While Jim and Clare try to take stock of the Winter Palace, select staff and make plans for new decorations and furnishings, Ethan has the easy task (well fairly easy) of looking after Teddy, and letting the clever little bear show 'Sigi' round the 'city' of Luxor.
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| Steigenberger Pool - Luxor - Egypt |
Now if it had been a holiday they could have slept in late, had a relaxing breakfast, and then gone out and lounged by the pool - but there was business to be done - at least for Jim and Clare.
So Jim got up reluctantly, but Teddy was bouncing round the bedroom, obviously excited about showing off his knowledge about Luxor to 'Sigi'.
Ethan was also excited, as he was looking forward to riding in a Caleche because Ethan had a particular liking for horses ('horseys' as Ethan called them).
So let's get showered and dressed, and sort out some breakfast...", Jim said.
"Well I don't need to get dressed...", Teddy said.
"Teddy bears have evolved beyond the point of needing clothes...", Teddy explained.
"So what about that bow-tie for the concert then ?", Ethan asked, as Teddy scuttled off and hid in the sitting room.
Meanwhile, Jim had come out of the shower, had 'phoned reception, and has asked them to have a bellhop at the desk to meet them, and show them the best place to have their breakfast.
Putting on his clothes, Jim then turned to Ethan.
"OK, so someone will be up soon to show us the way to breakfast, so why don't you 'phone Clare and 'Sigi' and tell them to meet us in reception...?"
"Okey dokey...", Ethan replied.
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| Steigenberger Hotel - Breakfast Room |
When they met, the bellhop took them to a small restaurant on the ground floor.
"Well it makes a change from all that shiny marble.", Ethan commented.
"True...", Jim said.
"Yes, but a bit scruffy...", 'Sigi' said
"I think it's trying to look relaxed,", and then Clare smiled, "but in a scruffy way, as 'Sigi' said.", Clare added.
"Well it reminds me of the breakfast room at the 'Gezireh Palace' in Cairo.
That tried to look like an everyday Egyptian coffee shop, but it was more Egyptian than this place...", Ethan said, as he plonked Teddy down on one of the tables.
While they decided what to eat, and Teddy moaned at Ethan, Jim rang Hassan, who was to bring Ismail, and Ismail's mother from the West Bank to the 'Winter Palace'.
"So, Teddy - what are you going to show 'Sigi'.
"Well the usual, I suppose.", Teddy began, like an old, seasoned guide.
"And that would be ?", Jim persisted.
Teddy seemed to think for a minute.
"Karnak is too large and complicated, and needs two days, but Luxor Temple is good, and then there's the Luxor Museum.", Teddy suggested.
"Well I haven't even seen the Luxor Museum...", Jim said.
"No, we never got round to that the last time...", Teddy said.
"Ok, so there's plenty for you and 'Sigi' to do - so Clare and I had better go over the road and see if anyone has turned up at the Winter Palace.
Breakfast, of course, was included so there was nothing for them to pay, and they simply left بقشيش (baksheesh) for the two waiters and made their way out of the hotel.
The 'Winter Palace' was just a short walk away from the Steigenberger, but on the opposite side of the Corniche (East side).
Any waterfront passage along a body of water is classed as a 'corniche' in Egypt, and most cities in the country have corniches. Though the word itself comes from a French origin, Egypt's cultural influence has made neighboring Arab countries – that aren't francophone, or have no French influence in them – adopt the word.
"I'm really nervous about this, Jim...", Clare began.
"What do you actually want me to do ?", Clare asked, as they made their way to the Winter Palace.
"Well I suppose I should have really discussed this with you last night, but I was so tired - I just wanted to sleep....
Now you must understand that by the standards of where you have lived all your life, the people in Egypt may seem very old fashioned and traditional.
 |
| Antebellum Mansion |
He talked about the 'Antebellum South' - well if you know what that means, then Egypt, even now is a bit like that." Jim said.
Clare looked a little surprised.
"You mean like 'Gone with the Wind' ?", Clare asked.
"Well something like that.
'Gone with the Wind' is a 1939 American epic historical romance film adapted from the 1936 novel by Margaret Mitchell. Set in the American South against the backdrop of the American Civil War and the Reconstruction era, the film tells the story of a strong-willed daughter of a Georgia plantation owner. When adjusted for monetary inflation, it is still the highest-grossing film in history. A key part in the film is a huge house called 'Tara' - a bit like the 'Winter Palace' - which ends up with a female 'mistress'.
Jim continued - "But when we are staying in the 'Winter Palace' you will be the 'mistress of the house' - so you will be responsible for all the people working in the 'Winter Palace', except for the security and technical staff - so you will be expected to give your approval for people working on the premises.
Back in 'Vegas you may be just a 'housekeeper', but here you will be a 'manager'.", Jim concluded.
"And will you be paying me more ?", Clare asked, with a smile, half seriously.
"Of course, and not only when you are with us here, but also in 'Vegas.
You're now indispensable.", Jim said.
Clare blushed.
"Well let's just see if anyone turns up here.", Clare said, trying to change the subject.
"I'm, sure they will, but remember, when Ismail and his mother arrive, get Ismail's mother to take you to a ladies clothes shop, - there's plenty nearby - and buy a few hijabs, different colors to suit your outfits, and the best quality - otherwise, if they're cheap, it will reflect badly on me.", Jim said.
"And why should that reflect badly on you ?", Clare asked.
"Well, you're not going to like this, but most 'Sa'idi' Egyptians believe that it is the man - father, husband or elder brother, who pays for the clothes for the female members of the family.", Jim explained.
"Yes...well you did say they were old fashioned and traditional.", Clare said.
Meanwhile, Ethan, with Teddy, had met up with 'Sigi', and they then found Hassan waiting at the hotel entrance with one of the Mercedes-Maybach limos.
"But I want to go in one of those 'carriage-thingys'..", Ethan said, reverting to his little boy' mode."
Hassan smiled.
"Of course Effendi - I follow, yes ?", Hassan said obediently.
"Now, if I remember rightly..." - Ethan said to "..'Sigi', I might still have the number of a nice young carriage driver in my cell-phone, from last time we were here."
And Ethan did have the number, and the Caleche, apparently was just a few streets away - waiting for some 'trade'.
Of course all the Caleche drivers in Luxor could speak English - perhaps not fluently, but quite enough to 'do business' with English tourists, so Ethan did not need Hassan's help in order to tell the driver where they were, and after about five minutes the Caleche drew up behind the Mercedes-Maybach outside the Steigenberger.
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| Omar and the Caleche - Luxor - Egypt |
"You know the driver ?", Sigi' asked, obviously surprised.
"Well, just a little.... because he's got such a lovely horsey...", Ethan replied by way of a rather lame explanation.
"Salam - It's good to see you back in Luxor..", Omar replied, apparently recognizing Ethan - or was he just being polite to make good business ?... but then there were not many tourists, or anybody for that matter, who walked around Luxor with a teddy-bear - and of course Omar had spotted Teddy because the SEBF was on a low setting as Teddy wasn't talking at that point.
