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'Turning and turning in the widening gyre,
The hawk cannot hear the falconer...
Surely some revelation is at hand;
Hardly are those words out,
When a vast image out of 'the Spiritus Mundi'
Troubles my sight.
Somewhere in the sands of the desert,
A shape with a lion body, and the head of a man -
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
Is moving slowly, while all about it
Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.
The darkness drops again; but now I know
That twenty centuries of stony sleep
Were vexed to waking by a rocking cradle'
In the dining room, on board the 'Hadeel', Jim, Novius, Ethan and Teddy were all sitting at the same table for breakfast - although Teddy was actually sitting on the table, and playing with some bread rolls.
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| Teddy and the Bread Rolls |
"Dirty habit, if you ask me - eating, that is.", Teddy replied, as he neatly replaced the rolls on the clean, white plate.
"Well I'm not asking you, so just leave them alone.", Jim said.
"So, Jim, what did you make of my dream ?", Novius asked.
"No offence, Novius, but not much really.
Teddy explained some of it to me, but I must admit, it just left me puzzled.", Jim explained, sounding rather embarrassed.
"Well, these messages from the 'gods', if that's what it was, are almost always obscure, and often make little sense until much later on - so don't worry about it - anyway, Josh contacted me from Luxor to say he has some good news for you from 'Vegas - so hopefully that will cheer you up.", Novius said.
Meanwhile Teddy's stereophonic and highly sensitive ears had noted the fact that there was some 'good news' from Josh, and so Teddy instantly forgot about creating obscure, three-dimensional structures out of 'ucky' bread rolls, and concentrated on 'human-talk'.
Ismail, who had already been sent by Josh - by limo - to Edfu, then arrived in the dining room, and went over to Jim's table.
"Good morning 'Pasha'.
I'm sorry to disturb you during your breakfast - but if we could just go up onto the sun-deck for a moment, I have some information for you from Mr Josh.", Ismail said discretely.
Ismail then handed Jim a sealed envelope.
"OK.", - Jim said as they left the breakfast room for the sun-deck, as Teddy switched to his 'long-range scanning mode'.
Jim carefully looked at the message.
It was in code.
"Ismail - would you ask Ethan to bring Teddy up to the sundeck ?", Jim asked.
Moments later Ethan and Teddy arrived.
"OK... Read that, and tell me - quietly - what it says.", Jim said as he passed the note to Teddy.
"And Ismail, go down to the breakfast room, and get yourself some 'shai' and a snack."
Teddy waited until Ismail was out of earshot, and then explained the contents of the note to Jim.
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| Silver Mine - Sonora - Mexico |
It seems that Franklin has been adding silver concessions to your already existing gold concessions, and has also been setting up exploratory activities in the North of Mexico, seeking new silver deposits, which he estimates should give a 50% annual return once they are fully operative - the value of silver being 1 ounce equalling $27, and rising - and he is seeking your approval for investing further in such activity.", Teddy explained very succinctly.
"Right - let's go and give Ismail his instructions.", Jim said.
And so Ismail was sent back to Josh with the simple message - 'OK'.
"Well that sounds like good news - although I don't really understand all this 'concession-thingy'...", Ethan said.
Jim said nothing to Novius, and told Ethan and Teddy not to discuss the matter with anyone else.
(interestingly, Jim had not been able to trust anybody - except that is for Zac, Josh, Ethan, Teddy and Glaux - since the events in Memphis.)
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| Corniche at Edfu |
By lunch-time they were mooring by the Corniche at Edfu.
"Well, if I didn't know better, I would think that we had gone round in a circle and arrived back at Esna.", Clare said.
"Yes, I know what you mean - but let me try and explain.
All these small towns along the Nile were for centuries tiny little places made up of little mudbrick houses.
Then, particularly after the revolution in '53, the population began to grow very rapidly, and all these rather poorly designed and poorly constructed buildings appeared.
And with the influx of tourists, all the towns with any significant ruins were given a rather ugly corniche for the use of the tour cruise-boats - and so everything began to look almost identical.
It was only old established places, like Luxor, Aswan and Cairo that developed any sense of identity - so that's why everywhere you go tends to look very much the same.", Jim explained.
As they watched the bustle on the Corniche, the four large Mercedes Maybach Pullmans drew up beside the 'Hadeel'.
The rear limo appeared to be full of Athena Security, who quickly made their way up the gangway and reported to Zac.
