egypt Archives

iPhone Friday

After returning from a remarkable trip to Egypt, I am excited to share my experiences. Highlights include visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum, where the Tutankhamun mask’s new display left a lasting impression.

As I have returned from my trip to Egypt, there will be much to share! First of all, it was another amazing experience in this ancient country, rich in history and culture, which continually captivates and inspires me to return once again at a future date! From exploring the magnificent pyramids that have stood the test of time to wandering through the bustling markets filled with vibrant colors and scents, every moment was a unique adventure. There are numerous photos to be edited, capturing both the breathtaking landscapes and the friendly faces of the locals, posts to be written that will convey the stories of my journey, and work to be caught up on as I reflect on this incredible experience and plan for future travels!

Here’s a quick iPhone snapshot from my visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum…

When I last visited the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the Tutankhamun display had not yet been relocated to its impressive new home. However, my wife and I were fortunate enough to see the iconic mask in its previous museum near Tahrir Square. This experience allowed us a glimpse of the extraordinary craftsmanship that surrounds this historical artifact. The anticipation of viewing it in the GEM, which promised to be a marvel in itself, only added to our excitement.

The newly created exhibit space for the Tutankhamun collection in the GEM is nothing short of spectacular. The architectural design and thoughtful arrangement of the displays truly enhance the experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves deeply in the ancient world. The lighting is particularly noteworthy; it highlights the intricate details of the artifacts while creating a mesmerizing atmosphere that draws you in from the moment you step into the exhibit. Each piece tells a story, and the thoughtful curation makes it easy to appreciate the cultural significance of these relics.

During my visit, I managed to capture an iPhone shot of the famous mask, which turned out pretty well. The way the mask is presented in the museum is indeed out of this world, with its vibrant colors and intricate details standing out brilliantly against the backdrop of the exhibit. It’s a moment that instills a sense of awe and reverence for the ancient Egyptian civilization and its monumental achievements.

When you plan your visit to the GEM, I have one crucial word of caution: remember to breathe. The awe-inspiring sights are likely to take your breath away as you navigate through the vast halls filled with relics of the past. Furthermore, it’s wise to select a specific part of the museum that you wish to explore on the day of your visit. Due to the extensive collection, it’s impossible to see everything in a single day. Planning your time and focusing on certain exhibits will allow you to fully appreciate the depth and richness of this unparalleled museum experience. Whether you choose to delve into the art, the history, or the artifacts, the GEM truly offers something extraordinary for every visitor.

Sunday Serenity

Today we marvel at the sailing felucca on the Nile, experiencing a rich blend of history and serenity

As we were on Elephantine Island in Aswan today, there has been a fair bit of travel on the Nile as part of our day, which truly enriched our experience in this historically vibrant region. During this day, there was a visit to some wonderful tombs of various officials from various time periods of Ancient Egypt, showcasing the fascinating architectural designs and intricate hieroglyphics that tell stories of their lives and legacies. Each tomb revealed unique details that gave us insight into the rituals and beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife in ancient civilization, which I will cover in future posts.

While on the western bank of the Nile, I caught sight of this rather peaceful traversal of the great river…

Sailing a felucca is a truly ancient tradition that is still active these days, attracting both locals and tourists who wish to experience the beauty of the Nile in a unique way. On this day, many travelers traversed the river, their eyes filled with wonder as the sun glinted off the water’s surface. A good breeze filled the sails, making their progress not only swift but also quite efficient, as laughter and conversations filled the air. The gentle rocking of the boat, combined with the stunning views of the ancient temples and lush riverbanks, creates an unforgettable experience steeped in history.

A Saturday Shortcut

Anticipating another visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, excited to see the difference of a year in its development.

As we’ll be going to the Grand Egyptian Museum tomorrow, and I need to make sure I have packed for early luggage collection, this is a bit of a shortcut installment.

It’s almost a year ago that I first got to see the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which was prior to the completion of all the installations. I vividly remember the awe I felt as I roamed through the partially finished exhibits, eagerly anticipating the full reveal of this magnificent cultural landmark. A notable absence last year was the Tutankhamen collection, which we did get to see in its previous location. That being said, I had the chance to explore other fascinating artifacts that offered a glimpse into the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian civilization.

