The evening ends uneventfully - but in the morning Josh is woken by a phone call telling him that Jim and Zac have arrived, and from then on Jim takes control...The boys go for a visit to Karnak, and arrangements are made for the business meeting in Cairo regarding mineral concessions - and Jim and Faunus later have an 'interesting evening on the 'West Bank'...
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"Hi ! - Were back ! - I fixed the 'glitch' - well Teddy did really." - Ethan
But then traveling in any way would be slow compared to the 'Dimensional Portal'
Now when Jim and Zac were not around Josh, by mutual consent, always took control, so it was Josh who received the 'phone call from Zac to say that he and Jim, had arrived at 'Cairo International Airport', and it was Josh who requested that two of the 'Mercedes Maybach Pullman' limousines were dispatched to 'Luxor International Airport' in order to pick him and Jim up, and drive them to the 'Winter Palace' in Luxor.
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| Mercedes Maybach Pullman Outside the 'Winter Palace' - Luxor |
Now while Ethan was 'tucking into' his inevitable cheese burgers and shay, Josh had summoned Ismail.
"So - are the two limos prepared and ready to pick up Jim and Zac from Luxor Airport ?", Josh asked.
(There were in fact three limousines kept at the 'Winter Palace', but only two were needed for this pickup.)
"Yes, Josh effendi - ", Ismail replied.
"And are Hassan and Mahmoud here, and ready ?", Josh asked.
"Yes, effendi.
They are both looking forward to again meeting Jim pasha and Zac effendi - and driving for them.", Ismail answered enthusiastically.
"Good...
And less of this 'effendi' and 'pasha' business, Ismail.
It sounds a bit weird.", Josh commented.
"If you wish, Mr Josh - It is our custom - but I think that 'before the people' Mr Jim should be called Jim pasha as he is now a very important man here.", Ismail responded.
"OK - but let's be a bit more relaxed about everything...", Josh concluded.
Ismail nodded, and went off the get the limos organized which had been stored in the large garage at the 'Winter Palace' since the 'boy's last visit, and inform the two Egyptian chauffeurs, Hassan and Mahmoud, that they were required.
So, once breakfast was over, Ethan and Teddy made their way down the ornately curved, red carpeted staircase linking the main entrance of the 'Winter Palace' to the street level, where Hassan had parked his newly polished 'Mercedes Maybach Pullman'.
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| Luxor International Airport - Arrivals - Upper Egypt |
Of course in Luxor such automobiles were rarely seen, and Ethan felt very proud of himself as Hassan opened the door to the rear passenger compartment for him and Teddy, (who was very nicely brushed in order to greet Jim).
This first limo was to pick up Jim.
Josh, rather more discretely took his place in the identical second 'Maybach Pullman', driven by Mahmoud, which was to accommodate Zac and Josh - who would undoubtedly have much to discus during the drive from the airport back to the 'Winter Palace'.
And so they set off for 'Luxor International Airport'.
Luxor Airport was upgraded to accommodate more passengers a year. - and the facilities at the time of our story include 48 check-in desks, 8 gates, 5 baggage claim belts, a post office, a bank, a 'Bureau de Change', restaurants, cafeterias, a VIP Lounge, a duty-free shop, a newsagent/tobacconist, a chemist shop, a gift shop, a travel agency, a tourist help desk, car rental, first aid, disabled access facilities and a business centre. Facilities for cargo include refrigerated storage, animal quarantine, livestock handling, health officials, X-Ray equipment, and fumigation equipment. The cargo terminal handling agent for the airport is 'EgyptAir Cargo'.
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| Karnak Village - Upper Egypt - an economy in ruins |
Now that all sounds pretty impressive - but all this work was done at the very point when international economic conditions were deteriorating, Islamic terrorism was on the increase, and the political situation in Egypt was very problematic - and the result was an airport that looked like the leftovers of a 'Lego' set (supposedly 'post modern') which had very few passengers.
It seems that the basic problem in Egypt is an economy in ruins - a non existent 'civil society' and massive expenditure on encouraging tourism which is an industry that is basically 'dying on its feet'.
And as Ethan remarked when he first saw the 'new' Luxor Airport on a previous trip -
"What are those 'duck-thingys' doing marching along the side of the building ?"
Good question...
The drive from the centre of Luxor, where the 'Winter Palace' is situated, to 'Luxor International Airport' could take anything from a half an hour to an hour - depending on the time of day.
There was little to see on the way to the town of Luxor, except for the Egyptian equivalent of 'provincial suburban sprawl'.
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| Temple of Luxor - 'Southern Sanctuary' - Upper Egypt |
On the journey, two significant archaeological sites were also visible from the road - the first being the huge temples situated at Karnak, and then later, just before they arrived at the 'Winter Palace, there was the 'Temple of Luxor' - known to the ancient Egyptians as 'ipet resyt' - 'the southern sanctuary'.
Unusually, and perhaps fittingly - with regard to our story - the 'Luxor Temple' was not dedicated to a particular god (neter), or Pharaoh, as was the usual case, but rather the divinized concept of 'rejuvenation'.
But then Teddy will tell Tony, Caleb and the others all about that, complete with an illustrated 'visual aid', later in the story.
Now Hassan had left the dividing glass between the driving compartment and the passenger compartment open - presumably with the intention of speaking to Ethan.
"Mr Ethan... it is a long time since I see you - and I miss you.", Hassan began hesitantly.
"Yes, me too...", Ethan replied.
"So - you like to come back here - to Luxor ?", Hassan inquired.
"Yes, Hassan - very much.
It makes a nice change from where I live...", Ethan responded.
"And you live in America ?", Hassan suggested.
"Yes - in city called 'Las Vegas'...
It's a bit like Luxor - a place where people go for holidays - but more modern
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| الغردقة - al-Ġurdaqa (Hurgada) |
"So - it's near the sea ? - like الغردقة - what you call Hurgada - a holiday town ?", Hassan proposed.
الغردقة - al-Ġurdaqa (Hurgada) is a city in the Red Sea Governorate of Egypt. It is one of the country's main tourist centres located on the Red Sea coast. For many decades it was a small fishing village, but it has grown into a major Red Sea resort as a result of Egyptian and foreign investment. The city is known for its water sports, nightlife and warm weather. Hurgada is in a 'restricted zone', and so entry and exit across the desert from other parts of Egypt requires official papers and a police escort.
"No - I don't think Las Vegas is really like Hurgada...", Teddy said...