"What are that lot doing here ?" Glen asked.
Glen, on this occasion, had been 'dragooned' into the trip to the Edfu Temple on Jim's instructions, along with all the other 'guests'.
"They are here to 'secure' the 'Hadeel' while we are away, so that nothing in the way of valuables - but more to the point, documents, digital equipment, records and suchlike goes missing." Jim said.
"Yes... I get the feeling that this is all getting a bit serious... ", Ethan murmured to Teddy.
"Of course.", Teddy replied.
Once in the settled in the luxurious air-conditioned comfort of the limos, the group got their fist proper look at Edfu town.
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| Caleche for Hire - Edfu Corniche |
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| Main Street - Edfu - Egypt |
Unfortunately for the rest of the group, the first thing that Ethan spotted was an empty Caleche !
"Look !
A horsey-carriage- thingy!", Ethan exclaimed.
Jim sighed, but gave up even before Ethan said anything else.
"OK - give me time to get Zac to arrange for someone to go with you and Teddy", Jim said, as he began explaining the situation to Zac.
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| Omar and his 'horsey' in Luxor |
In case you are new to 'Club Jaguar' - this was a problem that started in Luxor, on Ethan's first visit to Egypt, with Omar and his (as Ethan put it) 'horsey'. And every time, from then on, that Ethan went anywhere in Luxor, he would 'phone for Omar and his 'horsey'.
The subsequent result of Ethan seeing this empty caleche in Edfu was a row of four Mercedes Maybach Pullmans slowly following a rather tatty looking caleche, while Ethan, holding on to Teddy, and sitting next to the rather bemused young driver, scanned the nearby shops for a place where he could purchase a few apples for 'his horsey'.
Finally, after a long and very slow drive, they arrived at the Temple of Edfu.
"Now Jim - this is more like it - rather than that dirty hole in the ground in Esna...", Clare said, as she got her first sight of the Edfu temple.
Ethan, however, didn't even notice the temple, as he was more than happy with the caleche.
For some reason he had an obsessive love of horses, and on this ride had managed to buy his bag of apples - and gave one to the horse - promising another when they came back.
Ethan also insisted that the horse be kept in the shade and given plenty of water while they were looking round the Temple.
The young, English speaking caleche driver was only to happy to agree, as he had already been given baksheesh - with the promise of more for the return trip.
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| Entrance Pylons - Temple at Edfu - Egypt |
Ethan, of course, didn't just have some apples in Teddy's white, plastic Walmart bag, but also Teddy's essential 'visual aids' for a very thorough, and detailed visit to the Temple of Horus, (and of course a tiny gold box which contained a 'dimensional portal').
"Well, I enjoyed that drive.", Ethan said, as he offered his 'horsey' a delicious apple, while Zac ushered all the members of the group from the parked limos.
"Now remember... you are a group of young American college students, with your tutor - Novius, and 'school coach', Zac - on an educational trip to Edfu.", Zac explained.
"So what about the teddy-bear ?", Brody quite pertinently asked.
"Well, Teddy will be the college mascot of the 'Bears' - the college football team - just in case anyone asks." Zac replied.
"OK, but how come he talks ?", Brody persisted.
"No one will notice - for reasons I haven't got time to go into.", Zac said - obviously getting annoyed with Brody's awkward questions.
"Right ! Enough questions.
And remember to call Novius 'Sir'.
And Ethan - say goodbye to the horse, and lead on - you know the way.", Jim said, in the hope that they had not drawn too much attention to themselves.
And so, as the place was very busy with newly arrived tourists, they shuffled their way in the direction of the ticket office...
"Excuse me, Effendi...
I am your official guide to Edfu, so I will get the tickets for your student group...", a heavily Arabic accented voice said, just behind Jim.
Jim jumped - fearful that the owner of the voice might be the very sort of individual that Zac had been warning them about, only to discover that it was Faunus, in his 'role' as 'accredited tourist guide'.
" I really wish you wouldn't do things like that, Faunus!", Jim muttered.
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| Ticket to Edfu Temple - $6:50 |
Give these to the leader of your group.
They are your tickets, Effendi, so you don't need to queue up.", Faunus said, grinning..
"And they are genuine ?", Jim asked.
"Yes - I just had them printed !
And now I go to arrange for all these annoying tourists to leave us in peace..."", Faunus said, as he hurried off.