So... to get back to the story, Ethan, with Teddy, and 'Sigi' climbed aboard the Caleche, and started clip-clopping happily along the Corniche.
The horse, incidentally, was happy, because Teddy had let it be known that they remembered him, and his driver, Omar, from a previous visit to Luxor, and they were pleased to have him taking them on a trip round Luxor.
(Teddy, of course, could understand and communicate telepathically in 'Horse', which was obviously the language that all horses used, no matter what country they came from - just as Teddy communicated in 'Owl' when he was communicating with Glaux - and in case you haven't being paying attention Glaux was a baby owl.)
"So where you go... Effendi ?", Omar asked.
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| Road Sign - Luxor |
"First to the Temple of Luxor, and after that to a good coffee shop, for some 'shai'.", Ethan said, enjoying showing off the little Arabic that he knew.
Early morning is a good time to take a ride in a Caleche in Luxor, with the fresh invigorating breeze blowing from the Theban hills and the Nile.
But it was a relatively short drive, and the huge columns of the Temple of Luxor soon came into view.
Now you will probably be pleased to know that Teddy was not going to give a 'blow by blow' account of every little detail of the Luxor Temple, and had not brought with him any visual aids, and he didn't even have his white Walmart bag with him - (Jim had the bag which held the precious gold box with him, as he thought it would be safer than leaving it with Ethan).
(follow the link for Teddy's previous guided tour of Luxor Temple)
Teddy, however had been given instructions from Faunus as to what to say to 'Sigi' about the Temple.
So as they approached the Temple, Teddy turned up his SEBF ('Somebody Else's Business Field', in case you've forgotten the acronym), and began explaining things to 'Sigi'.
 |
| 'El Uqsur' - Luxor |
"So... when travelers from the Arab world first came here they called the city they found here 'the palaces', which in Arabic language is 'El Uqsur', because they thought the huge ruined buildings were 'palaces' rather than 'temples'.
It's the name 'El Uqsur' that has become today's name 'Luxor'."
'Sigi' nodded.
"OK, that's 'cool'.", 'Sigi' said, relieved that Teddy's explanation was possibly going to be quite simple, and not like some complicated 'lecture'.
Meanwhile, Omar had brought the Caleche to a standstill outside the entrance to the Luxor temple, and waited for his passengers - who simply seemed to be sitting and saying nothing, (he was obviously not aware of Teddy's talk to 'Sigi' - the SEBF of course).
"OK Omar - you wait here for us and, as we will want you for the rest of the morning, there will be plenty of baksheesh, and some sugar and an apple for your horsey." Ethan said to Omar.
"I know, effendi - I remember from before." Omar said, smiling broadly.
"Such a handsome boy.", Ethan said, as they climbed down from the Caleche.
At the same time, Hassan parked the Mercedes-Maybach, and basked in the air-conditioned comfort.
There were 'Tourist Police' hanging around, smoking, but they made no attempt to interfere as once again they, like all the other police and security, presumed that the huge limo was a government car.
Then, instead of heading for the main entrance of the Temple, Teddy told Ethan to turn to the right so that they could look at some of the sphinxes.
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| Avenue of Sphinxes - Luxor - Egypt |
"The Ancient Egyptians weren't very good at laying pavements, were they.", 'Sigi' commented, as he tripped for the third time on the uneven slabs.
"Oh no... this isn't ancient Egyptian - this is modern Egyptian - laid just a few years ago." Teddy said.
"Well I hope Jim doesn't pay the same workers to lay any new pavement in the 'Winter Palace'.
"No - that's not a problem.
You see the Egyptian authorities pay their workers very little - so they don't bother to work well - but if you look at all the Hotels - owned by non-Egyptian companies, the work is very good - like our hotel.
So I know that Jim will pay well, so all the work will be done properly, and anyway, with Zac arriving here soon, no one will dare to do sloppy work.", Teddy said, being as blunt in his remarks as only an animatronic teddy-bear could be.
"So why have we walked all this distance away from the entrance to the Temple ?", Ethan asked Teddy.
"...'obvious - to show 'Sigi' the avenue of sphinxes - and it goes all the way to Karnak - which we'll probably visit tomorrow.", Teddy replied.
"Well couldn't you have just pointed it out to 'Sigi', while we were standing by those two 'gateway-pylon-thingys' ?", Ethan said, sounding quite exasperated.
"Probably, but I think it looks better from here.", Teddy replied.
"...'easy for you to say, Teddy
You get carried... 'me and 'Sigi' - we have to do all the walking.", Ethan said.
"OK guys... well let's just go and look at the Temple.", 'Sigi' said, hoping the whole morning wasn't going to be taken up with Ethan and Teddy arguing.
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| Entrance Pylon - Temple of Luxor - Egypt |
"Right - and I have a few things to explain to you about this Temple.", Teddy said, regaining his equilibrium.
So they walked back to the Pylon (gateway), guarded by seated statues and one solitary obelisk.
"So who are those little guys sitting at the base of the obelisk ?", 'Sigi asked.
"Those are statues of Hamadryas baboons, who were admired for their intelligence, and were therefore considered sacred to Thoth, an ancient Egyptian 'neter' who represented wisdom, and was considered to be the scribe of the gods.", Teddy explained.
Although no longer native to Egypt, Hamadryas baboons were kept - very much like 'pets' - in ancient Egyptian temples, and on death they were mummified, and buried in catacombs. Often Baboons warm themselves in the early morning by sitting upright and raising their arms towards the rising sun - and the ancient Egyptians took this to mean that the baboons were worshipping RA - the 'neter' of the sun.
"Well I don't think I'd like a baboon as a pet.
They've got big teeth and a nasty look in their eyes....
Give me a cute kitten like Bastet or Sekhmet anyday.", Ethan said, as he eyed the sculpted baboons warily.
Meanwhile, back at the 'Winter Palace' odd little groups of Egyptians were being allowed into the 'Winter Palace' grounds by Faunus.
In the lowest floor of the Winter Palace there had been some areas let out as shops for the tourist trade.
When the 'Winter Palace' had been closed, the shop owners had been forced to leave, and then the retail areas head been emptied of all furnishings, and had been left completely vacant.
Faunus had arrange for one of these empty retail units, on one side of the main staircase, to be used for male possible workers, and another, identical retail unit, on the other side of the main staircase, to be used for possible female workers.
And so interviews were held, and details were taken.
At this initial session, only about thirty people had been invited from the villages.... and if the venture proved successful, then more individuals would be invited.
The whole affair turned out to be very calm and organised, which surprised Jim - who knew how volatile ordinary Egyptian people could be - but then, as Faunus had pointed out, these people were unlikely to cause any problems, considering Jim's rather intimidating reputation (since his last visit), combined with the fact that people were keen to obtain well paid work.