"What you mean - Teddy ?", Hassan asked.
"Well in Egypt only foreigners can gamble - like use casinos - and they must pay in US dollars.
So there are very few casinos in Egypt - actually about twenty - and none in Luxor or Hurgada.
In La Vegas there are sometimes twenty Casinos in just one street - and almost no rules for gambling...", Teddy explained.
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| A 'Casino' in Cairo - note the two Egyptian girls |
"Well we - I mean Jim, me and Josh and Zac own hotels in Las Vegas which have casinos." Ethan said - butting into the conversation.
"So - this is why you are very rich...", Hassan said, finally beginning to understand something about the 'boys'.
"Yes - that, and other things.", Ethan added.
"But that is just between you and me and Teddy", Ethan then said firmly.
"Of course, effendi.", Hassan replied.
"But Mr Ethan - you are very young - so did your father give you his hotel and casino ?", Hassan asked - getting rather too bold, perhaps.
"No - my father was just a simple farmer - but that's a long story.", Ethan replied, tempted to press the button that would cause the glass divider to close, and bring the awkward conversation to an end.
"رائع ! I am surprised - my father also - he is farmer", Hassan said lapsing briefly into his native Arabic.
Ethan realized that what he was telling Hassan was not making much sense - and Ethan was smart enough to discern that people like Hassan, Mahmoud and Ismail, among other people on the 'West Bank', had probably been discussing the odd 'American' tourists who had turned up on the West Bank some time before - and had subsequently, and quite inexplicably acquired the 'Winter Palace' - and had now returned - for some reason...
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| Luxor International Airport - Egypt |
Sensing that Ethan was not prepared to discus matters any further, Hassan closed the glass divider as they arrived at 'Luxor International Airport'.
"You know, this Airport looks really weird to me.
Not only are they never many people here - but the building looks like a 'kiddy's toy construction kit'.", Ethan quietly said to Teddy as Hassan opened the door of the Mercedes Pullman for them.
"It's what's called 'modern architecture'...", Teddy said, trying to be reassuring.
As Ethan was moaning as he got out of the Mercedes, the second Mercedes arrived with Josh, (but no Glaux as the little owl was sound asleep, in a palm tree, in the 'Winter Palace' gardens in Luxor.)
"So where's Jim and Zac ?", Josh asked.
One moment, Mr Josh - I go and check in the arrivals...", Hassan said.
"Weird looking airport...", Ethan said to Josh.
"Yes.. you always say that...", Josh commented.
Moments later Jim and Zac appeared, looking a bit dishevelled - but it was not surprising considering the time they had spent on two flights to get them to Luxor - followed by four porters carrying their luggage.
Oddly, there were still no other tourists or travellers around, and Ethan began wondering if Jim and Zac had been the only two passengers on the flight.
"... So -... a good flight ?", Josh enquired.
"No - not really", Zac replied in his usual blunt manner.
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| Luxor Corniche - Nile Frontage of the 'Winter Palace' - Egypt |
"Well - we came the quick, easy way !", Ethan boasted.
"OK - well let's get back to the 'Winter Palace'...", Jim said.
So the limos set off, with Jim riding with Ethan and Teddy and Hassan driving the first Mercedes, and Zac and Josh in the second Mercedes, with Mahmoud driving.
It was a fresh, bright, clear day in Luxor, and the roads were relatively quiet, and so the small convoy made good progress, and soon approached Corniche at Luxor.
"All much the same as when we left - last time.", Ethan replied.
"And is everybody settled in after the journey?", Jim continued.
"Yep - no 'probs'...", Ethan replied in his inimitable way.
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| J Edgar Hoover & Clyde Tolson in Washington. |
"Well there were no problems at McCarran airport, or in Cairo, or here in Luxor - so far.
I do know that as soon as we left the 'Athena Park Hotel', Tolson quitted his suite and took a flight to Washington DC - presumably to report to Hoover.
Since then, however, it's been 'all quiet' - but then I think Hoover would actually want to 'cover up' whatever happened with regard to Tolson and Caleb and Mikey - although there will undoubtedly be some 'fall-out' for Tolson, and the FBI operatives in 'Vegas.
But then that's exactly what I expected.", Jim replied.
"Very clever...", Ethan said knowingly - as Hassan opened the door of the Mercedes as they arrived at the 'Winter Palace'.
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| Entrance Lobby - 'Winter Palace' - Luxor - Egypt |
And in the main entrance hall Ismail was waiting to welcome them.
"So good to see you Pasha - and all is ready for you - and your friends are here...", Ismail said with a welcoming smile.
Now Egyptians, by and large, are very friendly people, although that is often tinged with ulterior motives of hoping for بخشش - 'backsheesh'
'Baksheesh' comes from the Persian word بخشش (bakhshesh) - and usually refers to a 'tip', gratuity or 'bribe'. It can also mean 'charity to beggars' soliciting alms by crying 'Howajji, bucksheesh ! ' (Howajji - plural - from Arabic خَوَاجَا ('ḵawājā', 'gentleman'), from Persian خواجه ('xvâje', 'gentleman'). 'Baksheesh' does not correlate with the European system of 'tipping', as it also includes demonstrations of gratitude, respect, or veneration. An offering to the 'gods' may be considered baksheesh. A 'fakir' may also ask for baksheesh, but no thought is in his mind that he is begging. In Egypt, 'baksheesh' is often requested on top of fares to taxi drivers, and as service charges to waiters, doormen, shopkeepers, garage attendants, and many others employed in service-sector jobs.
Faunus, however, had assured Jim that the friendliness shown by Ismail, his family, and most of the Egyptians that they had dealings with was genuine on the 'West Bank', as they sensed that Jim, and his friends by association, in some way possessed بركة - 'barakah'.
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| Vintage Photo of Sufis Begging |
بركة - baraka (Arabic: blessing) is a power, a kind of continuity' of spiritual presence and revelation that begins with god - or the 'gods' - and flows through that and those closest to the gods. Baraka can be found within physical objects, places, and people, as chosen by God. This force begins by flowing directly from God into those aspects of creation that are worthy of baraka. Those people or object's that are endowed with 'baraka' can then transmit the flow of baraka to the other creations through physical proximity or through adherence to spiritual practices. The gods are the sole source of baraka, and have the power to grant and withhold baraka. Those whom god (or the 'gods') favour, are blest with 'baraka' - allowing them to live 'authentically' -'from the heart'- and are worthy of God's direct favour. - 'favoured or 'touched by the 'gods'.