According to what I have been told, the new installation of Tutankhamen’s treasures is nothing short of spectacular. The museum’s curators and designers went above and beyond to create an immersive experience that highlights the grandeur of Tutankhamen’s treasures. Some have described the new exhibits with such enthusiasm, indicating that it looks like you almost cannot see the case due to the care they took with lighting design. This innovative approach not only elevates the artifacts themselves but also serves to enhance the overall viewing experience, making visitors feel like they are truly stepping into the past.

I’m sure I will also get this view, spectacular in and of itself…

With the expert guidance that we will get tomorrow from Dominic Perry and the Ancient Word Tours team, I am eagerly anticipating the day, as I finish up this post. More from me tomorrow!

iPhone Friday

The journey may be lengthy, but it’s rewarded with a fantastic Chinese meal in Egypt at China Red restaurant.

As I have arrived in Egypt, I thought there would be nothing better than have this installment focused on my experiences here. Be forewarned that this post is not what you might expect to see about Egypt.

After spending most of the last 24 hours either in airports or airplanes, there was nothing that I wanted more than to feel clean again after a shower. Next on the menu, literally, was to decide on a nice dinner. Staying at the Le Meridien at the Cairo airport, I did have the choice of 4 different restaurants with cuisines ranging from Lebanese to pub food, and Chinese. As I expect to eat plenty of middle Eastern cuisine over the next week plus, I chose China Red, the Chinese restaurant. I was not disappointed!

The atmosphere is great and welcoming and the menu is appealing, as it has focus and doesn’t try to serve everything, the way many American Chinese restaurants do. After I placed my order for a Sakkara Gold beer and some food, I was also provided with a basket of kroepoek…

Kroepoek are deep fried crackers made from a starch and a flavoring, which in this case was prawn. They are very airy, as they expand tremendously during frying with lots of air pockets.

Next I had ordered some shrimp spring rolls, which were delicious…

Of course, they were really hot on the first bite, so be careful; their flavor and consistency was wonderful! I ate these with my soup, which was a West Lake soup…

This is one of those fantastic Chinese soups that has a smooth, velvety feel when eating it and has a great balance of egg whites, tofu, chicken, vegetables, and mushrooms. This chef really understands how to create an amazing combination of flavors with none being overpowering the others.

I completed this meal with a fantastic beef and seafood stir fry, of which I forgot to take a picture; the smell was so good that I dug into it immediately, after which I realized my error.

In total, a fantastic meal at a reasonable price with attentive service. I highly recommend China Red for your next time in Cairo!

Throwback Thursday – 32

In the coming weeks, I will be exploring Egypt, so here’s a taste from last year’s trip.

This week’s throwback is very much focused on some of the upcoming photography that I will share with all of you! During the coming 2 weeks, I will be spending some more quality time in the wonderful country of Egypt, a place rich in history and culture that has always captivated my imagination. I will explore some iconic sites that I have not been to before, including serene landscapes and the bustling city of Alexandria. Additionally, I will return to some of my favorite locations that I have previously visited, where I hope to capture new perspectives and experiences through my lens.

For today, I present you with a throwback to both last year’s visit, and antiquity…

The pyramids of Giza are probably the best-known monuments of the ancient world, standing as towering symbols of a civilization that has long since passed but continues to captivate the imagination of people worldwide. These massive structures, built thousands of years ago, are truly impressive testaments to human ingenuity and engineering skills, showcasing remarkable precision and planning that would astound modern architects. Dating back to a time when simple machines were all that was available, the construction of the pyramids involved a complex organization of labor, resources, and knowledge that highlights the extraordinary capabilities of the ancient Egyptians. Each pyramid, meticulously designed and constructed, served as a grand tomb for pharaohs, reflecting both their wealth and status, while also demonstrating their belief in the afterlife and the importance of preserving their legacy for eternity. The incredible alignment of the pyramids with celestial bodies further illustrates the advanced understanding of astronomy that the ancient builders possessed.

Travel Tuesday

Getting ready to capture Egypt’s landscapes and culture always is filled with more last minute items than I had planned

It is a bit of a crazy week, as I’m getting ready for my trip to Egypt, which will be a wonderful return to this great and ancient country. Even though I think of myself as a somewhat seasoned traveler, there are always many last-minute items to take care of, and they take more time than I budgeted for them. It’s easy to underestimate the little things that can add up and create a sense of urgency before departure.