Back at the 'Luxor Temple', however, more serious matters were afoot.
Leaving the baboons to endlessly worship the brilliant sun, Ethan - with Teddy, and 'Sigi' strolled into the Peristyle Court of Ramses II.
"The great Court of Rameses II is 188 feet (57 m) long and 168 feet (51 m) wide.
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| Peristyle Court of Ramses II - Reconstruction - Luxor - Egypt |
"But this is not intended to be a typical tourist visit.", Teddy then said, rather mysteriously.
"So let's find a place to sit, and I will explain...."
Ethan looked puzzled, but said nothing.
"In 1937 the French mathematician, philosopher and Egyptologist, R.A.Schwaller de Lubicz, began a fifteen year, on-site study of this temple in Luxor.
Assisted by a highly trained team of surveyors and architectural draftsman, he precisely measured, analyzed and recorded every stone, column, passageway, chamber, inscription and statue in the temple complex.
His findings were eventually published in a book entitled 'The Temple of Man', which called for a total re-examination and reinterpretation of the the then accepted entire body of Egyptological theory.
Strangely, however, this important work by Schwaller de Lubicz has been, to a great extent, ignored by the contemporary Egyptological community - - but has not been ignored by the creators pf what is called, by many, the 'alternative Egyptology'.
Schwaller's book has also been carefully studied by numerous intelligence gathering organizations - including such organisations in the US, the United Kingdom and Egypt - among others....
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| Schwaller de Lubicz |
Schwaller de Lubicz proposed that the Ancient Egyptians possessed mathematics superior to that of the ancient Greeks, whom they preceded by more than 1500 years, and also that of the Europeans, whom they preceded by more than 3000.
In addition, he proposed that Egyptian culture represents system in which science, religion, philosophy and art were fused into one grand and extraordinary synthesis equaled no where else in the entire ancient or modern world...
Are you understanding me ?", Teddy said, as he paused.
"I think so...", Sigi replied.
"No...", Ethan said, looking blank.
"Well don't worry Ethan - I'll explain it again, slowly and carefully, when we get back to the hotel.", Teddy said.
.
Teddy paused for a moment....
"While it is too complicated for me to talk about here, at the moment, it may be enough to say that Schwaller de Lubicz found in the 'Temple of Luxor' a record of the understanding of the laws of creation, and the manner in which spirit becomes manifest as matter.
You see it's like that little gold box you've been looking after
Also, one of his main ideas was that the various sections of the human body are incorporated into the proportions of the temple itself, and in the proportions of the various sculptures and wall carvings.", Teddy continued.
The father of René Adolphe Schwaller de Lubicz was a chemist - apparently wealthy - and the young René grew up in a world of science, nature and art.In his youth he had two peculiar experiences. In 1894, at the age of seven, Schwaller had a kind of mystical insight into the nature of the divine. This glimpse of metaphysical reality would return seven years later when, at fourteen, he experienced another insight, this one into matter. 'What is the origin of matter ?' The question occupied him the rest of his life.
"And why are you telling us this, if we don't really understand it ?", Ethan asked.
"Well Faunus told me to mention it to you, particularly as 'Sigi' hadn't seen the 'Temple of Luxor' before, and it would perhaps be a good introduction, as we are actually visiting the temple.", Teddy explained.
"OK, but this was probably one of the times when some good plans of the temple might have come in handy.", Ethan pointed out.
"Anyway, no matter.
I'm sure that Teddy can come up with some really excellent plans and pictures later, when we go back to the hotel.", 'Sigi' said, trying to placate Ethan.
"But Teddy, I thought we were just going to have a quiet walk through the temple, and you were going to tell 'Sigi' something about it...with a few dates and things...
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| The Sarcophagus |
 |
| The Pyramid and the Temple |
But why all the mysterious stuff about 'laws of creation' and 'spirit and matter' ?", Ethan asked - "after all this trip is supposed to be just a holiday.",
Ethan said.
"Well Faunus wanted me to say something about these things.
There are things - like the box you've been looking after so carefully - like the sarcophagus - like the pyramid itself.... that have great significance.
But very few understand, and few should ever be permitted to make use of such things.... 'can be trusted to use such things... but I think I have said more than I should...", and Teddy stuttered to a halt.
Ethan and 'Sigi' looked at one another, unsure what to say.
"Well OK... we'll leave it 'till later....
So just tell us a bit more about this temple, Teddy...." ,'Sigi' said.
 |
| Temple of Luxor - Egypt - Reconstruction |
It was a night towards the end of his first, and very unexpected visit to Egypt... a night which had always seemed more like a dream than an actual happening.... and 'Sigi' only had a vague recollection of being in the Sarcophagus, although in retrospect he didn't have any idea why he did such a weird, and seemingly macabre thing.
Apparently it was some strange ancient Egyptian ritual that Faunus wanted them to experience, although it all seemed a bit pointless to 'Sigi', and at the time he was far more concerned about getting away from the pyramid before the Egyptian police arrived.
The rumor among the 'boys' was that if you spent even a short time in the sarcophagus it would delay the aging process - at least that what was said in Cairo on the way back to the US, but 'Sigi' found that really hard to believe, as all he experienced in the sarcophagus was mild claustrophobia, and so 'Sigi' suspected that they had all been given some sort of 'hypnotic suggestion' by Faunus.
"Well I can't remember much about this place from last time, but it really looks very 'crumbly'...", Ethan commented, as he surveyed the massive ruins.
"Don't worry, Ethan... I've got some excellent images of the latest CGI reconstructions back at the hotel, on my laptop.", Teddy said brightly.
 |
| 'The Temple of Man' |
"Well look around you..... ", Teddy began,
"Look at all those bizarre animal-headed gods.
Schwaller said that they were not figments of the primitive imagination or carryovers from still more primitive religions, as many have thought, but rather they are embodiments, as Schwaller said, of what he called 'cosmic principles' - 'Ideas' - like in Plato - through which what he called universal consciousness descended into the universe, and it is the recognition of such 'principles' that is missing in the present technologically brilliant, but spiritually empty science.
As Schwaller put it, fertilization, gestation, birth, growth, maturity, senescence, death, rebirth, and resurrection are the 'principles' of the 'organic world'.
Polarity, substantiality, potentiality, time-and-space, and process are among the 'principles' of the 'cosmological world'.
These, given appropriate names and forms, were the 'neteru' - the great 'gods' of ancient Egypt.
And to the ancient Egyptians, each was associated with its own number symbolism, which in turn was indicated by the geometry of the temples erected to manifest that particular 'god'.", Teddy explained.
"So you're saying that the shapes and designs of the temples actually represented the 'gods' ?", Sigi suggested.
"Yes, exactly - Well done 'Sigi' !...", Teddy said.
"Well that's a bit complicated, Teddy, but I think I 'get it... a bit...
Very clever !", Ethan commented, as he gazed up at the huge granite sculptures.