Of course Ismail was not bothered about obtaining 'baksheesh' any longer, as he was paid from Jim's account, in US dollars, by Franklin every month, and his salary was very substantial compared to the income of the average Egyptian - and when Jim was visiting Egypt there was the promise of those crisp white envelopes for every extra service that Ismail arranged for Jim and his associates.
After a brief inspection of the 'Winter Palace' with Ismail, Jim retired to his suite, where Ethan and Teddy and the kittens were waiting for him.
"Well Jim - perhaps you can tell Teddy and me, and the kittens, what we're doing again in Egypt ?", Ethan asked, as Jim began unpacking.
"Now Ethan - we are always truthful with one another yes ? - so I feel you need an honest answer - but this is not for sharing with everyone - and by that I mean the 'new guys'.", Jim began, and Teddy and the kittens nodded.
"First, Ethan - I thought it would be best if we got away from Las Vegas - for fairly obvious reasons
No one in the 'Athena Corporation', apart from Franklin, has been told where any of us have gone - and the only 'trail' we have left is the passport control check at Cairo and Luxor Airports on me and Zac - and they are very lax - and that can't be avoided as we need to make contact with Egyptian government officials on this trip..
However, our 'alibi' is that we - that is all of us - are simply friends who are on a sightseeing holiday in Egypt - just tourists."
"Mm...", Ethan murmured, not sounding very convinced.
"Now Teddy - are there any 'bugs'. ?", Jim asked.
"Some... but they're only the insect variety...", Teddy replied, as he tried to swat one with his paw.
"OK...", Jim sighed.
"So - we are here to negotiate some mining concessions, and Franklin will be flying in tomorrow in order to help us with that.", Jim continued.
"Well, I feel sorry for any Egyptian officials who have to negotiate with Franklin.", Ethan said, smirking.
"Yes - that's why he's coming here...", Jim confirmed.
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| Franklin Black - Financial Director - 'Athena Corp' |
And for those readers new to 'Club Jaguar'... Franklin Black is
the 'power' behind the mighty financial empire originally created by the 'Boss'. Mr Franklin Black, is a 'geek', and his 'geekishness' - if there is such a word, was ideal as far as the 'Boss', and later Jim, was concerned. Franklin, who was undoubtedly high on the spectrum of autism, was obsessed with - one, 'computers', and two 'detail' - and that was about it ! So - there was no chance of Franklin indulging in any underhand or illegal business, or attempting to take over the financial empire that had been created by the 'Boss', mainly because Franklin did not have a single iota of imagination or ambition - and that was just the way the 'Boss', and later Jim, wanted it. Generally, the 'Boss' treated Franklin as a 'sad puppy' that needed looking after but, despite this, the 'Boss' respected Franklin's monumental abilities, and relied on him almost entirely. Jim equally relies on Franklin to guide and grow the ever developing 'Athena Corporation'.
"Okey dokey.... so what else ?", Ethan asked, as he sat Teddy on his lap, and started absent-mindedly brushing him.
"Well, if Franklin gets the go-ahead for the mineral concessions on the 'West Bank', then we need to make plans for some sort of depot for the mining equipment and personal, and a secure location where the Armantium can be transported out of Egypt using a 'dimensional portal - and that will take a lot of arranging.", Jim explained.
"Gee ! We are going to be busy.", Ethan responded.
"And what about hotel-thingys ? Are you thinking of the 'Athena Corporation' buying any here in Egypt - say in Luxor, Cairo or by the Red Sea ?", Ethan asked.
Now Teddy thought he knew what Jim's answer might - or rather should be - so he was very interested to see what Jim would say.
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| Looted and Vandalised Antiquities - Cairo Museum - Egypt |
"Not at the moment - the tourist trade is still weak here - mainly because of the possibility of violent clashes between religious groups, and the ever present danger of a rising against the government - Then there's the problems with operating casinos in hotels, and even if we were to get permits, the Egyptian government demands very high tax returns - much higher then in many other countries - and definitely much higher than in Nevada." Jim predictably replied.
"So - what else ?", Ethan asked.
"Well, there are some members of our group who haven't been to Egypt before - so we could do some actual sight-seeing - before all these amazing places, and the artefacts in the museums all crumble away - as they are doing very rapidly - or are vandalised - mainly because the Egyptian government spends huge amounts of money on the military, rather than the nation's priceless and unreplaceable heritage.", Jim said rather sadly.
It should be noted that part of the problem is the almost totally unsupervised nature of archaeological sites in Egypt, the incompetence of museum staff charged with restoring and maintaining exhibits in Museums, the use of display cabinets dating from before the II World War (see image above) - and the regular absence of climate controlled display cabinets. The most serious damage, however is caused iconoclastic Muslim fanatics.
"So I suppose that means me and Teddy slaving away over more 'visual aids', and you - Teddy - giving more of your infamous 'mini-lectures'...", Ethan said with a note of resignation.
"Yes - I suppose so - but I am very grateful for your efforts to make our visits enjoyable - and also interesting and informative.", Jim said, trying to placate Ethan.
Teddy said nothing....
"So that's what we're mainly concerned about...", Jim concluded.
"Well I suppose that's quite enough.." Ethan added.
"But there is one thing that you might need to deal with...", Ethan began.
"When Hassan was driving me to the airport he was asking me a lot of questions about where we came from, and how we are, in his eyes, so wealthy - like in buying the 'Winter Palace' - and I think there must have been talk among those who work for us in the 'Winter Palace', and also talk on the 'West Bank', where many of our employees come from, about us - so I though that perhaps you and Zac could agree on a 'story' that each of us could give if there were further question - so that they would all be 'like the same'...", Ethan suggested.
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| Ismail talking to the Chef at Ethan's Favourite Luxor Restaurant |
"Yes Ethan - that's very good thinking, and perhaps Teddy could help us there with that.", Jim said.
So it was the middle of the day, and Jim invited Ethan and Teddy, Zac, Josh, Novius, Max, Caleb, Ashraf, Tony Stark and Ismail to Ethan's favourite little restaurant down an alley-way near the railway station.
The restaurant was particularly noted for its large portions, roast water buffalo - and fine cooking, although the interior of the restaurant could be described as simple and بلدي - baladī.
بلدي - baladī - native, rural, rustic or traditional, for example 'baladi bread' or 'Aish Baladi". It is also applied to kinds of food and mostly to fruits and vegetables coming from rural villages.
