with copious amounts of cane sugar (a necessity since the formula and method yield a very bitter tea).صعيد مصر - 'Ṣaʿīd Miṣr' - 'Upper Egypt' is the strip of land on both sides of the Nile that extends between Nubia and downriver (northwards) to Lower Egypt. It is the southern part of Egypt. In Arabic, the inhabitants of Upper Egypt are known as 'Sa'idis' and they generally speak 'Sai'idi Egyptian Arabic'. In the 20th-century Egypt, the title 'Prince of the Sa'id' (meaning Prince of Upper Egypt) was used by the heir apparent to the Egyptian throne.
From his previous visit to Egypt, Jim knew that Mahmoud could drive, and in fact owned a rather dilapidated taxi, so Jim offered Mahmoud the job of driving the third Mercedes, as well as taking them on the Nile on his felucca and motor boat, depending on which was required - which obviously pleased him greatly as the extra income would be a great help to the family.
 |
| Colossi of Memnon |
The road took them past the 'Colossi of Memnon' - floodlit at night - which originally stood at the entrance to the 'Mortuary Temple of Pharaoh Amenhotep III' and also, further on, they would come to the 'Mortuary Temple of Ramses II' - also floodlit, and usually referred to as the 'Ramesseum'.
The 'Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III', also known as 'Kom el-Hettân', was built during the 18th Dynasty in the New Kingdom. The mortuary temple is located on the West Bank of the Nile near Luxor. At the time of its completion, the 'Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III' was the largest among the many funerary complexes on the West bank at Thebes.
The road that they had initially taken - أل تمثالين 'Al Tmsalyn' - running to the West, at right angles to to the Nile, led to the site of the 'Lion Cave', where the original 'interdimensional portal' had been situated, although the cave itself was high up in the Theban hills that loomed over the road.
And so, after eventually passing the 'Ramesseum', they came to 'El-Tarif', where the home of Ismail's family, a relatively modern concrete and brick built (not mud brick) house, was situated.
Ismail lived there, with his rather elderly mother and father, his sister and his younger brother - a relatively small family by West Bank standards.
The family was also somewhat unusual by West Bank standards, as they originated from Cairo, and had relatives, and even property in Zeitung - a well known suburb of Cairo.
It seemed that the whole family was pleased to see Jim, and also Jim's 'sister' Clare.
It was then that Ismail kissed Jim's hand, just as Hassan had.
Clare turned to Faunus.
"What is all this 'hand kissing' about ?
I've only seen it before at the funeral of the 'Boss', when Jim was given the 'family ring', and on some weird and rather violent movies on TV about the Mafia.", Clare asked very discreetly and quietly.
"It's a sign of great respect, and a sort of pledge of loyalty.
You see, when Jim first came here, everyone thought of him as just another tourist - although a very rich one.
Then there was the business with some alabaster sellers, here in the village.
 |
| 'The Lion Cave' - West Bank - Luxor |
Later, with the help of this village boy, who answered to the unlikely name of Khonsu, Jim and Ethan - and of course Teddy - went into the cave at night to explore it.
 |
| Richest Egyptian on the West Bank |
They were followed by two sons of one of the richest men on the West Bank - along with an armed bodyguard.
The two sons worked in their father's alabaster shops.
The upshot of this was that none of the three Egyptians were ever seen again, but Jim and Ethan and Teddy emerged unscathed - having made contact with this Khonsu guy - but that's another - very long story.
Now in Egypt it's important for guys to be very 'macho', and once word got round about the disappearance of these three guys from the alabaster shop - which the police did nothing about, and Jim's obvious friendship with the local sheikh - yet another story - and the fact that Jim seemed to be the richest tourist that the West Bank had seen since Lord Carnarvon - well, all the lads, in true Egyptian style, want work for him, and 'kiss his hand'.", Faunus explained.
George Edward Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon, born 26 June 1866 – died 5 April 1923), was an English aristocrat, best known as the financial backer of the successful search for and excavation of the tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun in the 'Valley of the Kings' on the 'West Bank' at Luxor.
5th Earl of Carnarvon
"Well it sounds a bit strange, but I suppose it makes sense.
The problem is that Jim said very little to me about his first visit to Egypt.", Clare said to Faunus (Ali).
"Yes, I know - but Jim's a very busy 'boy', and he often doesn't have time to let you in on all the things that happen - and sometimes he keeps things from you because he doesn't want you to worry.", Faunus (Ali) explained.
"But I do worry about him, with no family to confide in.
I know there's Ethan, but in some ways Ethan needs more looking after than Jim does.", Clare said - which was very true - although Ethan was 'growing up' a little bit.
At that point Jim was explaining to Ismail about the need for employing some local people to work at the 'Winter Palace'.
"We need people who can do indoor decorating, woodworking, replacing windows and mirrors, repairing roofs and gardeners.
But mid you I only want people who are skilled - doing the sort of work that the top class hotels would want.
 |
| The Incident at Armant |
Don't worry, 'pash'.
You now have a very 'serious' reputation on the West Bank since your last visit, particularly when rumors began about what happened at Armant - with the police scared, and running away.", Ismail said, giving Jim a wicked smile.
"That's good.", Jim replied.
 |
| Dahabiya on the Nile - Upper Egypt |
There was a sandstorm, and lots of thunder and lightning - and that was about all, and we managed to get back to our dahabiya without too much trouble.", Jim said, obviously leaving out a lot in his explanation.
"Well, that's what you say...", Ismail said, still smiling.
Ismail then rather sneakily changed the subject.