"As I explained when you came here before, Ethan, the ordinary Egyptian people were not admitted into the temples in Egypt, and this very much justifies Schwaller's idea that the temples were images in stone expressing the beliefs of a very small, secret group.
Another point to remember is that ordinary people in ancient Egypt couldn't read Egyptian hieroglyphics. and the temples, of course, are covered in hieroglyphic inscriptions.", Teddy said.
A translation of the Egyptian name for hieroglyphics is 'Words of the Neteru' - and the hieroglyphics were not used for ordinary, everyday writing. It took many years to learn even the basics of hieroglyphic script, which combined combined logographic, syllabic and alphabetic elements, with a total of some 1,000 distinct characters. The art of writing hieroglyphics was taught in special schools, attached to the temples.
Hieroglyphics
"Well, if these 'hieroglyphic-thingys' could only be read by the priests, then why are these very big buildings covered in them ?", Ethan asked.
"That, Ethan, is a very good question, which most, supposedly very clever, Egyptologists have never bothered to ask or answer.", Teddy replied.
"And do you have an answer ?", Sigi asked.
" I think so...", Teddy began tentatively.
"And ?", Ethan asked.
"Well we think of writing and words as a way of communicating information.
That's probably not the way the ancient Egyptians thought of writing and words.
There is much evidence - from the ancient Egyptians themselves - that they thought of words as a way of bringing 'things' and events into existence.
So... for instance, to name a 'neter' - a 'god', was to establish the reality of that 'god' - and to create his or her presence in a particular place.
To describe what we would call a mythological event or story, would actually reenact or recreate that event or story - and so words were, to the ancient Egyptians, very powerful forces.
And that is why the knowledge of hieroglyphics was restricted to the priests, and the highest levels of society - and why, when the ancient Egyptian religion was eventually outlawed, and the temples closed in AD 394, the knowledge of the hieroglyphics was lost - until the 1820s - when hieroglyphic texts were finally translated by Jean-François Champollion.
Jean-François Champollion Jean-François Champollion - born 23 December 1790 and died 4 March 1832 - was a French scholar, philologist and orientalist, known as the decipherer of Egyptian hieroglyphs. A child prodigy in philology, he gave his first public paper on the decipherment of Demotic in 1806, and already as a young man held many posts of honor in scientific circles, and spoke Coptic and Arabic fluently. During the early 19th century, French culture experienced a period of 'Egyptomania', brought on by Napoleon's discoveries in Egypt during his campaign there (1798–1801) which also brought to light the trilingual Rosetta Stone which was the main means by which hieroglyphics were finally translated.
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| Rosetta Stone |
"I think that might be a good idea - and then we can go back to the 'Winter Palace', and see how Jim and Clare are getting on...", 'Sigi' said.
"So where are you planning on going for this meal ?", Teddy asked.
"Well what about that restaurant in the alleyway off the Sharia al-Mahatta, where they serve roast water buffalo ?
That 'buffalo-thingy' was really tasty - and the people working there were really friendly...", Ethan suggested enthusiastically, as they started walking back to the entrance pylons.It didn't take them long to find Omar, who was patiently waiting with the Caleche
"Well, it smells good...", Ethan said, as they climbed the narrow concrete steps to the restaurant on the floor above street level.
Ordering, however, was relatively simple as the restaurant had, by US and European standards, a very restricted choice of menu.
Hassan was also waiting with the Mercedes-Maybach, just in case they needed to retreat into the cool comfort of the air conditioning.
And so it was just another short drive up towards Luxor's rather weird 'ancient Egyptian style' railway station, to the tiny, dusty alleyway where the little upstairs restaurant with no apparent name was situated.
"Well, it smells good...", Ethan said, as they climbed the narrow concrete steps to the restaurant on the floor above street level.The restaurant was definitely not intended for tourists, as there was no sign advertising its presence, and to enter the establishment one had to squeeze past the guys serving 'take-away' food, and then negotiate the stairs.
However, if you ever visit the city of Luxor that is to be found in this particular 'alternative universe', you are highly recommended to visit this restaurant for a delicious meal, at a knock-down price - although it would help if you spoke a modicum of Arabic.
Now this was the third time that Ethan had visited this establishment, although it was the first time for 'Sigi' - but the owner remembered Ethan.
Fortunately the owner, and one of the younger waiters, together, understood sufficient English to be able to take the order.
 |
| Water-buffalo |
The did have, however, Ethan's favourite - roast water-buffalo', which was served with the ubiquitous boiled potatoes, and a nice salad, preceded by very tasty vegetable soup.
Not only was the food good, but the service was very speedy, and once they had finished eating, Ethan and 'Sigi' sat back and relaxed, and enjoyed some 'shai'.
"What about Hassan and Omar - shouldn't we send some food down to them...?", 'Sigi' suggested.
"Good idea...", Ethan said, and he told the young waiter, whose English was reasonably good, to provide the limo driver and the caleche driver with a take-away snack.
"So I suppose it's back to the 'Winter Palace' now, Teddy.", Ethan said.
"Yes - and I was wondering when you were going to remember me.
You really shouldn't ignore me just because I don't eat.", Teddy said, sounding disgruntled.
"OK... well, when Omar and Hassan have finished their snacks, we'll make a move.", 'Sigi' said, as he looked out of the large open window at the narrow alley below where the caleche was parked.
Meanwhile, Ethan went over to the owner, paid for the meal, and dispensed a hefty tip.
Ethan, with Teddy, and Sigi then carefully descended the narrow steps to the ground floor, and the alleyway.
They then set off.
"Go down 'Station Street' (Sharia al-Mahatta), and stop when you come to a shop that sells fruit.", Ethan said to Omar, as they climbed into the caleche.
"Of course, 'Pash'.", Omar replied, well knowing what Ethan was intending to buy.
As soon as Omar found a suitable shop, he stopped, and Ethan, passing Teddy to 'Sigi', climbed down, and selected three of the best looking apples from the street-side display.
Having paid for the apples, Ethan gave two of the apples to Omar, and stood on the pavement feeding the remaining apple to the horse.
"Have one for yourself, if you like, Omar, but save one for your horse for later.", Ethan said.
"شكران افندي - (Shukran Effendi - Thank you, Sir) !", Omar said, smiling broadly.
Ethan then paid Omar hansdomly, and gestured for 'Sigi - with Teddy, to leave the Caleche.
"بارك الله فيك - (May Allah bless you) !", Omar said, smiling even more, as he stuffed the bundle of notes into his wallet.
For a few moments 'Sigi' and Teddy watched Ethan feeding the horse.
 |
| Petronius |
"You know, Ethan is a very lonely boy, 'Sigi'.
Long ago he lost a brother, after that he never grew up.
That's why he's so fond of animals.
He feels they won't leave him, and he can trust them.", Teddy said quietly.
"Yes, but he's got Jim.", 'Sigi' suggested.
"Yes but it's not quite the same.", Teddy said.