The manager, of course, was delighted to see Ethan and Jim once again - but also welcomed Jim and Ethan's friends and associates - and quickly organized the staff to to put tables together so that they could eat as a group - and that was no problem as there were no other customers in the .restaurant at the time.
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| Egyptian Water Buffalo |
And the dining area was on the top floor, with large open windows - so it was quiet, and naturally cool without the need for air-conditioning,
"So what do you think, guys ?", Ethan asked.
"...very much like an American 'roadside diner', but without the road - and with better food.", Max said.
"And it's much, much cheaper !", Etan added.
"And what's this place called ?", Josh asked.
"...beats me...", Ethan said, "but we don't want to tell anyone else about it anyway- so it don't matter..", Ethan replied.
"So what's happening next ?", Tony asked Jim.
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| West Bank Luxor - Nile Ferry |
Caleb looked puzzled, but wisely asked no questions as Jim continued.
"Now you must be discreet.
Just be 'tourists' sight-seeing on the West Bank, with Ashraf as your Egyptian guide.
Ashraf, of course, knows the West Bank like the back of his hand."
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| Ashraf al Masri - Khonsu |
It was Ashraf, who was originally known as 'Khonsu' - a 'god' who the ancient Egyptians called 'the Path Finder'- who first led Jim and his companions to the 'Cave of the Lion', on the West Bank' at Luxor, where they first found a 'dimensional portal'. Subsequently it became clear that Ashraf had been confined in the 'Armant Sarcophagus' - and had been released by Faunus, and was actually an ancient Egyptian who had been in 'suspended animation' since Pharaonic times. Ashraf could read hieroglyphics, and Faunus enabled him to understand, speak and read English - and so Ashraf became Tony's assistant in his work on the 'Armant Sarcophagus'.
Jim continued speaking...
"Now Ashraf, just take the ridiculous looking ferry over to the West Bank - not a motor launch - so just blend in like everyone else.
Faunus is already on the West Bank - staying with Ismail's family - so if Mr Stark needs any advice or help, you contact Faunus - who knows everybody.
There's plenty of land there for sale - but again - we need somewhere discreet.
And later we need to think up some sort of acceptable and respectable 'front', like a restaurant, or maybe an alabaster shop.
And it needs to be close to one of the few main roads.
But we can work all this out later...
First we need to find plot for sale, and an amenable seller.", Jim concluded.
As they were talking in public Jim didn't directly explain for what the plot was required, but the others realized that it would probably be connected with the acquisition of Armantium, and its transport out of Egypt - enough said."
Jim then changed to topic.
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| Panoramic View of Cairo from the Citadel |
Zac, Ethan and Teddy and I will also be flying out to Cairo from here, so we shall contact him at the 'Gezirah Palace Hotel' where we shall be staying
Ethan and Teddy will be accompanying us, as we will need Teddy's data-base and de-bugging facilities, and maybe also his SEBF.", Jim explained.
"Gee - thanks for giving us plenty of warning...", Ethan commented sarcastically.
"Well sorry, but we were waiting on Franklin getting himself sorted out." Jim said by way of an apology.
"So after today, for the rest of the gang, with the exception of Tony and Ashraf who will be on the 'West Bank', I suggest that you relax and amuse yourselves here.
"So how long will you be staying in Cairo ?", Novius asked.
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| جمهورية مصر العربية -Arab Republic of Egypt |
Unfortunately the Egyptian 'Ministry of Petroleum & Mineral Resources' is very bureaucratic and slow - like much of the Egyptian government - so it will certainly take longer than in the US or Europe - so having made our initial proposals we may have to leave Franklin there, to 'talk them to death'
Then, when the Egyptians finally give in, as they most certainly will, Josh can go to Cairo to sign the expected agreements - and then we can send Franklin back to 'Vegas.
"So when will the prospecting begin - once the agreements with the Egyptian government have been signed ?", Tony asked.
"Well that depends on Franklin and his minions - but as his minions are already in preliminary negotiations with various companies, that should be very soon.", Josh replied.
"Okey dokey - so that all seems to make sense - but what are we going to do today ?", Ethan asked, as he called the owner of the restaurant over to settle the tab.
"Well I suggest that we go back to the 'Winter Palace', get our cameras and stuff, pick up the new guys, and anyone else who wants to come along, and have an afternoon stroll in Karnak.", Jim proposed.
"So what's this Karnak thing ?", Caleb asked.
"Well it's probably the biggest archaeological site in the world...", Ethan said proudly.
"Yes - and we don't have any visual aids prepared...", Teddy said dejectedly.
So Ethan and Teddy and Jim rode back to the 'Winter Palace' in Omar's calèche, while the others were left to walk - but it wasn't any distance.
Once back in the 'Winter Palace', the others got themselves organised for the trip to Karnak.
Of course Tony and Ashraf were eager to go, and Ashraf would be useful for translating the hieroglyphics, although Teddy could also read hieroglyphics.
Now Caleb, Tony Stark, Ashraf and Max, were ready and eager to have a trip out, but Novius decided to stay behind, as he maintained that it was it was still very hot, and anyway he wanted to continue some of his research, while Josh and Zac, having 'seen it all before', got on with making arrangements for their brief stay in Cairo with Franklin.
Jim had retired to his temporary study in the 'Winter Palace' in order to catch up on business matters relating to the 'Athena Corporation in Mexico, 'Vegas and Los Angeles.
Oddly enough, while they were waiting for the limos to be brought from the 'Winter Palace' garage,
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| The 'Car Park' at the Karnak Temple Complex |
Ethan and Teddy, however, had not waited for the limos, as they were already on their way in Omar's calèche.
When the two Mercedes limos arrived at the somewhat disreputable looking area that served as a car park for the complex of temples at Karnak, Omar's calèche was nowhere to be seen - but then that was not surprising, as Omar's 'Horsey' was rather inclined to 'take it easy' - and it was a hot day, after all.
There was, however, as in most tourist sites in Luxor, a noticeable lack of tourists, evidenced by the complete absence of any other autos in the car-park - but that well suited the 'boys' as they left the limos in the reliable hands of Hassan and Mahmoud.
And then Omar arrived with Ethan and Teddy - and there was the inevitable delay while Ethan fed 'Horsey' with yet another apple.
"Now I suggest that we all make sure that we have plenty to drink, as we'll be out in the sun for a good while...", Faunus advised, as Ethan and Teddy then joined them, and they all made their way towards the massive entrance pylon (gateway).
