A Journey to Egypt - 10. Chapter 10

A Journey to Egypt

Things Happen

When they returned to the hotel, they set their plan in motion. They stopped to talk to the hotel manager, Mr. Hassan, to ask if they could leave some luggage in storage while they were away. Mr. Hassan was accommodating and assured them that the hotel would gladly store their luggage safely. They thanked Mr. Hassan for all his help, and retired to their rooms for the evening.

The next morning they awoke feeling a sense of relief and excitement as they prepared for their upcoming adventure. The boat trip up the Nile River, with its stops at various archaeological sites, promised an unforgettable journey filled with history and discovery.

Alexander and Reginald settled their hotel bill at the front desk. The clerk expressed how happy they were to have had them as guests. Alexander retrieved the key to the safety deposit box and took out the scarab beetle. They then met Omar and Kareem for breakfast, where the kitchen prepared a special morning breakfast. The meal was delicious, and when they went to pay, they were informed that it was on the house.

With their bags in hand, they got a carriage to the pier.

They boarded the ship upon arrival and presented their tickets to the steward, who collected them. Their adventure up the Nile River was about to begin, filled with anticipation and excitement for the journey ahead. The Dahabiya was new and huge. The steward explained that it was built to accommodate the anticipated increase in tourists flocking from around the world to see the new National Museum. As they waited in the queue to check in, they watched the light brown Nile flow by the boat.

Dahabiya sailboats are traditional wooden sailing vessels commonly found on the Nile River in Egypt. These boats have a distinctive and charming appearance, with their sleek, narrow hulls and large triangular sails known as lateen sails. The open and spacious deck provides ample room for passengers to sit and enjoy the scenic views.

Dahabiyas are known for their graceful and smooth sailing, gliding effortlessly across the water with the gentle breeze. The boat is usually manned by a skilled sailor who expertly navigates the river, using the wind to propel the vessel forward. The experience of sailing on a Dahabiya is peaceful and exhilarating, offering a unique perspective of the Nile's beauty and the surrounding landscapes.

As the sun sets over the Nile, the sight of Dahabiyas and feluccas, another traditional ship, with their sails silhouetted against the golden sky, creates a picturesque and timeless scene, capturing the essence of Egypt's rich cultural heritage.

While waiting in the queue to be shown their room, the enjoyed looking at the various ships on the Nile. Their turn finally came, and the crew showed their group to their rooms.

The rooms on the ship were compact yet thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and functionality. Each cabin featured two cozy beds with soft linens and a warm blanket, providing a restful retreat after a long day of exploration. The walls were paneled with polished wood, giving the space a nautical charm and a sense of timeless elegance.

A window allowed natural light to filter in, offering a glimpse of the shimmering waters outside. The ship's gentle rocking created a soothing ambiance, lulling the occupants into a peaceful slumber. The cabins had built-in storage, including a wardrobe and drawers, to organize personal belongings.

A writing desk was mounted on the wall, and a chair was positioned in one corner, providing a space for journaling or planning the next day's adventures. The desk folded down from the wall, and a lamp above it cast a warm glow over the room. A comfortable armchair was placed near the window, offering a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view.

The en-suite bathroom, though compact, was well-appointed with modern fixtures and a selection of toiletries. The shower provided a refreshing escape, with warm water readily available to wash away the day's exertions.
Overall, the ship's cabins were a harmonious blend of practicality and comfort, offering Reginald, Alexander, Omar, and Kareem a cozy sanctuary as they sailed toward their next destination.

A blend of elegance, comfort, and cultural immersion, gourmet dining, a bar, a sun deck, and various onboard activities make this vessel perfect for exploring the historical treasures along the Nile while enjoying top-notch amenities and service.

Always prepared for any adventure, Omar had recently acquired a pair of finely crafted pistols. These were not just any ordinary firearms; they were elegant pieces with intricate engravings on the barrels, reflecting a blend of artistry and functionality. The pistols came with matching leather holsters, designed to be practical and stylish. The holsters were made from high-quality leather, soft to the touch yet durable, ensuring that the pistols were securely held in place while allowing for quick access when needed.