"And who was this brother ?", 'Sigi asked.
"His name was Petronius...", Teddy replied.
"Mmm, that name sounds somehow familiar - and did you ever meet him ?", 'Sigi' asked.
"Well sort of...", Teddy replied - enigmatically.
'Sigi' decided not to pursue the subject, and waited for Ethan beside the limo.
Finally Ethan finished feeding Omar's horse, and they all got into the limo.
"Thanks for the take-away - and where do we go now ?", Hassan asked.
"Back to the 'Winter Palace', I think, Hassan.", Ethan replied.
 |
| Winter Palace Entrance |
Ethan was eager to climb the stairs and go through the doors of the main entrance, but he knew that Jim had insisted on those doors remaining locked until the renovations had been completed.
So, on leaving the limo, they entered the building through the far less imposing ground floor entrance.
There they found Faunus, Jim and Clare.
"So...How's it going ?", Ethan asked Jim.
"Very well - we're nearly finished - at least for today.", Jim replied, sounding very pleased with himself.
"And your look round Luxor ?", Clare asked.
"Well, Teddy and I have seen it all before, but 'Sigi had a look round the Luxor Temple.", Ethan explained.
"So what about tomorrow ?", Clare asked.
 |
| Winter Palace Gardens - Luxor - Egypt |
The 'kitties' in case you're wondering, are two kittens that Ethan adopted when he was on the West Bank during his first visit to Egypt. Originally they belonged to Khonsu - but they are not ordinary kittens but rather 'avatars' of 'Bastet' and 'Sekhmet' - Egyptian 'neteru'.
 |
| 'Bastet' and 'Sekhmet' |
"Yes... of course...", Jim said.
"The kitties are the main thing... " - Jim replied - not sure how to respond to Ethan's outburst.
"Well I'll help you, if you want. ", 'Sigi' offered.
"Yes... and I'll get a couple of young guys from the village to help." Ismail, who had overheard what Ethan had said, also offered.
"You do know that the gardens of the Winter Palace are the largest green area in the whole city ?", Teddy said.
"No... but we must do something.
I remember from the 'Villa Auream' that gardens needed constant attention.", Ethan said, forgetting himself for a moment.
"That's enough, Ethan !", Jim said firmly.
"Oh yes - it just slipped out.", Ethan said, and turned away from the group, trying to hide his embarrassment.
"Well, Franklin bought the place for us with all furnishings and fittings - ornaments, artworks etc, plus machinery and equipment - in fact everything used in the building, all included in the price - the previous owners were only to pleased not to have disposed of such things, so perhaps you and Teddy and 'Sigi' could do some exploring, here on the ground floor, and see if you can find any gardening equipment - So here's some keys, and the best of luck.", Jim said.
"Well that's the last thing that I ever thought Ethan would become - a gardener !", Clare said, as the 'boys' went off to explore.
So 'Sigi', who was quite 'mechanically minded' found a motor mower in a outbuilding containing various items of gardening and building equipment, while the others discovered edging shears, and once Teddy had been settled on one of the garden benches, then Ethan and 'boys' started tackling the lawn area nearest the rear of the building.
"I need a brush !", Teddy, who was too small to help with the gardening, said - obviously annoyed.
"All that sand and dust, and now bits of grass.
I'll never get myself clean !", Teddy continued.
"Yes, we know that you're a clean bear, but you just sit and wait, and tell us if we miss any bits - and then, back at the hotel, I'll get you properly cleaned up and brushed, and you can relax.", Ethan said, trying to placate Teddy, who always calmed down one he had a good, stiff brushing.
"Well all I can say is - 'the quicker we move into this place the better' - anyway, I don't like that Steigenberger place very much - it's not 'classy' enough.", Teddy said, obviously going into one of his sulks.
The afternoon wore on.
Eventually Jim and Clare had seen all the individuals who had come at Ismail's invitation, seeking employment at the Winter Palace.
Most had been taken on - and very few had been unsuitable.
Jim and Clare then went out from the ground floor rear entrance, that led to the gardens.
Ethan was still working away with two 'boys' from the village, raking up all the grass that had been cut by 'Sigi', who was very expertly using a petrol driven mower.
Jim then took a rake from the tool store, and joined in, while Clare, at Jim's insistane, joined Teddy on the garden bench.
 |
| Winter Palace Gardens - Sunset |
"Well, I think that's about it.", Jim said to Ethan.
"...'suppose so...", Ethan replied.
"I really didn't think that this garden was so big...", Ethan said, sounding a little dispirited.
"..'told you so...", Teddy called out, a little unsympathetically, from his bench.
"Well when we get back from to the hotel, I'll 'phone Franklin, and get him to arrange from some professional help to be brought in from Cairo." Jim said.
"So come and sit down, Ethan.
It's not good to work so long in the hot sun."
Meanwhile 'Sigi' had locked the mower and shears in the outbuilding and paid off the village boys for their afternoon's work - promising them more if they came back next day.
"Well, if I may say, Jim, I think that we've all done very well today.", Clare said, trying to sound upbeat.
"That's nice of you to say, Clare, but we really can't continue like this - which is why I'm going to bring in some outside help - and we also need Zac out here to organize security with the local police, and Josh to make some contacts with the local trades-people for supplies.", Jim said.
"And if Josh comes,can you get him to bring Glaux ?", Ethan asked, suddenly sounding enthusiastic again.
"Of course - but I think Novius and the kittens should wait until things are more settled."
Jim then looked round...
"And by the way - where's Faunus ?", Jim asked.
"Well once everything seemed to be sorted out, he went off to talk to Hassan.", Clare replied.
"So ... I wonder what that's all about ?", Ethan said - sounding suspicious.
"Well, we'll see in a moment - as, if everything' tidied up, I think we should go back to the Steigenberger.", Jim said.
So Jim, making sure that the two village boys had left, carefully locked all the doors, and they made their way to the forecourt where the Mercedes-Maybach was parked.
Immediately Hassan stepped from the driving seat to open the doors.
"We're hot and tired, so please take us back to the Steigenberger.", Jim said.
"At once, 'pash'.", Hassan replied.
 |
| Steigenberger Hotel - Entrance - Sunset - Luxor - Egypt |
Faunus, who had rode back in the seat next to Hassan, did not get out when they reached the hotel.
"Don't worry about me Jim, I'll go over to the West Bank with Hassan.", Faunus said - seemingly keeping in character as 'Ali'.
Jim then handed over an envelope, inscribed with Hassan's name in Arabic.
That's for today's work, and if you can, take this envelope for Mahmoud - for being on 'standby' - if you understand my meaning.", Jim said.
"Yes, I understand 'pash' - 'salaam'.", Hassan said, and then smoothly drove away.
Immediately the very tall, smart doorman of the Steigenberger came forward to greet them, and opened the doors of the main entrance for them.
"I hope you have had a good day sightseeing, sir..", the doorman said.
"Not really - we've been gardening.", Jim said.
