Okay, the big deal today was John’s birthday and how to make the whole thing a surprise. Yesterday, Ahmed, our fabulous tour guide, misunderstood and had me come to the front of the bus as we were leaving the hotel to go to the airport. I didn’t know what to do, so I led the whole group in singing “The Wheels on the Bus!” Everyone loved it, but today I had to do it all over again and try to make “Happy Birthday” as much fun as “The Wheels on the Bus” had been! I’d already done a lot of fast talking to explain that Ahmed thought I was an entertainer, which is why he called me up. Today, when I was called to the front, John was not surprised. I took the microphone and explained that we had a pharaoh on board and that he was a great guy, and coincidentally, it was “Pharaoh John’s” birthday. The whole bus clapped, and together we sang as he walked up to the front of the bus. Hooray for John!
This was at 1 pm, but we had woken up at 6:30 to see our friends in the gorgeous hot air balloons sail over the Valley of the Kings just across the river. Absolutely gorgeous!! And so quiet. We loved the graceful show—from the ground!
After they returned and had lunch, our whole group went out again—to sing Happy Birthday. Today, when I was called to the front of the bus, no one was surprised. I took the microphone and, instead of jumping into song, explained that we had a pharaoh on board and he was a great guy, and coincidentally, it was also his birthday. The whole bus clapped, and together we sang, “Happy Birthday” and hooray for Pharaoh John!
Then we visited the Denderah Temple, which was beautifully painted and of Greco-Roman influence. It was amazing to understand that in 2000 years, nothing here has been repainted. It is as it was. The Dendarah Temple is significant because it is beautifully preserved and actually has Cleopatra on the back outside wall. John and I were amazed to read her name in hieroglyphs!
We climbed to the roof and visited more rooms there, and learned about the zodiacs invented by the Egyptians. All the symbols were there, though on a black reproduction because the original had been carefully removed and taken to the Louvre. On that note, Egypt would love to have the Rosetta Stone back, but Britain says no to even a loan. As far as mummies go, however, the Egyptian climate is perfect for their preservation. No special treatment needed. Egypt’s 0% humidity is the reason why all of these fabulous ruins and mummies are still in such good shape.
Back at the ship, we went to dinner with our new friends, David and Heidi, and were surprised when the whole staff brought a birthday cake (that they had baked especially) to John and sang a traditional happy birthday. He was uncomfortable but happy to have a bit of attention. Happy birthday John—many more to come. More surprises tomorrow!