However, they stopped off to buy some bottled water at a small kiosk in the car-park.
"Now guys - Jim 'sprung' this on us, so I have no visual aides prepared... so you'll need to listen carefully.", Teddy said apologetically.
And so they walked up to the huge entrance to the complex of temples - and Teddy, who was by then wearing his incongruous 'King Farooq' sunglasses, began one of his unique mini 'lectures'.
"Construction at the complex began during the reign of Senusret I in the Middle Kingdom (around 2000–1700 BCE), and continued into the Ptolemaic Kingdom (305–30 BCE), although most of the buildings date from the New Kingdom.
The area around Karnak was the ancient Egyptian 'Ipet-isut' ('The Most Favoured of Places') and the main place of worship of the 18th Dynasty 'Theban Triad', which consisted of the three 'gods' Amon, Mut and Khonsu.
So we begin by passing through the First Pylon.
In ancient Egyptian architecture pylons are 'monumental gateways'.
They usually have 'battered sides' - with the actual entrance being placed in between the two towers."
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| Karnak - 1st Pylon |
In architecture, batter is a receding slope of a wall. The term is used with buildings when a wall is intentionally built with an inward slope. Northwest of the city of Memphis that is a quintessential example of battered walls used in sequence to produce a 'step pyramid'.
And Teddy continued.. while the others stood gazing up at the huge structure...
"The first pylon was the last to be built at Karnak, and it is the main entrance into the temple as it stands today.
There is, however, another entrance accessed from the River Nile - which also has a series of pylons or gateways.
The 'First Pylon' was never completed, and is undecorated - and even the remains of the mud brick ramps, used to build, it can still be seen inside the 'Great Court' beyond.
The north tower is about 71 feet high, and the south tower is 103 feet.
If the structure had been completed it would probably reached a height of about 131 feet.
It was built by the Pharaoh Nectanebo I, who also built the huge enclosure wall surrounding the Karnak complex.", Teddy explained.
"Gosh ! - it's even more 'crumbly' than I remember !", Ethan declared.
Ethan, of course, had visited the temple complex on a previous visit that some of the boys had made to Karnak.
"Yes, and that reminds me - this place can be dangerous - and not only because of the 'crumbly' stone-work', Faunus warned, as they passed through the first pylon.
"So how do you mean ?", Caleb asked.
"Well, strange things can happen here - it's a very ancient and sacred place - and the power of the 'gods' lingers here, like a fine aroma in a bowl that has long, long ago contained incense...", Faunus said, unusually poetically.
"Mm... I see...", Tony responded, not really sounding convinced.
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| Glen's 'Vision' at Karnak |
On that occasion Glen had been with them - and had fainted - and had subsequently he reported that he had a 'vision', while they were in the hypostyle hall, of a cave on the 'West Bank'.
That cave subsequently proved to be the cave containing an ancient dimensional portal.
for the full story of 'Glen's vision at Karnak' go to:
"If I were you, I would take Faunus' warning seriously...
We've already had a mysterious incident here at Karnak some time ago - and it had far-reaching consequences.", Ethan said - sounding very serious.
Caleb looked nervous.
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| 'Barque Shrines of the Theban Triad' - Karnak |
"Well here's three of them - 'ancient gods' I mean - and the ancient Egyptians certainly believed in them.", Ethan replied, trying to be non-committal.
"Yes - these are like small temples to the 'goddess' Mut, and the 'gods' Amon and Khonsu.
But they were only used when statues of the 'gods' - mounted in large model boats called 'barques', and carried on the shoulders of priests - were carried around the temple courts on special occasions.
"And why boats ?", Max quite sensibly asked.
"Mainly because boats were an important form of transport, as decent roads, in ancient times, were few and far between, but most people lived close to the Nile, and also because the winding path of the Nile was seen as similar to 'Milky Way' - which was poetically thought of as the 'river in the heavens' used by the 'gods'...", Faunus explained.
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| Ancient Egyptian Worship |
"OK - but the inside here isn't very interesting - there's nothing in here...", Tony said - his voice echoing on the stone walls of the empty interior of the shrine of Amon.
"Well, the walls would have been plastered white, and the reliefs would be painted in brilliant colours, and possibly picked out in gold-leaf, and there would have been low altars and incense burners, and probably richly woven carpets on the floor.
"Well it would be nice if the people who run this place might give that sort of information & and maybe some sort of illustration - picture of something.", Tony said.
"Well I have some images on my database that I can print off for you later - when we get back to the Winter Palace', if you like...", Teddy offered.
"I see - that's very thoughtful of you Teddy.", Tony replied - feeling a little guilty about complaining.
"OK - so let's move on - there's a lot to see here.", Ethan prompted.
Now to the left of them was a row of almost identical huge statues, looking like spooky mummies.
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| Entrance to the Temple of Pharaoh Ramesses III |
"Those 'guys', as you put it, are all the same 'guy' - the Pharaoh Ramesses III - shown in the form of the 'god' Osiris - and mark the entrance to his temple, that's at right angles to the main axis that leads to the 'Great Hypostyle Hall'.
"And the big columns just left in the middle of the courtyard ?", Max asked.
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| 'Kiosk of Taharqa' - Karnak |
The kiosk was erected by (690 BCE) in front of the 'Second Pylon', at the same time that the entrance gate to the 'Temple of Amon' was constructed.
The 'Kiosk' was restored by the Ptolemaic Pharaohs, probably during the period from Ptolemy IV until Ptolemy VIII.
Novius has a very fine reconstruction of this courtyard and the 'Kiosk' back at his study in the 'Winter Palace' (see left), which we can look at later, this evening.", Teddy explained.
"So who is this Taharqa ?", Caleb asked, by then slowly becoming intrigued by all this information.
"Taharqa was a Pharaoh of Egypt, and also king of the Kingdom of Kush (present day Sudan), from 690 to 664 BC.
He was one of the 'Kushite Pharaohs' who ruled over Egypt for nearly a century.", Teddy explained.
"That's all very interesting - but we need to remember that we can't possibly see this whole complex-thingy now - it's jut too big - so let's get on, but limit ourselves to the 'Temple of Amon' for today - and we can come back and see the rest of it another day.", Ethan suggested.
"So what about the 'Temple of Pharaoh Ramesses III ? - we're standing right next to the entrance...", Tony said.
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| 'Temple or Barque Shrine of Pharaoh Ramesses III' |
"This temple is a smaller version of the Pharaoh Ramesses III's huge 'Mortuary Temple' at 'Medinet Habu', on the 'West Bank'.