The doorman looked confused, but Jim was too tired to explain.
The staff at the reception desk greeted Jim and his companions, and copying the doorman, asked about the day's sightseeing.
Jim simply said they had a good day, and told the senior receptionist that he would be requiring dinner in his suite, later, for four, as on the previous evening.
Teddy then did his usual 'button pressing' in the elevator, and then 'Sigi' and Clare went to their rooms and Jim, Ethan and Teddy returned to the 'Presidential Suite'.Of course the first thing that Teddy wanted, on arriving at the suite, was to be brushed - so Ethan got a towel from the bathroom - sat Teddy on the towel, and started brushing out all the sandy dust, and bits of cut grass from Teddy's fur.
 |
| Room 36 - Steigenberger Hotel - Luxor |
"Did you know that Zahi Hawass stays at this hotel, and has his own permanent suite ?", Teddy asked Jim as he came off the internal 'phone.
"Does he - how do you know that ?", Jim asked.
"My database, of course.", Teddy replied, smoothing down some fur that he felt was looking just a bit too fluffy.
"It's room 336... You could always 'phone reception and ask them to put you through to him, that's if he's in...", Teddy said.
زاهي حواس - Zahi Hawass, who was born in 1947) is an Egyptian archaeologist, Egyptologist, and former Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs. He has also worked at archaeological sites in the Nile Delta, the Western Desert, and the Upper Nile Valley. Hawass was appointed to the position of Chief Inspector of the Giza Pyramid Plateau, but was removed from the position - but then was mysteriously reinstated Hawass was reinstated as Chief Inspector. Subsequently Hawass was appointed Minister of Antiquities, but he was later dismissed. Hawass studied Egyptology in the US, and the 'Cayce Foundation' paid for Hawass’ Ph.D.
زاهي حواس - Zahi Hawass
Now the fact that Hawass apparently had a permanent suite in the Steigenberger concerned Jim.
 |
| US Intelligence Community |
Jim's own brush with the CIA, in Nevada, made him aware of the interest such organisation had in what most people considered to be the 'paranormal', and Jim did not want to get involved in such matters once again.
Jim then replied to Teddy's suggestion about contacting Hawass.
"No Teddy, I'm not going to 'phone him, and I don't want you or Ethan speaking to him.
And does Faunus know about this ?", Jim said very seriously.
"Yes... I told him... and I was only making one of your 'human jokes' - and apparently very badly.", Teddy said as he stopped playing with his fur, and plumped up his pillows.
"I know -
But Hawass could be a problem for us.", Teddy said.
"Yes well, no more talk about this, or the 'portal' - with Hawass here there's always the possibility that the room may be 'bugged'...", Jim said, rather dramatically.
"Its not.
I checked it when we arrived." Teddy said.
"I didn't know you had a bug-detecting device...", Ethan said, as he came in from the bathroom, buttoning up his shirt.
"Oh yes... I'm fully equipped and ready for all eventualities.", Teddy said boastfully.
"OK Teddy, I think that's enough...", Ethan said.
While Ethan and Teddy glared at one another, Jim 'phoned Clare and 'Sigi', and invited them to the 'Presidential Suite' for dinner.
Then Jim rang down to reception for menus and table settings for four to be sent up.
"Are you going to tell Clare and 'Sigi' about Hawass ?", Ethan asked Jim.
"Yes, I must - it's essential.", Jim said.
So what's this thing about Hawass ?", Ethan asked.
"Well I think I should explain that over dinner, when we are all here.", Jim said.
Moments later the buzzer sounded, and Clare and 'Sigi' arrived.
After some chat about the afternoon in the 'Winter Palace' gardens, and some complimentary comments from Clare about how nice Teddy's fur was looking - which pleased Ethan immensely - the waiters took the orders and then Jim, Ethan, Teddy, Clare and 'Sigi' all sat in rather uncomfortable silence until the waiters arrived with the first course.
 |
| Secret Squirrel |
"It's because Jim has some 'secret squirrel' stuff to talk about, and he's worried that one of the waiters might be a CIA agent or something - listening in to our conversation.", Ethan said - only half seriously.
Clare looked at Jim, and nodded.
But the first course soon arrived.
"So Jim, what's this all really about ?", Clare asked.
"Well, there's a guy staying here that you mustn't talk to.", Ethan said immediately interrupting.
"Oh... tell me more, Jim.", Clare asked, obviously intrigued.
"Well, I think I'd better leave it to Teddy, as he obviously knows more about this than I do.", Jim said,
Teddy, who was sitting on the table next to Ethan, took out his horn rimmed glasses and prepared to explain....
"Well, I need to give you some background information first.
 |
| Edgar Cayce |
"Ah... weird stuff, eh.", Ethan said
Teddy ignored this comment and carried on with his explanation.
"Cayce's channeling sessions happened in a trance state.
During these sessions, Cayce would answer questions on subjects as varied as healing, reincarnation, dreams, the afterlife, past-life, nutrition, Atlantis and ancient Egypt, and future events.
Cayce founded a nonprofit organization, the 'Association for Research and Enlightenment', to store records of his channelings, as well as run a hospital.
As time went by, his pronouncements increasingly came to involve occult or esoteric themes.
Cayce also accepted the existence of 'aliens' and 'Atlantis', and claimed that the 'red race' - presumably he meant 'native American Indians' - developed in Atlantis.
Significantly, Cayce gave a number of readings on his own experiences in ancient Egypt - as he believed in reincarnation, and had previously lived in ancient Egypt at the priest 'Ra Ta'.
Being a christian, however, Cayce rather incongruously tried to relate his ancient Egyptian revelations to the life of Jesus.
Cayce also spoke many times about the 'Hall of Records', which he stated was an ancient 'library' lying under the Great Sphinx at Giza.
It has subsequently been suggested that the 'Hall of Records' was created by a superior race of intelligent beings - possible 'extraterrestrials', or 'extra dimensionals'.
 |
| Temple of Kukulcán (the Feathered Serpent) - Mexico |
However, the study of, and the search for the 'Hall of Records' is considered by many academics to be 'pseudo-archaeology'.
These academics make clear distinctions between precise methodological scientific hypothesis, as against possibilities, implications and speculations." Teddy explained.
"Yes...But this can't be the person that we're not supposed to talk to - as he died in 1945, so what's the connection between this Cayce, and the guy staying here now ?", Clare asked, obviously confused.
"Well I did say that I had to give some background information - and this is a complicated subject - so there's more to come, I'm afraid.", Teddy said.
"Oh, sorry... go on... I am interested.", Clare said, not wanting to offend Teddy.
"OK... I'll continue...Teddy said.
"In the 1920s Cayce became involved with the 'Theosophy' of Madame Blavatsky - and he appeared to approve of Blavatsky's many questionable teachings.
In the end Cayce's teaching were transformed, by his descendants, into a veritable 'new age' religion.
 |
| Mark Lehner |
Both men were provided with excellent educations - financed by the 'Cayce Foundation' - and received university accreditation in archaeology and Egyptology.