Amazingly, one aspect of my packing that has turned into a series of multiple repacks revolves around my camera gear. Photography is a passion of mine, and when traveling, I want to capture the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture that Egypt has to offer. For this trip, I made the decision about what equipment to take with me pretty early on. This includes my Fuji X-H2 camera, a Canon 5D MkIII for infrared photography, a variety of lenses, and extra batteries. However, as I’m guilty of owning a number of camera bags, the real challenge has been deciding on the perfect bag to accompany me on this journey.

The art of packing light seems to be a paradox in travel; the more I try to minimize my load, the more items seem to find their way back in. This balancing act is all part of the pre-trip excitement, creating anticipation for the incredible experiences that await me in Egypt.

After I get on the plane, I will be looking forward to connecting with this interesting pharaoh once again…

So, stay tuned over the next set of posts for lots more from Egypt, where I will explore the rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture of this incredible country. In addition to captivating travel tales, I will also share insights into local traditions, culinary delights, and hidden gems as I come across them.

Wednesday Window – pt 27

A reflection seen through a window on a Nile lock during our recent cruise.

Welcome back to the windows in my small part of the world, or rather one from my travels. This week’s window features a reflection as the key element of interest.

Let’s take a look into the mirror…

This window is part of the control structure of one of the Nile locks that we went through during our cruise this year. From the upper deck of our ship, the reflection caught my eye and provided some interesting lines to play with.

This is my mid-week contribution to the Monday Window thread, a creation of Ludwig Keck. To read more about Ludwig, check this page.

Travel Tuesday

We explore the beauty of encountering diverse cultures, such as our recent trip to Egypt. Rather than crediting alien influence, we can appreciate the rich mythology and imagination of the Egyptians.

Our travels take us to interesting locations and provide the opportunity to meet with people, learn about cultures and, in general, stand in awe of the world, as we’re speeding through space. This year’s trip to Egypt certainly gave me plenty of opportunity to stand in awe of not only the ancient civilization and its accomplishments, but also the people who live there now. Of course, some of the feats from antiquity make us question how things were accomplished.

Here’s one image that gave me pause for thought…

We’ve all heard the explanation of ‘Ancient Aliens’ to questions about the amazing structures and how they were built, not only in Egypt but many locations on our planet. This stone block at the temple complex at Philae might steer some to that explanation, as does this one…

These are some different looking characters that we don’t expect to see walking around. Still not evidence of early arrivals by E.T.

Egyptians had a rich imagination and mythology, in which many unusual creatures feature. I find that these carvings are not any stranger than three-headed snakes with legs or gods with the heads of animals. They were some great thinkers and they still are!

Travel Tuesday

This week we highlight an image of the falcon statue at Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple from our most recent trip.

This week’s episode features another image from our most recent big trip to Egypt. My wife and I try to aim for a major trip every other year or so, as there’s always quite a bit of planning involved, as it’s not just us. We also have to think about the 3 Cardigan Welsh Corgis and 2 Siberian Forest Cats. So yes, these trips get planned at least a year in advance!

Here’s another image from Egypt…

This mighty Falcon sits by the second ramp that leads to the incredible mortuary temple of the pharaoh Hatshepsut. Part of what drew me to this falcon is the intrigue of the detail of the feathers that is visible in the outer layer of the statue. Much of this outer layer has been lost, but it still provides a sense of what the original look of the falcon was. Additionally, note that there is still a bit of paint visible around the eye. It would be magical to travel back to antiquity and see this statue when it was just installed.

You might be able to tell that I’d love to return to Egypt, just to spend more time at all of the monuments visited and many more… a lifetime might not be enough!

iPhone Friday

In this episode, we’re looking at some ancient graffiti in the tomb of Ramses IV in the Valley of the Kings

Yes, folks, this Friday’s post is another one from Egypt, as there are a lot of iPhone shots from that trip. In the previous Egypt-based post of iPhone Friday from May 16, 2025, we visited Luxor Temple, which was stunning. This week, I’m taking you back to the Valley of the Kings, where we were in another iPhone Friday from May 9, 2025.

Here’s a view from the entrance part of another tomb…

This is the entrance of the tomb of Ramses IV in the Valley of the Kings. What caught my attention here is the graffiti that we see to the right of the cartouche of Ramses. To my somewhat trained eye, it appears to be a Coptic text, which does challenge me to see if I can translate it.

Of course, if you have Coptic skills…please share!

	Pepper on Sunday Serenity
	Marie on A Saturday Shortcut
	jansenphoto on A Saturday Shortcut
	Marie on A Saturday Shortcut
	jansenphoto on iPhone Friday