Jim shook his head in despair, having once gain lost control to his mischievous little 'daemon'.
"Who was that ?", Clare asked.
"Oh, just our guide.", Jim replied, as he handed Clare a ticket.
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| Horus the Hawk God |
Either side of the doorway stood a statue of Horus, in the form of a hawk or falcon - wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt.
"I see they've still got the weird looking 'birdies' with skinny legs guarding the entrance to the temple.", Ethan commented.
As the group passed through the main gate, Tourist Police moved in and placed white painted barriers marked 'closed' at the various entrances, whilst other groups and individuals were politely ushered out of the temple site.
"Oh dear - I hope we haven't come too late.
It looks as if the place is closing.", Clare said, sounding disappointed.
"No - don't worry - that's just Faunus clearing the place for us.", Ethan explained.
"So how does he do that ?", Clare asked.
"It's very simple - it's all in the mind." Ethan said, winking.
"So - My name is 'Ali', and I am your guide here at the ancient Temple at Edfu...", Faunus began.
Now not surprisingly only Jim, Ethan and Teddy recognised the Egyptian tour guide as Faunus.
And so 'Ali' (Faunus) began his talk about the Temple of Horus.
"The Temple of Edfu is an Egyptian temple located on the West Bank of the Nile at Edfu.
The city was known during the Hellenistic period, in Koinē Greek, as Ἀπόλλωνος πόλις and in Latin as Apollonopolis Magna, after the chief god Horus, who was identified as Apollo under the 'interpretatio graeca'.
The present temple was built during the Ptolemaic Kingdom, between 237 and 57 BC.
The 'Temple Gateway' or pylon, through which we have just passed, faces south, and is one of the most impressive features of the temple.
The gateway rises to a height of 36 m - which is 118 ft. for our guests from America....
Construction of the pylon gateway was begun under the rule of Ptolemy IX 'Soter' .
The pylon, however, is believed to have been completed later on, as the outstanding colossal reliefs which decorates the pylon depicts Ptolemy XII.
In particular, the Temple's inscribed 'Building Texts' provide details of its construction, and also preserve information about the mythical interpretation of this and all other temples as 'Islands of Creation'.", 'Ali' began.
'Ali' (Faunus) then turned to Ethan...
"Now Mr. Ethan, can you hand out the plans of the Temple to the group members... ", 'Ali' (Faunus) said.
As the plans were being handed out by Ethan, a middle aged, male tourist approached them, waving.
"Hello, Kurt !
I see you have your group with you."
'Sigi' looked downcast.
Graham quickly approached, and shook hands with 'Sigi' - as if they were old friends.
Kurt ('Sigi') quickly explained that he was part of a High School group, and introduced Nathan (Novius) as their 'tutor', and Zac as the 'football coach'.
"And who is this cute little guy ?", Graham, lapsing into what he took to be high school slang, asked, having noticed Teddy.
"Oh, that's the football team mascot - the team are called 'the Bears'.", Kurt ('Sigi') said - making it all up as he went along.
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| Main Courtyard - Edfu Temple - Upper Egypt |
"So how's the guided tour going ?", Graham asked.
"Oh, it's good - 'Ali' is very expert, and anyway none of us are studying Egyptology, so the tour is just for general interest.", Kurt explained, worried that Graham might try to take over the tour.
"So, do you mind if I have a word with your tutor ?", Graham asked.
"Well that's rather up to 'Nathan' (Novius)", 'Kurt' replied.
And so 'Kurt' ('Sigi') introduced Graham to 'Nathan' (Novius).
Now 'Nathan' (Novius) knew all about American High Schools because 'Sigi' had attended 'Green Valley High' back in Henderson, for some considerable time, and Novius had numerous contacts with the school.
Green Valley High School' is located in Henderson, Nevada, United States. The school, serving grades 9 through 12, is a part of the Clark County School District. The school's mascot is the Gator, and the school's motto is 'Commitment to Excellence'. It's most generous benefactor in recent years has been James Johnson.
'Sigi' and Novius, however, were hoping that Graham had no direct knowledge of 'Green Valley High', as the school mascot was a 'gator', and not a 'teddy-bear'.
As he was introduced to Graham Hancock, 'Nathan' (Novius) gave 'Sigi' a wry smile.
Purposefully Novius gave no indication whatsoever that he had ever heard of the well known purveyor of 'Alternative Egyptology', and simply waited to see what the 'author' might have to say.