Omar's attention to detail was evident in his choice of these weapons, as they perfectly complemented his adventurous spirit and appreciation for fine craftsmanship. Whether exploring ancient tombs or navigating the bustling streets of Cairo, Omar was always ready, and his pistols and holsters were a testament to his readiness and style.

Alexander and Reginald unpacked their clothes and took their pistols and holsters out of the bags. With their white suits and crisp white shirts, they pulled on the shoulder holsters. The gun was one of the new Manhattan Navy pistols. It has a 4-inch barrel and a place for more ammo on the other side of the holster. The gun fired .36 ammo.

They felt nervous wearing the guns but understood the necessity. They knew they had to always be very aware of their surroundings. There was a knock on the door, and when they opened it, they found Omar standing there, impeccably dressed as always. He stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. Omar explained that Reginald and Alexander would switch rooms with him and Kareem for the night. This sounded like a clever idea to everyone.

Omar showed them a specific knock on the door and emphasized that they should not open it if they did not hear that knock.

With the plan in place, they went up to the bar.

The bar was well-built, featuring dark wood and brass rails, giving it a classic and inviting atmosphere. The bartender greeted them warmly. They requested two gins and tonics with lime for themselves and tea for Omar and Kareem. The drinks were served promptly, and they moved to a table overlooking the river. The lighting was warm and ambient, creating a cozy environment perfect for unwinding after a long day.

The patrons were a mix of locals and travelers, each with their own stories and backgrounds. Some were tourists like themselves, eager to explore the historical wonders of Egypt. Others were locals enjoying a relaxing evening with friends. The bartender greeted everyone with a friendly smile, ensuring each guest felt welcome.

As they sipped their gin and tonics, they noticed a group of young professionals discussing their latest projects, a couple of older gentlemen playing a game of backgammon, and a few solo travelers engrossed in their books or journals. The atmosphere was lively yet relaxed, with soft music playing in the background, adding to the overall charm of the place.

A friendly local named Ahmed struck up a conversation with them. Ahmed was a history enthusiast and was eager to share his knowledge about the archaeological sites along the Nile. He had many stories about ancient Egypt and offered tips on lesser-known spots they should visit.
Ahmed's enthusiasm was infectious as they chatted, and they were even more excited about their upcoming journey. The conversation flowed easily, and they appreciated Ahmed's warm hospitality and insights.

Soon, dinner was served in the elegant dining room. The room was adorned with dark wood inlaid with beautiful Egyptian blue tiles, creating a stunning visual effect. The ceiling was painted with stars against a dark blue background, giving the impression of dining under the night sky.
The China was hand-painted with scenes of the Nile River, depicting ancient ruins and flights of birds that could be seen along the river. Wine glasses and coffee cups completed the exquisite table setting.

The waiters moved gracefully around the room, filling the wine glasses with a white wine that had a delightful aroma. Once the glasses were filled, they served the fish course, which was wonderfully prepared and presented. The combination of the beautiful setting, the excellent wine, and the delicious food made for an unforgettable dining experience.

After dinner, they returned to the bar and ordered two apple toddies for themselves and coffee for Omar and Kareem. They made their way up to the sun deck with their drinks in hand. The sun deck was lively, with several passengers enjoying the warm, golden rays. Some were lounging on comfortable deck chairs, sipping on refreshing drinks. In contrast, others engaged in animated conversations, their laughter mingling with the gentle sound of the waves. A few were reading books, lost in their own worlds, while others simply gazed out the windows at the horizon, taking in the breathtaking views.

The atmosphere was one of relaxation and camaraderie as people from different walks of life came together to share this serene environment. The sun deck, with its elegant design and luxurious amenities, provided the perfect setting for these passengers to unwind and connect with one another.

The night air was cool and refreshing as they settled into the deck chairs, sipping their drinks and reminiscing about the wonderful dinner they had just enjoyed.

They decided it was time to head to their rooms as the evening grew later. Reginald and Alexander made their way to Omar and Kareem's room, following the plan they had discussed earlier. Before they entered, Omar stopped them and firmly instructed them not to open the door if anything happened. Ensuring their safety was the top priority.

