This is Ahmed Tantawy; for ten days, he was my very own Egyptologist.
Ahmed is an Egypt expert and loves helping unseasoned travelers like me make sense of the history and culture of the country he deeply loves. Yes, Ahmed and I were fortunate enough to be assigned to one another while I was in Egypt. In truth, I had to share him with the others in my group, but his in depth explanations and compelling story telling skills made for a unique learning experience for me. Ahmed’s first lesson at the Cairo Museum was an important one….ignore the throngs of people; pretend the crowds are not there; try not to grow impatient; see everything you are able to see…. for example, this life-sized statue that was discovered in Tutankhamun’s royal tomb. It was one of a pair that guarded the entrance to Tut’s burial chamber. The statue acted as the sentry of the tomb and as “Ka” or a spirit statue. Can you tell that Egyptians loved gold!!!! And they still do.
Ahmed told us that the Cairo Museum had so much to offer, but most visitors with limited time focused on the Tutankhamun exhibit…we were no different. A knowledgable guide like Ahmed makes all the difference in the world. Looking at and learning about ancient objects…like these jars that held royal organs as part of the mummification process or…
this jackal carving representing the god, Anubis….brings the ancient world closer to the here and now…making some ever so important connections between the past and the present.
The throne of Tutankhamun has a lot of WOW!!! This royal chair dates from 1325BC and remains almost as colorful and vibrant as it was when it was new. It is overlaid in pure sheet gold and silver and adorned with semiprecious stones, glaze and colored glass. The throne is a symbol of power, but the scene between Tut and his wife, Ankhesenamum, makes the throne an intimate glimpse into the couple’s everyday life. She seems to be rubbing his arm with something soothing and pleasant.
Finally, check out these boxes….constructed of the finest materials and with the most skilled workmanship….the idea was to last beyond a lifetime…an so they have.
Ahmed stressed that everything was done to ensure that the ressurection of Tut, and others like him, was not left to chance. The five elements of ressurection were always present…Name, Body, Spirit, Soul and Heart. The living did everything they could to ensure that this boy with the enigmatic smile would never die. I’d say they were successful!
Armed with Ahmed and his advice and stories, I was ready for a sailing junket up the Nile to visit more of Egypt’s ancient treasures.
See you all aboard the river ship, Tosca, where I will welcome you to my new home away from home.
Love, the Unseasoned Traveler.
Jackie's Junkets 
I remember going to see the Tut exhibit here in DC as a child. It was the rage. But I don’t remember the individual objects, so thanks, Jackie, for these pictures and commentary. I love, love that chair!
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Good Morning, Ellen….you were the first one to respond to this post…thanks so much..I am never sure that my comments reach people. So, let me know if you get this note…we are fine…Ash is fine also…it is supposed to rain for the next week in her neck of the woods…talk soon…hugs, jackie
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“On my bucket list” is such an overused, hackneyed saying, but a visit to the museum at Cairo has been my dream since I was twelve. You took me there, Jackie, and I thank you.
❤️❤️❤️ Marcia
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Marcia….thanks for your kind comments. What you wrote means so much to me. I want to tell you that the new Grand Egyptian Museum (Egyptians call it GEM) is due to open sometime in December, and it will be the largest “under roof” museum in the world. Everything in the current Cairo Museum is going to the GEM…Shall we meet there??? By the way….sorry about the typo in this post…I could not find my glasses….but the error has been corrected…I think, anyway…as I still cannot find said glasses…..stay healthy…jackie
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It was fantastic! We can do it again….. your Traveling Companion
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Thanks for your kind comment….sure….we can go again
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Another wonderful armchair travel experience. In these times of doin’ nothin’, not even planning, your posts are like opening a window and breathing in fresh air. Thanks!
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You’re welcome, David…today I had a moment of self pity when I began to wonder if I had, indeed, taken my last trip….no one is getting any younger or stronger….by 2022…if this is even over by then….I will be so old. I continue to save my “junket” money…..but what if….your thoughts, David.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts and pictures. Lots of good memories still impressive though I walked the same path. Always glad to hear and see it through other eyes. Miss you and Bruce so thankful to have you touched my life!
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Hi there…nice to hear from you.happy to share all thoughts and pictures….staying inside is difficult more and more as the days go on…I killed Bruce 20 times today….how is Sherry? Love to her and to you….we were all blessed to have found one another.
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Your visit takes me back to a visit in my college days to the British museum for the famous traveling Tutankhamun exhibit. The chair did not travel, so this is the first time I’ve seen it. Also, I never knew Tut had a wife. History back then taught us that he was assassinated when he was 14. If both are true, he must have been a very young groom. Fascinating.
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Leslie, are you at the beach yet? Thanks for keeping up with me….yes….he did have a wife…she was also his half sister….it is believed that he was 19 when he died….all of it is very fascinating!!! Hope to see you soon…j.
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I love the clarity of your pictures and descriptions. Makes these museum scenes come alive.
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Betsy…I am so happy you think I am doing a good job blogging…I hit a writer’s block today…I am trying to get over it…..j.
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Wow what amazing pictures. I would love to see Egypt but too many other places closer on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing!
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Hi Diane….great to hear from you…my husband says thanks for the ramen noodle with mushrooms and cream…it was yummy.
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Awesome! I’m so glad he liked it, I know I did. Have a great weekend.
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I have loved every blog about this trip, one I don’t think I will be able to make. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I have shared it with friends. Some, I know, have joined to follow you.
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It does seem like you are bringing the World closer by photographing and sharing your reactions and thoughts while walking through history. Such beautiful memories.
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