Statues of Ramesses III as the 'god' Osiris line its small courtyard.
This building is in fact an elaborate 'barque shrine' used when the 'Theban Triad' - Amon, Mut and Khonsu - travelled outside the main temple.
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| Second Pylon - Karnak |
"The 'Second Pylon' is very much like the first, except that there's not much of it left.
The pylon stands east of the later Shoshana court and acts as the western wall of the later 'Great Hypostyle Hall'.
The 'Second Pylon' is decorated with scenes of the Pharaoh in the company of the 'gods'.
It was constructed by the Pharaoh Horemheb - a one time general of the Egyptian armies during the reign of Tutankhamun, who was not directly related to the royal family.
In later times the pylon was restored by the Ptolemaic Pharaoh Ptolemy VI.", Teddy said.
"Now this pylon-thingy is very crumbly - hardly worth calling a pylon !", Ethan declared.
"OK - well let's get on to the hypostyle-hall...", Tony suggested becoming impatient.
"Yes - and this is the creepy bit - where Glen had his 'funny turn' the last time we were here.", Ethan said in a deliberately 'scary' voice - at least Ethan thought it was scary....
And so they entered the 'Great Hypostyle Hall'.
Once again Teddy began his little, (and inevitable) lecture.
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| The Great Hypostyle Hall - Karnak Temple |
The Hall covers an area of 54,000 sq ft.
The stone roof, now collapsed, was supported by 134 sandstone columns in 16 rows; the 2 middle rows are higher than the others being 33 ft in circumference and 79 ft high.
It is called a hypostyle hall because in architecture a 'hypostyle hall' has a roof which is supported by columns.
The term hypostyle comes from the ancient Greek ὑπόστυλος hypóstȳlos meaning 'under columns' where ὑπό hypó means below or underneath, and στῦλος stŷlos means column", Teddy carefully explained.
"Yes - we get the idea, Teddy.
Now let's get on with it...", Ethan said.
Ethan was getting hot and sweaty...
"Right ! -
The 134 papyrus columns represent the 'primeval swamp' from which Amon arose from the waters of chaos at the beginning of creation.
The north side of the hall is decorated in raised relief, and was the work of Pharaoh Seti I's sculptors.
The southern side of the hall was largely completed by his son, the Pharaoh Ramesses II.
for more images and information about Karnak go to:
"One thing I must point out", Teddy continued, "is the fact that all these buildings were originally designed for the use of the Pharaoh, the royal family, high government officials and priests...
Ordinary people were not allowed in the barque shrines, and the main parts of the temples like this hypostyle hall.
Also, none of the ordinary people were able to read the hieroglyphics - they had a different writing system called 'Demotic', but even then most of the common people were illiterate.
"That's true...", Ashraf confirmed.
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| Hieroglyphic Inscription |
The ancient Egyptians believed that writing was invented by the god Thoth, and called their hieroglyphic script 'mdju netjer' ('words of the gods'). The word 'hieroglyph' comes from the Greek hieros (sacred) plus glypho (inscriptions).
Hieratic script was invented and developed at the same time as the hieroglyphic script and was used in parallel with it for everyday purposes such as keeping records and accounts and writing letters. It was used until the 26th Dynasty, though by that time, it was only used for religious texts. It was never used on temples or monuments
"So why all the writing all over the walls and columns ?", Caleb asked.
"Well, it's difficult to explain...", Teddy began.
"Funny... I thought it would be...", Ethan interrupted.
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| Tomb of Seti I - Biban el-Mukluk - West Bank - Luxor - Upper Egypt |
In other words if something was written, or represented by an image, a painting or a statue - then it would actually happen or become real - and this is the reason for all the images and inscriptions in ancient Egyptian tombs.", Teddy explained.
"So all this stuff on the walls is not simply boasting or propaganda, but rather it's a 'kind of magic'.", Tony conjectured.
"Exactly !", Teddy replied - pleased that someone was actually listening to him - and Faunus nodded, knowingly, in agreement.
"So - I think it might be an idea if we make our way back to the carpark...", Faunus proposed.
"So will we be able to come back here again - I'm getting quite interested in all this Egyptian stuff ?",Caleb asked.
"Yes - I don't see why not - and there's a lot more to see...", Ethan said airily.
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| Max in the Pool - Winter Palace |
As the road was not busy it was only a twenty minute drive, although Omar took a little longer.
Back at the 'Winter Palace' they all returned their suites in order to freshen up, and then Max and Caleb decided to go for a swim in the pool.
The others then took refreshments in the 'Winter Palace' gardens, discussing their visit to Karnak, and waiting to hear if had anything to report from 'Vegas.
"So how are things going with arrangements for the meeting in Cairo ?", Tony asked, as he sipped his shay, and relaxed in less intense heat of the late afternoon sun.
"Everything seems to be OK.
We've arranged for a flight for Franklin - in fact he should be 'boarding' about now, and hopefully he should be arriving tomorrow - that's if he manages to get on the right 'plane - but 'Sigi' will be there to get him through all the formalities at McCarran International.", Jim explained.
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| Ambassador Suite - Gezirah Hotel - Cairo - Egypt |
"Well me and Zac, and Ethan and Teddy are leaving Luxor very early tomorrow morning.
Hopefully we'll arrive in good time in Cairo, in order to meet Franklin who will hopefully be at the 'Gezirah Palace' - and then we'll give him at least a day to settle in and make arrangements the meet with the Egyptian Government negotiators.", Jim said.
The 'Gezirah Palace' is is a five star hotel located in the 'Zamalek District' on 'Gezira Island' in the Nile, just west of Downtown Cairo.
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| The Village of 'Sheikh Abd el-Qurna', |
"Well I think after we have eaten we should go over to the 'West Bank', and see how things are there...", Faunus suggested.
When Faunus said this Glaux apparently woke up in his palm tree, and fluttered down to sit on Josh's shoulder, and the kittens suddenly appeared form where they had apparently been hiding under some bushes.
"Yes - well, that looks like a popular idea...", Ethan commented.
"OK - so let's find Ismail, and get things organized...", Jim suggested.
Meanwhile Max and Caleb, had finished their swim, and Murad had prepared a light evening meal so that they would not get hungry during their visit to the 'West Bank'.
"So why are we going to the 'West Bank' ?", Max asked when he finally arrived at in the dining room.