They cautiously entered the room and, trusting Omar's guidance, locked the door. They were ready to rest and prepare for the adventures that awaited them the next day. They could feel the boat getting underway. In the morning, they would be in Luxor!

They could feel the boat gently sway as it made its way to Luxor. The gentle rocking of the vessel was soothing. Late in the night, loud sounds came from Omar and Kareem's room, followed by an eerie silence. Reginald got his gun and stood by the door. This did not sound good, and Reginald and Alexander were nervous. After a while, there was Omar's knock on the door. They opened it to find Omar standing there, looking severe. Omar told Reginald to put his gun away, which he did.

"It was as we suspected," Omar said. "A man picked the lock on the door. It was dark in the room, so he could not see that Kareem was ready for him with his knife. Kareem easily overpowered the assailant and killed him, as he surely intended to do to you two."
The gravity of the situation sank in, and they realized just how close they had come to danger. They were grateful for Omar and Kareem's vigilance and bravery, knowing their quick actions saved their lives.

Omar told them that after searching the body and finding nothing, they threw it overboard into the Nile. Kareem was cleaning up the mess in their room. Omar pointed out the troubling fact that someone on board could have informed the assailant which room they would be staying in. This revelation was a huge concern. They realized the informant could be anyone on the ship. Was the informant a friendly member of the staff or an accomplice to the assassin? They had to be even more cautious and vigilant during their journey.

No one slept well that night. The tension from the earlier incident lingered in the air. Feeling the weight of the situation, Reginald placed his gun under his pillow, ready for any further threats. The night was long and restless, filled with the uneasy anticipation of what might come next. They knew they had to stay vigilant and prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead.

Alexander crawled into bed with Reginald kissing him and licking and kissing his neck. He loved him so much and felt compelled to show his lover his passion with all that had happened! This fire he felt burned like a forest fire in his heart. They continued like this till the sun started to rise.

They got up and took their showers. Dressed in their white suits with shoulder holsters, they felt a sense of relief carrying their guns. Waiting for Omar did not take long; he and Kareem knocked on the door. The group went to breakfast, which they ate with great delight. Alexander mentioned that he had brought the beetle. Something made him feel like he should bring it.

They left the boat and walked towards the ruins. The whole area was huge—massive, even. Reginald turned to look at Alexander, only to see a faraway look in his eyes. Alexander said, "We need to go this way," and led them away from the ruins until they came to a large pile of rocks that looked like they had been there for a long time. He dropped to his knees and started to dig. He found a pocket under one of the rocks and, reaching in, saw yet another scarab beetle. Pulling his hand out, to everyone's surprise, the new beetle looked precisely like the other one!

Alexander was so surprised he had to sit down. Omar handed him a canteen filled with water, which made him feel better. "We need to look around here. There may be more!" Alexander exclaimed. They did search for a while but found nothing more and decided to resume their exploration of the temple complex.

Unlike many other ancient constructions in Thebes, the Luxor Temple still stood and was visited by many. It continued to be a place of worship, blending ancient history with modern spirituality.

They walked along a grand pathway lined with sphinx statues, each one standing as a silent guardian to the impressive gateway of the temple. The entrance itself was awe-inspiring, hinting at the grandeur that lay within.

As they explored further, they came across the remnants of a Roman camp, a testament to the ancient occupation.

The Court of Ramses II, a large courtyard built by the great pharaoh, stretched out before them, its columns and statues still standing tall. Nearby, another grand courtyard constructed by Amenhotep III added to the temple's magnificence.

They visited the Chapel of Mut, the Chapel of Khonsu, and the Chapel of Amun, each dedicated to these revered deities. The Birth Chamber, a room symbolizing the divine birth of the king, held a special significance, its walls adorned with intricate carvings.

The walls of the temple, constructed from mud bricks, represented the division between the realm of the Egyptians and their gods. The temple played a significant role in the yearly Opet festival, where statues of Mut, Khonsu, and Amun journeyed from Karnak to the Luxor Temple. The atmosphere was rich with tradition and respect, and it was impossible not to experience a profound link to the distant past while exploring the hallowed surroundings.