Not surprisingly, after complimenting Novius on his 'fine group of students' (not realizing that some of them had a knowledge of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome that he would do almost anything to obtain), Hancock then started to expound some of his theories - and in particular those that related directly to Edfu.
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| Inscriptions - Temple of Horus - Edfu |
Carefully, Novius made no direct comments regarding these theories, but simply suggested that they moved on in order to hear more of the talk that was being given by the group's 'Egyptian' guide, 'Ali' (Faunus).
'Ali' then led the group to where some of the actual 'Building Texts' were carved - and began to explain how the 'Texts' were discovered', and later recorded and translated.
"It was only in 1860 that Auguste Mariette , a French Egyptologist, re-discovered the Edfu Temple, and began to excavate it.
As a consequence of its burial, the Temple of Edfu is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, and it was during Mariette's excavations that the 'Texts' first came to light in modern times.
Unfortunately, Mariette's early publications of the 'Texts' were not very accurate, mainly because of the poor working conditions at the time.
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| Mariette |
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| Emile Chassinet |
It took Chassinet 40 years to complete this colossal task.
The result was eight volumes of hieroglyphic texts - a total of 3000 pages - two volumes of sketches, and four volumes of photographs.
The final major task was, however, the actual translation of the inscriptions.", 'Ali' concluded.
Hancock, seeing that his theories about 'Atlantis' and 'Zep Tepi' were not apparently having much impact on the elderly high school tutor ('Nathan', who was really Novius) - and having no real idea as to whom he was actually speaking, Hancock politely said farewell to 'Nathan' and 'Kurt' (Novius and 'Sigi'), and sought the exit of the oddly, and seemingly deserted Temple.
Immediately Zac was on his cell-phone, leaving instructions for two of his plain-clothed security operatives to follow Hancock.
"So, what did you think ?", 'Sigi' asked Novius, as Zac closed his 'phone, after Hancock had left.
"Well really, I would rather not say...", Novius replied - Novius being, as always, the perfect gentleman.
As Hancock had by then left the temple, along with all the other visitors, Teddy took over the guided tour.
"So... although at the time that this temple was built, the Ptolemaic dynasty was nearing its end, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, when it was completed, was a remarkable monument.
It is the second largest temple in Egypt - the largest temple, being the Temple of Karnak near Luxor."
At that point the group were standing in the center of the 'Main Courtyard' - also known as the 'Court of Offerings' - (see image above).
Teddy continued... "The Temple at Edfu itself consists of a main entrance, a courtyard, where we are now, and a 'sanctuary', or chapel.
The three parts of the temple are aligned along a main axis.
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| Plan of the Outer and Inner Hypostyle Halls |
Now we are coming to the 'Outer Hypostyle Hall', which is a roofed courtyard.
If you now refer to the plans (see plan on right) that you were given earlier, you will see that there are in fact two columned halls - known as the 'Outer Hypostyle Hall' and the 'Inner Hypostyle Hall'.
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| Columns of the 'Outer Hypostyle Hall' |
The one on the right is a small 'Temple Library', where ritual texts were stored, while the one on the left is the 'Robing Room, where freshly laundered ritual robes and ritual vases were kept.
The ceiling of the 'Outer Hypostyle Hall' is supported by 12 massive columns.
Though the ceiling is undecorated, the side walls contain reliefs, including those depicting the foundation ceremony of the temple ('Building Texts'), and the deification of Horus.", Teddy explained.
Ethan then interrupted...
"Excuse me, Teddy... but what does 'hypostyle-thingy' mean ?"
Fortunately, Teddy had just about got over being seen as a 'football team mascot', and was quite amenable to giving a brief explanation.
"Hypostyle hall, in architecture, is an interior space whose roof rests on pillars or columns.
The word means literally 'under pillars', and the design allows for the construction of large spaces - as in temples, palaces, or public buildings - without the need for arches.
It was used extensively in ancient Egypt - where the Temple of Amon at Karnak provides a good example.", Teddy said.
"Thanks, Teddy...", Ethan responded - being careful to be polite.
And so Teddy continued.
"Now possibly the most interesting part of the temple, particularly for those of you who cannot read hieroglyphics, and particularly for those of you for whom this is the first visit, is the 'sanctuary'.