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| West Bank - Luxor - Night |
"Well I want to check out the employment situation on the 'West Bank' - as I might decide to take on some guys from the village for our mining operations.", Jim replied.
"And ?", Ethan asked.
"Well, I want Caleb to see what the 'West Bank is like..." , Jim explained.
"Well that's easy - at this time of night it'll probably be very dark - power outages you know. - and we'll all be staggering about with no lights." , Ethan said.
"Yes - well let's wait and see...", Jim commented.
Novius was not keen on crossing the Nile, as it was dark - and he blamed his poor eyesight...
Ashraf, however, was keen to visit the 'West Bank', along with the kittens, and Josh would be taking Glaux, who was interested in seeing some new 'hunting grounds'.
Max thought it would be good fun, and Caleb was eager to go for what he was hoping would be a new adventure.
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| Ibrahim's Launch |
First, though, Ethan had to 'round up' Sekhmet and Bastet, and put them safely in their cat-basket, as the traffic along the Corniche was quite heavy during the early evening.
Glaux, being an owl of course, would make his own way to the 'West Bank'.
Ismail then phoned one of his friends from the 'West bank', who quickly brought his launch up to the restricted area in front of the 'Winter Palace', while Zac made sure that the security, who were always stationed in front of the 'Winter Palace', were informed, and allowed Ibrahim to 'tie up'.
And so they left the 'Winter Palace by a side entrance, so as not to be too obtrusive, and made their way to the Corniche where their launch was waiting.
Ibrahim was young - about nineteen - and came from the same village as Ismail.
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| The ':ion Cave' - West Bank' Luxor |
With a little help from Ismail, Ibrahim pushed off from the Corniche, revved up the outboard, and commenced their short journey across the Nile.
It was a calm evening, but even without a breeze the air was cool and fresh on the river, and very soon they arrived at the western side of the Nile, and using a thin and very wobbly gangplank, they made their way onto the river bank.
It was then a gentle climb to the roadway which led to the village of 'Sheikh Abd el-Qurna', where the coffee shop that Jim, Ethan and the others had frequented when they had previously been searching for the 'Cave of the Lion'.
"Well this is how I always imagined Egypt would be like !", Caleb commented, as they made their way past the stalls where fruit, vegetables, spices, and the odd items that might take the fancy of a passing tourist were on display.
Some years before there had been many more curios and tourist items for sale, but since tourism had become 'less safe', most tourists prefer to book tours of the 'West Bank' from their hotels, and then be taken to the various sites by coach inn airconditioned comfort - thus avoiding the crossing by ferry or boat - and the possibility of ending up with an unreliable guide.
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| 'Abu Esh' Alabaster factory - West Bank - Luxor - Upper Egypt |
Tour coaches, however, in terms of 'security' are obvious targets to terrorists, as they present excellent targets, and organized tours also prove very expensive, as the organizers are required to give 'kick-backs' to guides, alabaster shops, teashops and restaurants which, in addition to monuments and tombs, were all part of the itinerary of such tours.
Also, as Caleb had probably noticed, there were no tourist to be seen on the landing-stages of the 'West Bank, or in the villages, for that matter, as most tourist preferred to spend their evenings on the East Bank, were there were more and better quality shops.
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| 'Muezza' - the Mosque Cat |
And so they all proceeded on the uphill walk to the village where the local mosque and coffee shop were situated.
"I think we should let the 'kitties' out of their basket as there's no traffic round here...", Ethan suggested, and Jim agreed - and so the kittens scampered off eager to meet up with the cats in the mosque - and in particular 'Muezza' (Moses) - the sheikh's favourite.
The domestic cat is a revered animal in Islam. Admired for their cleanliness, cats are considered 'the quintessential pet' by Muslims. Cats have been venerated in the Near East since antiquity. Islam also has that tradition, albeit in a much modified form. Muslims consider cats to be ritually clean, and are thus allowed to enter mosques, including Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. Of course the ancient Egyptians worshipped cats as the 'avatars' of some of the 'gods'.
"So ... the coffe shop it looks just the same as when we left it the last time we were here...", Ethan commented.
"Well - what did you expect - a brand new, imported 'Expresso' machine ?", Teddy said, rather superciliously.
"And that's a point - people keep saying it's a 'coffee shop', but everybody seems to be drinking 'Egyptian tea'... Caleb said, sounding confused.
Tea in Egypt is called 'shai' ('shay') - and in southern Egypt (Upper Egypt) tea is known as 'shai Sa'idi' (السعيدي شاي) and is served very strong and very sweet and tea, over the centuries had gradually supplanted coffee - but places where people (men and boys) gather to drink tea are usually called
'coffee shops' - (مقهى).
"Yes, and my advice to you is not to drink the coffee they drink here, as you will probably stay awake for at least twenty-four hours - or longer.", Max advised.
It was quite evident that they were recognised, as Egyptian males have a tendency to stare at people in a manner that might well be thought offensive, or aggressive in most Western countries.
In reality, however it is usually only harmless curiosity.
The same applies to eye contact, and it is wise to maintain a higher level of eye contact with Egyptian men and boys (not females), or otherwise you may be considered to be dissembling, or untrustworthy.
One individual - who they had no recollection of having met before - came over to their table - bringing his 'shisha' with him.
He appeared to be quite old, with a grey beard, and wearing a galabeya and a shash (turban)
The Galabeya is a traditional and historical part of the culture. Galabeya refers to the ankle-length loose-fitting garment worn in Egypt and other regions. The Galabeya is most popular in Upper Egypt - stretching along the Nile Valley, and this attire has been worn in farming communities for hundreds of years. These farming communities are known as fellahin. The galabeya is also worn in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. With the Egyptian accent, the “j” letter (ج-jim) is pronounced as a “g,” hence, it is referred to as a “galabeya” in Egypt and a “jalabiya” in other areas. Similar traditional clothing is worn across the Arab region as well, with slight differences.
"تحياتي الشاب الباشا .... min aljayid 'an taraa 'anak qad eudt mae 'asdiqayika",
Jim looked to Faunus (whom, if you have been following our story, the people on the 'West Bank' referred to as الشيخ علي - (Sheikh Ali), and believed him to be a tour guide from al'iiskandaria - (Alexandria).
Faunus, of course, spoke perfect Arabic, in many of the various dialects spoken on 'modern Egypt'.
"He said 'greetings young pasha - it is good to see you returning with your friends'... ", Faunas explained - as he proffered a seat for the old man.
The old man offered thanks, settled his water pipe at his feet, and began quietly smoking.
