First things first. We are in Egypt! Yup, you read that right. More specifically, at this very moment, we’re floating on the Nile, taking in the sights as we make our way toward Luxor. Everything about Egypt is inspiring, the history, the beauty, the art, the textiles, the carpets, the people… amazing. I’ll give you a pictorial summary of our first few days, but I have to tell you a quick story, so you get the backdrop for this trip.
When Richard and I got married, we pissed off a lot of friends and family when we announced we were planning on getting married on Christmas day. Talk about young and foolish. But friends and family balked at that idea, so we scrapped it and settled for the winter equinox, which was December 22nd that year. We then planned our honeymoon. We decided we would spend xmas eve and xmas day in Jerusalem at the King David hotel, New Year’s Eve was going to be in Giza, overlooking the pyramids, then a cruise along the Nile, ending in a quick flight to Jordan to take in the sights of Petra. Did I mention our son was 9 months old when we got married? Never ones to go with convention, we did things our way and then often would remark to each other later that “our” way wasn’t necessarily the best way and there was a reason people get married, take a honeymoon and THEN have children. But I was in my later 30’s by the time we decided to have children, and planning a wedding took a back seat. So there you have it. Anyway, the intifada broke out about three months before our wedding and as we were traveling with a small child we were advised to scrap our plans. (We had reserved everything, right down to the guides.) So we did. We canceled everything and ended up going to Mexico where all three of us got really, really, really sick. So sick. You have no idea how sick. We referred to it as “the honeymoon from hell.” Except that I have great memories from that trip even so. But we always wanted to try and recreate our planned honeymoon. Years ago I was fortunate enough to be sent to Jerusalem to cover a conference, and Richard tagged along, so we were able to do that part, but we never did get to Egypt or Jordan, until now, more than two decades later.
Okay, now that you have the backstory, let’s get on with Egypt!
On the Nile in Edfu
Our Cabin (and the artistry of the staff) as we float along the Nile. Those are bottle caps for eyes, by the way.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. I can’t write about Egypt and not show you a photograph of the pyramids. So here you go.
The pyramids of Giza
And the camel ride that cannot be refused.
“Valentino, not the designer.”
Camels, or I should say, this camel was very sweet and friendly. For some reason I had the idea that camels were ornery, like llamas, but I was mistaken.
And then there’s the sphinx.
The Sphinx
Outside the Egyptian Museum where 2/3 of the collection has already been moved to the new museum still being built. And yet, it was still overwhelming!
Look at this cloth!
Embroidered Cloth
And this one, which is perhaps my favorite.
Indigo Cloth
The internet is spotty out here on the Nile, so I’m just going to end with a few more photographs. More to come when I get the chance.
Abu Simbel
Ancient Graffiti
This last was one of my favorites. I fell in love with the “graffiti” that peppers the temples. This one is from around 300 BC. Think about that. It gave me all sorts of ideas for my next workshop, which I’ve already roped my friend, Pat Pauly into making linen fabric kits for. More on that in a few weeks!
Onwards to Luxor!
I am leaving for a trip to Egypt and Jordan in a few weeks. I have been following you for about 6 months and really love your projects and watching you do them. I am so very very new to embroidery but have been growing a stash to get into it more fully. I also am a big graffiti fan no matter the county and am forever photographing patterns on doors, door knockers, wrought iron etc. I am very interested in getting in on your next work shop which I assume will be by zoom.
Oh how wonderful Tracy, you’re going to have an amazing time!! I’d love to have you join one of my workshops, and yes, they are all virtual via zoom with lots of one on one time for everyone. ❤️
Great story. You lead a very adventurous life! Photos are awesome.
Thx so much Bobbi! ❤️
I am so enjoying “traveling” in Egypt with you! Thanks for taking all of us along. Have a wonderful time!
Thank you Michele! I’m so glad. ❤️❤️
Thank you sharing your backstory. I love it. Beautiful pics. Stay safe and stay well my friend!
Thank you Debra!! We are having the most wonderful time!!
Fantastic. Have a great time. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thx Lydia! We are. It’s just amazing here. ❤️
Thank you for these photos and the story!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you like them. ❤️
What a lot of inspiration. My friend has a Llama that always gave me a kiss. Like people, they are all different.
Aw… how sweet. I would think that must have felt wonderful!