Originally built to carry celebrities and royal families, the ذهبىة 'Dahabiya' was a luxury pleasure boat for the Nile. The name means 'golden one', alluding to its gold and 'dongola' (Sudanese) decoration. ( /ðahabīya/ is the feminine of ذهبى /ðahabī/ 'golden'. A 'Dahabiya' is a shallow-bottomed, barge-like vessel with two or more sails. The name came to be applied to other boats with similar luxuries. Dahabiyas were later refitted as a cruise ships, and now cruise the Nile River.
"So will you be using a dahabiya on this trip ?"
Jim looked surprised, as they were supposed to be talking about obtaining staff for the refurbishment of the Winter Palace.
"Well, yes - I will want to show my 'sister' the rest of Upper Egypt to Aswan - but that's for later, and just between you and me - OK ?", Jim replied rather abrasively.
"OK, 'pash', but try not to make it so obvious that you are here for something more than a holiday - remember - you can always trust me...", Ismail said.
"Right...", Jim replied.
"But can we gat back to the business for tomorrow ?
Is there time for you to find some people who can work on the Winter Palace tomorrow ?", Jim asked.
"Yes - 'Insha’Allah', I get some tomorrow, and some the next day and the next day...
We have many good people in the village who want work.", Ismail said.
"OK, and can your older sister - the one who lives near the Memnon statues - can she find some ladies to do some cleaning and tidying."
"Yes, but not for tomorrow.
"First I must got to there, 'yanni' - and explain what is happening.", Ismail said.
"OK, well here is some فلوس (fuloos - money), just to be going on with - and remember, now you work for me.", Jim said, as he took from his pocket one of those inevitable crisp white envelopes, and discretely passed it to Ismail.
Ismail, as was the Egyptian custom, made to refuse the payment, but it was all part of the 'ritual', and he quickly put the envelope in his jeans pocket.
And later, when Ismail opened the envelope in the privacy of his room, he realized that it was really something that he could not refuse.
But time was getting on - and Jim, Clare and 'Sigi' hadn't eaten since they left Las Vegas - which by then seemed so far away.
 |
| Steigenberger by Night - Luxor - Egypt |
It was all a bit like 'jet-lag' - as Teddy explained
So Jim made his excuses, and Ismail promised to 'phone in the morning to let Jim know what would be happening.
And so they returned to the limos, and set off on another journey to the awkwardly place bridge across the Nile.
Eventually they arrived back at the Steigenberger.
"Well it may be modern, but it does look very beautiful by night - under the stars...", Clare said rather dreamily.
"Yes, well let's get some food, and we all need some sleep, there's a lot to do tomorrow." Jim said.
The limos had to go back to the West Bank, where were garaged, and of course Hassan and his co-driver, Ashraf lived on the West Bank.
Jim, however, had told Hassan to be waiting for a call quite early.
 |
| Reception Desk - Steigenberger Hotel |
One thing that Jim had learned from his previous visit to Luxor was the fact that it was very difficult to keep a secret on the West Bank, and of course many of the staff who worked at the 'Steigenberger' lived on the West Bank.
The result was that most of the staff were now addressing Jim as 'Pasha', and when Jim asked for the restaurant, the reception staff 'phoned the maître d', who immediately came to show Jim, Clare, Ethan and Teddy, and 'Sigi' to the premier restaurant.
"Well no, actually I would like dinner for four in the Presidential Suite, mumkin ممکن (if it is possible) ?."
"Ah, pasha, you speak the Arabic.", the slightly overweight, jolly looking maître d' said.
"صغير - just a little...", Jim replied.
"Of course 'pash'.
I will send a waiter with menus to you suite immediately.", the maître d' said, obviously amazed that he had come across a tourist who actually spoke some Arabic.
"So Jim, I didn't know you spoke Arabic.", Clare said, obviously impressed.
"I don't, but Teddy has been coaching me with some common words and phrases.", Jim replied.
 |
| 'Presidential Suite' - Dining Room - Steigenberger Hotel |
There were six places, so there was quite sufficient for the present company.
Soon the waiters arrived with the menus - accompanied by the busy and fussing maître d'.
Interestingly, none of the waiters or the maître d' gave any indication of noticing Teddy sitting at the head of the table - and on the table - but then perhaps they were being polite, or perhaps it was the effects of Teddy's SEBF.
"So, Jim... what's happening tomorrow ?", Ethan asked.
"Well, in the morning we go to the Winter Palace, but first we must buy Clare a hijab.", Jim began.
"And what's this 'hijab-thingy' ?", Ethan asked.
"Oh, it's a headscarf.
It's essential if Clare is not to upset people by showing her hair.", Jim explained.
حجاب - (خِمار) a hijab is a veil or scarf worn by women in the Middle East, in the presence of any male outside of their immediate family, which usually covers the head and chest. The term can refer to any head, face, or body covering worn by Muslim women that conforms to Islamic standards of modesty.
"Clare will go with Ismail, and his mother, and they will interview the 'girls'.
You see Ismail's mother will have to be escorted by a male member of the family - it's the Egyptian custom.....
Faunus and I will interview the men.", Jim said.
"And me and 'Sigi' ?", Ethan asked.
"You and Teddy will take will take 'Sigi' on a tour of Luxor - along with Hassan, who will act as translator.", Jim said.
"Fair enough...", Ethan said, "and I hope, Teddy, that your database is up to date for Luxor...", Ethan added.
"You know it's always up to date, Ethan.
I update it every night, while you waste your time sleeping.", Teddy replied haughtily.
'Sigi' had previously visited Luxor - after the abortive mission to Berlin - but had only stayed one day, as he had then been whisked off on a long cruise on the Nile - to Aswan and back - and had therefore never had an opportunity to see Luxor
It was a good dinner, but by then they were very tired - not only because of their interdimensional travel, but also because of the 'culture shock - and this had affected Clare more than the others....
And so it was off to bed.
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 202