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| Edfu Temple - Cella |
However, in the 'Hellenistic' - that is Greek derived - culture of the Ptolemaic Kingdom in ancient Egypt, the 'cella' referred to that which is hidden and unknown inside the inner sanctum of an Egyptian temple, existing in complete darkness, meant to symbolize the state of the universe before the act of creation.
The 'cella' often holds many box-like shrines...", Teddy explained.
And then Teddy paused for a moment in order to give Ethan some instructions...
"So now Ethan, will pass round some copies of a photo taken of the 'cella' when the 'barque' was not actually in the 'cella' - during recent 'refurbishment' - but when we go into the 'cella' now, however, you will see the 'barque' mounted on a plinth in front of the shrine.", Teddy said.
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| Passageway - Edfu Temple |
"So who would read all those hieroglyphics, Teddy ?", Glen asked.
"Well, very few people, actually.
You see no 'ordinary Egyptians' would be allowed beyond the main open courtyard.
That was the custom with all Egyptian temples - and anyway, as I have explained before, it was only the priests and the upper, educated classes who could read hieroglyphics. ", Teddy replied.
"So really, all this writing was a bit of a waste of time...", Brody suggested.
"Well no... not entirely.
"You see the ancient Egyptians had this belief that if you wrote something down, or made an image or caving - then that thing became - in some way, 'real'.
So by doing all this carving they were, in fact, making Zep Tepi actually happen.", Teddy explained.
"Gee - really weird !", Ethan said, as he looked around at all the carvings.
Prior to entering the 'cella', 'Faunus' had also 'arranged' for all the fluorescent floor lights to be switched off as, when on, they gave a totally false impression of the area.
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| Barque and Shrine - Edfu Temple |
"Well - this is spooky...", 'Sigi' said, as they practically tiptoed into the room.
"Now I hope that you haven't arranged one of your mystical little 'visitations' on this occasion... ", Jim said softly.
"Oh no...
I just wanted you all to get a better idea of the interior of the 'cella' in an ancient Egyptian temple, as this one is so well preserved.", Faunus replied reassuringly
And so they wandered round the dimly lit sanctuary.
"So tell me 'Sigi' - or should that be 'Kurt' - was that English guy who came up to us moments ago - the same guy that we saw in Esna ?", Clare asked quietly and discretely.
"Oh yes - and I think it was no accident that he turned up here at exactly the same time as we arrived.", 'Sigi' replied.
At that moment Jim approached them.
Perhaps he was nervous about Clare asking questions, or perhaps he just took the opportunity to speak to her.
"So what do you think of this temple ?", Jim asked.
"Well this is more how I imagined it...
Mysterious and romantic.
I mean... I don't pretend to understand what it's all about - with all the mythology and legends - but this temple I wouldn't have missed for the 'world'...", Clare said.
"Strange choice of words...", 'Sigi ' added... "because it is here, according to some of those ancient myths and legends, that the 'world' may have begun..."
"And do you see what I see ?", Jim whispered.
And Clare, and 'Sigi' followed Jim's gaze to where Ashraf stood in the shadows, carefully tracing with the index finger of his right hand, the shapes of the carved hieroglyphs which were inscribed on the 'barque-shrine'.
"You see - he's following and reading the ancient characters - so it seems he does understand the hieroglyphics.
At that point Ethan and Teddy joined them.
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| Temple of Horus - Edfu - Exterior |
"Yes... but before that there is more to see outside...", Jim said.
Clare looked interested.
"If you go with Ethan and Teddy I'm sure they will be able to show you the 'Mammisi'...", Jim added.
"Ah yes - I remember that from last time...", Ethan said - desperately hoping that he would not be expected to actually say what a 'Mammisi' was.
"Well, if you have a look in your 'Walmart' bag I think you will find a plan...", Teddy said to Ethan.
And so they stepped into the the strong sunlight, having forgotten jut how hot it actually was outside.
"So where is this 'Mammisi' - and what is it ?", Clare asked.
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| Plan of the Mammisi at Edfu |
"So... let me try to explain... ", Teddy said, as he pointed his furry paw in the general direction that they should be walking.
"Egyptian 'birth houses' - known as 'mammisis' - are an important feature of many late period, Ptolemaic and Roman temple complexes in Egypt.
They are actually small temple buildings in their own right, and their decoration is dominated by scenes that relate to the nativity and childhood of the divine child of a local 'god'.