Lehner, the more intellectually able, concentrated on a academic matters, while Hawass, a rather 'slippery' individual, infiltrated Egyptian governmental circles.
Hugh Lynn Cayce continues the search for the 'Hall of Records' through these two individuals, and one of them, Zahi Hawass, is apparently staying at this hotel.
He, Clare, is the guy thet none of you must talk to.", Teddy concluded.
At that point the main course arrived.
Once the waiters had left the discussion was able to resume.
"Well I've never heard of this man Cayce - which seems strange, as he was an American...", Clare said.
"Interesting, but I would suggest that it's really mainly people with an interest in the 'occult', and 'new age' issues who would come across him...", Jim suggested.
"So, what's it about this Hawass guy that's so worrying ?", Sigi asked.
"Well I've only seen rumours on the internet, but Teddy's in a better position to give you more facts.", Jim said.
"I think first of all we should go back to Cayce as, to some extent, he's at the back of much of this - even although he's dead.
The big question is, was Cayce a fraud, crazy, or did he have information of some kind from 'elsewhere'.", Teddy began, as he settled down on his cushions.
"It seems that as a boy Cayce would see 'little people' who would dance about him, but disappear when others came around.
He also reported that he met an angelic female creature in the woods one day who asked him what he would most like to do.
After telling her that he would like to help children and others, she promised that he would - one day.
Up to that point Cayce had been an indifferent student, but he found afterwards that he could sleep on a book and would instantly know everything in the book, even to being able to quote exact paragraphs.
Now such experiences are often reported by people who are apparently contacted by extra-terrestrials.", Teddy said.
"Ah... this sounds a lot like those 'pesky aliens'... ", Ethan said.
"Indeed..." Teddy continued..... "and such contacts are often the precursors of frequent 'alien abductions' - during which information - often of a prophetic nature - and often not consciously recalled, is embedded in the psyche.
Interestingly, but probably not directly related to Cayce, there was a very famous alien UFO incident that occured in Cayce's home town, Hopkinsville, Kentucky, in 1955, which was one of the most significant and well-documented cases in the history of UFO contacts, and was investigated by the USAF.
Subsequently, as an adult, Cayce made many startling prophecies about future events, almost none of which have come to pass.", Teddy said.
 |
| Sphinx - Giza Plateau - Cairo - Egypt |
"Yes, that's a good point.", Teddy replied.
"Well Cayce said that the 'Hall of Records' would be found beneath the Sphinx, apparently with an entrance close to, or underneath the paws.
There has been some recent excavations there, but it seems that Hawass has not allowed European or American archaeologists to undertake any serious work around the Sphinx.
Some people, however, have claimed that the Egyptians have been secretly digging there."
Teddy then stopped talking as the last course arrived, and Jim told the waiters that he would 'phone down if anything else was required, as they didn't want to be disturbed.
Teddy then continued...
"The 'conspiracy theory' is that the Egyptian government thinks that there might be political advantage in obtaining possible information about the future - or the distant past - for that matter.", Teddy said.
"And now I think I am beginning to see why Jim wants to avoid this Hawass character, who might have connections with the Egyptian and possibly other governments.
It's the 'portal', isn't it, Jim ?", Clare said.
"Of course...
 |
| Giza Plateau - Egypt |
"Precisely !", Teddy said in agreement.
"So that's a very dangerous little 'box-thingy' we have here.", Ethan said nervously.
"Yes...", Jim agreed.'
"So what do we do about Mr. Hawass ?", Clare asked.
"To begin with, if he's here, avoid him.
Sometimes he's here, in the 'Valley of the Kings', but much of the time he's on the Giza Plateau, near Cairo - which is a long way from here.", Teddy said.
"OK, well that's got that out of the way - so what's next ?", Ethan asked.
"Well tomorrow we must do more work at the Winter Palace, and I also think it would be a good idea to get Zac here.", Jim said.
"And is this because of the 'portal thingy' - to keep an eye on it ?", Ethan asked.
"Partly, and also to arrange some good security for the 'Winter Palace'.", Jim added.
"And who's going to collect Zac ?", Ethan then said.
"Well I would like 'Sigi', with Teddy's help, to do that - if you agree, 'Sigi'...", Jim said.
'Sigi' nodded in agreement.
"So I'm going to end up gardening again !", Ethna said.
"Well you're the one who wants the garden sorted out for the 'kitties', Ethan.", Jim said smiling.
"So, I think I'll go to bed now, Jim, unless you want anything else - it's been a busy day.", Clare said, and Jim took her to the door of the suite.
"So 'Sigi', ...you'll be alright going back with Teddy to 'Vegas to pick up Zac.", Jim said, as he returned from seeing Clare out of the suite
"Well yes - as Teddy's the one doing all the work...
So you'll 'phone Zac, and tell him when and where we'll be arriving.", Sigi queried.
"Yes, of course.
You'll go from the 'Winter Palace', and end up in the study in the Penthouse, where Zac will be waiting for you.
Then you'll arrive back at the 'Winter Palace', and Zaz will step into one of the limos, with his luggage, and then Hassan will drive up to the Steigenberger, as if he's come from the airport, and deliver Zac to the doors of the hotel, where Zac will register in reception...
So...if you come down with me to reception, I'll just alert them to the fact that one of our associates will be arriving in the morning.", Jim said.
And so, on their way down to reception, Jim contacted Zac by 'cell-phone' and made arangements for the morning.
Jim and Ethan then returned to their suite, sat on the balcony, and talked quietly, while Teddy sat on the huge sofa and silently updated his database - thought.....
And later they all went to bed.
 |
| 'Cairo Gardens' Truck - Winter Palace |
"This is obviously Franklin's idea of 'professional help'.", Jim said to Ethan.
"The only problemski might be those 'Tourist Police' who seem to be taking far too much interest in what's going on.", Ethan replied.
"OK, well you go along and ask Faunus to use his Arabic, and his 'influence', and maybe some bakshish to get them to go away, and not report it."
"Okey dokey...", Ethan said, and as he went off, he passed Teddy on to 'Sigi'.
 |
| Tourist Police at the Winter Palace |
"طبعا أفندي" - ("Of course, Effendi !"), Faunus (Ali) replied.
Ethan thought that Faunus was somewhat 'overacting' - but then Ethan thought that about real Egyptians as well.
And so Faunus (Ali) went to work, and very quickly the police dispersed, and the trucks parked, and Jim waited for the representatives of whoever Franklin had sent to come to him (in Eastern countries it is essential to wait for people to come to you, rather than you go to them - it's all part of the 'macho game').
And there were gardening specialists, swimming pool technicians, a paving company, expert roofers - the inevitable plumbing company and electricians - and especially for Zac - a security equipment company.
"Well that should do for the moment...", Jim said to Clare.