A shisha is a 'water-pipe', used for smoking tobacco - usually mixed with other ingredients. While cigarettes are smoked by most Egyptian men and boys, shisha are most popular with the older generation, and are provided, for a small charge, in most coffee shops. Neither Jim of the boys - or Tony or Novius smoke - which Egyptians consider to be a little odd.
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| Fields in El Birat - West Bank - Luxor - Upper Egypt |
Faunus, however, was 'on a mission' for Jim.
In anticipation of being given mineral concessions on the 'West Bank', close to Armant, Faunus was making discreet inquiries with regard to land on the 'West Bank' that might be for sale.
Ismail had suggested somewhere near 'Medinet Habu'- which had good road connections to El Birat, and the Nile, and few police checks points.'
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| 'Zeus Amun' |
Medinet Habu is a small village, situated a little over two kilometres to the south of the Ramesseum. It was was called 'Djanet' by the ancient Egyptians and, according to popular belief, it was the place where the great Theban 'god' Amun appeared for the first time. Amun (Greek Ἄμμων) was a major ancient Egyptian deity who appears as a member of the 'Hermopolitan Ogdoad', and the 'Theban Triad'. During the 11th Dynasty, Amun rose to the position of patron deity of Thebes and therefore the Egyptian Empire. Amun, under the guise of 'Zeus Amun' was the supposed 'father' of Alexander the Great. The name Amun (written in hieroglyphics as 'imn') is translated as 'the hidden or unknown one'.
Meanwhile, the old man was asking Ashraf about how the 'young pasha', as he called Jim, was so wealthy at such a young age.
For Ashraf this, of course, was a problematic question to answer.
Now in the West, such a question, and at such short acquaintance, would be far from polite, but for Arab people, such as Egyptians, it was looked upon as a perfectly normal question - so the old Sa'idi' man expected an answer.
Presuming that the old man didn't speak much, or more likely, any English, Ashraf turned to Jim.
"He wants to know how, as a young man, you are so rich, effendi....", Ashraf asked quietly.
"Well just say that my father is dead, and he left me his fortune which he made abroad.", Jim replied.
"هدية رائعة من والدك", the old man replied.
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| Amethystine Djinn |
"Do not be alarmed, young pasha, but the boy with dark hair, who is among your friends, who speaks and acts like an Egyptian in - in truth - a djinn...", and as he spoke, he expelled a perfect smoke ring.
Jim took the comment perfectly calmly - but was obviously unnerved by the strange suggestion.
"And as you appear to speak and understand English, can I ask you what it is that makes you think that this person is a djinn ?", Jim asked.
"He has هالة - what you call in English an 'aura'...
Like all الجن - he can change his shape - but always that shape has a هالة...
According to spiritual beliefs, an aura or energy field is an emanation said to enclose a human body or any animal or object. Persona with psychic abilities often claim to have the ability to see the size, color and type of vibration of auras.
"He means purple - amethystine.", Ashraf said.
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| 'The Djinn' |
for more information go to the Article 'The Djinn' - and the Article 'The Daimon'
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| 'The Daimon' |
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| بوابة مملكة الموتى - Gate to the Duat |
Ethan who had been silently listening to all that had been said, turned to Teddy and said quietly...
"Every time we come to the West Bank things seem to get real spooky..."
Teddy 'thought' for a moment...
"It's just the nature of the place, Ethan.
The ancient Egyptian's believed it was بوابة مملكة الموتى - the 'gateway to the kingdom of the dead'....", Teddy said.
"Now you saying that doesn't really help very much...", Ethan replied.
The Duat (also called 'Amanti') is the realm of the dead in ancient Egyptian mythology. It has been represented in hieroglyphs as a star-in-circle . The 'god' (netr) Osiris was believed to be the 'Lord of the Realm of the Dead'.
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| Weighing of the Heart in the Duat - Vittorio Carvelli |
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| Sahu over the Pyramids |
Although the Duat is usually described as the 'underworld', in tomb paintings, and in the 'Book of the Caverns', 'The Book of Gates' and 'The Book of the Coming Forth by Day' (The Book of the Dead), the 'Pyramid Texts' describe the after life in terms of a 'flight' to the heavens, where the dead join the 'god' Ra, the 'sun god' in the 'Boat of Millions of Years'.
In this view there is evidence of a sacred geography involving a 'gate' ('Star Gate') apparently connecting the 'Earthly Duat' with the 'Heavenly Duat' in the sky, which is said to be situated in the region of the constellation 'Sahu'‑ (Orion).
It is significant that the stellar nature of the Duat is indicated by the symbol of a circle, with a star in the centre.
This above, of course, was what Teddy had been thinking about, as he consulted his data-base - but he did not think it appropriate, at the time, to acquaint Ethan with these complex theories.
But to return to Jim and the old man with the shisha...
"So can you tell me if Sheik Ahmed el-Tayeb (الشيخ احمد الطيب) is at the mosque tonight ?", Jim asked the old man.
Ashraf helped with the translation, and the old man looked puzzled and concerned.
Then, after a moment's reflection, he replied with just one word in Arabic - "نعم "- (yes).
Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb is an Egyptian Islamic scholar. He is a professor in Islamic faith, a bilingual speaker of English and French, translated some of French references to Arabic, and worked as university lecturer for a while in France. In addition he has written about jurisprudence, Sharia science and Sufism. He was born in el-Qurna, Luxor, in Upper Egypt, and belongs to a Sunni Muslim family
Jim then shook the man's hand, thanked him for his words, rose from his seat, and went over to where Ethan and Teddy were seated.
"It seems that the Sheik is here - in the mosque - so I think we should go and pay our respects.", Jim said.
"Ah, my buddy the Sheik - of course - lets go and see him.", Ethan replied.
"Now Ethan - less of the 'buddy' - this is an important man.", Teddy warned.
"So where's Faunus ?", Jim asked Teddy quietly.
"Oh Sheik Ali (Faunus) left some time ago - he's gone to the mosque, probably to find Sheik Ahmed and the kittens.", Teddy replied, as if it was obvious - but then to a telepathic teddy-bear it would be obvious.
And the mosque was just across the street.
Jim, Ethan & Teddy, Ashraf and Faunus visit Ahmed El-Tayeb at the mosque in the village of
el-Qurna on the West Bank. The following day Jim, Zac and Ashraf fly to Cairo,
and join Franklin for negotiations with Egyptian Government officials.
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with brief résumés
All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2023
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2023
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 2023