ANCIENT EGYPT SERIES NOVEL

TRIP TO- BAHIRIYA OASIS

Desert trip – Bahiriya Oasis!

Heading into the Egyptian desert is wonderful. There, one loses any sense of time or worldly cares. Perhaps, like deep sea diving and flying, one is free to enjoy a new world.

In 2011, however, there was a lot of telephoning ahead, unseen security and plain work. Our guide pointed out that a week before, the army discovered a group like ours was made up of terrorists transporting weapons.

Next stop, army headquarters!

We need not have worried. In their isolation, the soldiers were glad of company. Young men sprang into action and made tea, nescafé and ahwa (Turkish coffee). There was talk and laughter. There were facilities.

In less than an hour, we were on the road again, heading for Bahiriya Oasis. In our hotel lobby, welcome drinks of hibiscus tea and orange juice were consumed under high ceilings decorated with brass lamps like Aladdin’s cave. Then, everyone’s cat accompanied them to their quarters.

You heard right! Cats accompanied individuals to their rooms and sat outside them during their stay. The rooms were rustic with traditional furnishings, and white plastered walls.

Dinner outside was naturally shared with felines. And there were facilities, including a jacuzzi which some of us used at night under the moon.

In the morning, we were accompanied to the lobby by our animals. While we waited during the check out, they took positions under antique wooden furniture. We were served drinks. Then, we departed, with hotel staff standing outside, waving a genuine goodbye.

Up ahead was a temple at which a very young Alexander stopped. We were off to visit!