Now after what was said last night, shouldn't we get Teddy to check these guys (Ethan meant the contractors) for 'bugs' ?", Ethan asked, as he came back from talking to Faunus (Ali).
"Yes Ethan, probably a good idea - but get Teddy to do it casually, once they start working.", Jim said.
"So no more gardening today, Jim..." Clare said.
"I don't know....
I quite enjoyed it yesterday, really.", Jim said.
 |
| Winter Palace - Victorian Lounge - Luxor - Egypt |
"Wow !", 'Sigi' exclaimed a short while later, on arriving at the 'Victorian Lounge'.
"Quite a place.", 'Sigi' added.
Teddy, of course tried to be quite blasé about the magnificent furnishings.
"So is this why Jim bought the place ?", 'Sigi' rather naively asked.
'Sigi' shook his head in disbelief, but refused to 'rise to the bait'.
At this point Ethan joined them, as he had the important Walmart Bag, containing the even more important 'gold box'.
"Right - let's move some of this furniture, and put the gold box on the carpet, and when I tell you, press the red button on the top, and stand back." Teddy said rather dramatically.
The gold box seemed to open - for a moment - and then there were clouds of what seemed to be white smoke, which almost immediately appeared to begin to clear - and there was the 'Dimensional Portal'.
 |
| Dimensional Portal - Victorian Lounge - Winter Palace |
"Oh ! So this is new !
A stripped down version...but where are my cute 'doggy thingys' ?", Ethan asked.
"Well this is the 'sports model' - designed to be less obtrusive, for use in smaller interiors.", Teddy explained.
"OK, but I'd hardly call this a 'smaller interior'....", Ethan commented.
"And why do we have to have all this smoke ?
It's a bit over dramatic.", 'Sigi' said.
"As for that, you'll have to ask Faunus.", Teddy replied.
"So, I have to stay here and help Jim, but now you two go off to 'Vegas !", Ethan said, opening the doors of the 'Portal' for them.
'Sigi' had already used the 'portal', but he was still quite nervous using it, as it seemed such an unlikely contraption, particularly as, when not in use, it could be carried around in a Walmart bag.
The interior of the 'Portal' was about the size of an average hotel elevator, and was completely featureless, and all white.
It was well illuminated, but there was no visible source of light - it just seemed to glow.
"Now try to relax, 'Sigi'.
This will only take a moment.", Teddy said, sounding like an oddly furry member of the 'cabin staff' of some weird interdimensional airline.
As before, there was no sense of movement, and no sound.
The double doors - on arrival, simply slid open to reveal the study in the Penthouse in Las Vegas.
"Hi ! Is anyone home ?", "Sigi called out.
Immediately they heard sound of steps coming down the corridor.
"That's good timing.", Zac said, as he and Josh came into the study.
"Now have you got your luggage with you - because you can't book into a hotel with no luggage.", 'Sigi' said.
Zac and Josh nodded, puzzled by 'Sigi's' question, as the were standing in the study with their cases in their hands.
"And what are you going to do about Glaux ?", Teddy asked Josh
Glaus, the baby owl, as was often the case, was perched on Josh's shoulder, and was looking inquisitively at the 'Portal'.
"Well as the 'Winter Palace' has balconies, I presume that we can take him to a balcony, let you give him directions to the Steigenberger place, and then when we get our room, we can just call Glaux to fly over to our balcony at the Steigenberger." Josh suggested.
"Sounds alright to me....", and then Teddy waited for a moment...., "and Glaux agrees."
Here it should be noted that Teddy and Glaux were able to communicate telepathically, using 'Owl', the language that all owls speak.
Now Glaux didn't mind using the 'Dimensional Portal', as he'd often used the elevator at the 'Penthouse', and also the 'Club Athena' in 'Vegas - and to him the 'Portal' seemed to be just another elevator.
So...once they were all in the 'Portal', Teddy pressed the appropriate buttons, and they made their return journey to the 'Winter Palace' in Luxor.
"Well that was easy...", Zac said.
"Yes, and a lot quicker than Emirates - and an awful lot cheaper.", Josh added.
Then, once they had stepped out of the 'Portal' - with their luggage - they glanced round at the ornately furnished room, while Teddy told 'Sigi' how to 'dismantle' the 'Portal', which obediently returned to its gold box, whic 'Sigi' imediately returned to the white plastic Walmart bag..
Glaux then flew up to perch on one of the chandeliers, to get a sense of his surroundings.
They then opened a window in the ornate lounge, and Teddy very carefully explained to Glaux where the Steigenberger Hotel was situated, and told him to perch in one of the palm trees near the pool, and wait for them to call him.
 |
| Hassan at the Winter Palace |
"So, this is very nice, but let's get to our hotel.", Zac, who was always very businesslike, said.
So they went down to the ground floor, where they met Jim and Ethan.
"Good to have you here.", Jim said.
"So where is Glaux ?", Jim added.
"Oh, he's already on his way to the Steigenberger.", Teddy said.
They then walked over to the forecourt, where Hassan with Faunus (Ali) was waiting with the Mercedes-Maybach.
"Hassan, I'd like you to meet Zac and Josh.
Zac is our Head of Security, and Josh is our Business Manager.", Jim said.
Hassan looked a little surprised on hearing the titles that Jim gave his companions - previously imagining that they wee all simply American tourists.
"Pleased to meet you...", Hassan said in his best English, shaking hands with both Zac and Josh.
 |
| Entrance to the Steigenberger - Luxor |
It was hardly worth using the limo, as the Steigenberger was only a walk away - but it was too far to carry the cases.
"Well it doesn't look much compared to the Winter Palace...", Zac said, as they approached the hotel.
"No...", Jim agreed.
"But it is supposed to be 'five star' - but it's squashed in on a small site.
Inside it's quite nice but very modern, and there's a bit too much marble - and not in the best taste.", Jim added.
"Well it's not really up to the standard of our hotels in 'Vegas.", Josh commented.
"True...", Jim said.
Once they arrived, staff quickly emerged to take Josh and Zac's luggage, and they were able to register at reception without any problems.
 |
| Glaux Waiting in his Palm Tree |
Glaux, who had visited Egypt once before, liked Egypt, or at least Upper Egypt. He liked the clear, clean air, the warm nights, the fact that night and day were of a similar length, and most particularly, the wide variety of small prey that were available to hunt at night.
"So you two go to your suites, and Josh, get Glaux settled, and then Hassan can bring you back to the 'Winter Palace', where we can meet up and make plans.", Jim said, as he left Zac and Josh in the Steigenberger, and had Hassan drive him back to the 'Winter Palace',
if you're wondering about the title - 'Penthouse Gang', then the Link might help - a little - and you may see that this next chapter may be taken as a kind of 'new start' in a new place
So the work goes ahead on the Winter Palace, and eventually Jim feels that enough had been done for the moment, and finally Novius and the kittens can be brought to Egypt, along with Glen, Brody and Jonathan.
and
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and
All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 202