As the young 'god' was identified with the king, 'birth houses' were also places devoted to the worship of the living ruler. ", Teddy explained as they made their way to what was obviously a nearby small temple - while Ethan handed Clare a plan of the 'Birth House'.
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| Mammisis at Edfu Temple - Egypt |
The term 'mammisi' was first used by the famous Egyptologist Champollion.
The ancient Egyptian word for these small temples was 'pr-mst' meaning the 'house of birth'.
Mammisis were added as subsidiary buildings to a number of Late Period temples over a period of more than 500 years - and were dedicated to various 'child-gods'.
Often they were erected in front of , and at right angles to, the main temple.
There must have been a 'birth house' at Esna, as it is mentioned in the inscriptions of the main temple, but it has not yet been located.
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| Mammisi - Edfu Temple - Upper Egypt |
"So did these Egyptians believe that the 'god' of the particular place was actually born there ?", 'Sigi asked Teddy.
"Well probably not - although it's difficult to tell.
The 'birth house', however, was really a small temple in which the 'birth' of the 'god' was, in a way, re-enacted and celebrated - but of course, in their hieroglyphic inscriptions, the ancient Egyptians never really explained what they were actually thinking.
You see the temples, statues, paintings and inscriptions were more like modern 'propaganda' - and less like modern ideas about 'religion'.", Teddy attempted to explain - leaving Ethan looking very puzzled.
Now while Teddy was carefully guiding Clare - who had been joined by 'Sigi', Glen, Brody and Ashraf - round the Edfu Mammisi, Jim was receiving a call on his 'cell-phone' from Josh.
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| Aswan International Airport |
Josh had called Jim to explain that Mr. Stark had arrived at Aswan International Airport.
Aswan International Airport - also known as Daraw Airport, is a domestic airport located 16 km southwest of Aswan, Egypt. It was originally built in 1956.
So Jim gave Josh instructions -
"OK, Josh - then 'phone him again, and tell him that a limo will come to 'arrivals', and then take him to the 'Old Cataract Hotel', where he will have a reserved suite.
The Old Cataract Hotel, is a historic British colonial-era luxury hotel located on the banks of the River Nile in Aswan, Upper Egypt. The hotel was built in 1899 by Thomas Cook to house European visitors. Guests staying at the hotel have included - among others - Tsar Nicholas II, Winston Churchill, Howard Carter and Agatha Christie, who set portions of her novel 'Death on the Nile' at the hotel.
Old Cataract Hotel - Aswan - Upper Egypt
And while Josh was 'phoning, Jim called over Ethan and Zac.
"So I wonder what they're up to now ?", Clare asked 'Sig'.
Ethan handed Teddy to Glen.
"Best not to ask...", 'Sigi' said, as Teddy continued with his explanation regarding the significance of the Edfu 'birth house'.
And so Josh, Ethan and Zac had a quick, and quiet discussion with Jim.
"Now it seems that Stark has arrived at Aswan - he'll be staying at the Old Cataract Hotel - so we'd better decide what we should tell him when we eventually meet.", Jim began.
"Tell him about what ?", Ethan asked, not quite seeing the significance of the situation.
"Well about what we'll be looking for, when we make our way back to Luxor - and perhaps about Ashraf, and why we've been spending so much time and resources in Egypt.", Jim replied - without going into too much detail.
The meeting with Stark, of course, would be somewhat fraught.
Only Jim had met Stark, and then only twice, and that was with the 'Boss' - before the 'Boss' made his fateful and final trip to Mexico.
The others knew of Stark, but Stark knew next to nothing about them.
As far as Jim was concerned, it would therefore be important that they decided how they would all present themselves, and that their 'stories' should be believable and harmonise - and that would need some planning.
And so Jim suggested that they should meet over the following couple of evenings, on board the 'Hadeel', in order to make suitable preparations.
Agreement was reached, and they returned to the limos, where they met up with Clare, 'Sigi', Glen, Brody and Ashraf.
"So ... are we all ready for a drive back to the 'Hadeel', for 'shai', and a late afternoon siesta ?", Jim asked, trying to sound as casual and as offhand as possible.
'After visiting Edfu, the 'Hadeel' sailed even further south, to the temple of Sobek, the crocodile 'god' at Kom Ombo, while Jim and the boys made preparation for their meeting with Mr. Stark at the Old Cataract Hotel at Aswan. '
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 202