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Tehuti News Highlights of Egypt 2003 |
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Volume 2, Issue 1, August 2003 |
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Dr. Crawford's Educational Tour to Egypt July 27 to August 10, 2003 |
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Tour Members at Abu Simbel, Nubia |
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by Reba Ashton-Crawford "Welcome to Alaska" was the favorite line of many of the Egyptian locals as they greeted us. At times, it was so hot, some of us wished we were in Alaska. Hot, but WONDERFUL. Our glorious 15 day tour was awe-inspiring and for some, a life-changing experience. Unfortunately, Dr. Ben, our guest lecturer for Cairo began to experience poor health shortly after his arrival in Egypt and he was not able to deliver any of his dynamic lectures or accompany us on the sites. Nonetheless, his spirit was with us the entire trip. The continual inquiry about him by the Nubian people spoke to his importance in Egypt. Though Dr. Ben spent time with his Egyptian family while the group journeyed through Egypt, I am glad to report that he returned home to New York with us and he is doing fine now. Egypt is so much more than just the pyramids, the Sphinx, other ancient structures. It's a pilgrimage. We teased one of our elders, Consuelo, that since she visited the Holiest of Holy cities, Abydos, and graced its temple, she was now a "hesy." After a spiritual pilgrimage to Abydos, one became what is called a hesy (as demonstrated in the "block statues" seen in the Egyptian galleries of some museums). Just as Mecca is to Muslims and Jerusalem is to Christians, ancient Egyptians considered Abydos their holy city, as they believed it to be the birthplace of the god Osiris. Our tour began with the magnificent pyramids of Khufu, Khafra, and Menkaura in Giza (adjacent to Cairo). This year, we were able to make the 10-story journey inside Khufu's pyramid to the kings chamber. It was grueling and some folks turned back, but most of us were determined. The Sphinx was a short drive away. Though some of us had seen it before, it was still an amazing experience just to stand before it and bask in its glory.
Reba against the backdrop of the Pyramids Cairo was great, but Aswan was the place after my own heart. It, my friends, is the land of the Nubians. Like last year, we visited a Nubian village, but this time it was located on Elephantine Island. They, too, were grateful for the gifts we brought them. Historians have tried to propagate the myth that the ancient Egyptians and the Nubians were two different races of people, but when you witness it for yourself, you actually see the truth standing right before your eyes. Many of the sculptures and paintings I saw all over Egypt were of people who were unmistakably African. It reminds me of that line by Groucho Marx in an old Marx Bros. episode, "Who are you going to believe...me, or your lying eyes?" I must also add that the traditional Nubian cuisine was 'off the chain.' I'm still trying to figure out all of those wonderful spices. |
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Can you believe the far left figure is Tutankhamen? |
Edmund standing with the Sphinx |
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Another highlight of the tour was the 4-day Nile Cruise. You haven't really lived until you've seen the sunset on the Nile. Twilight was just as beautiful with a blanket of stars stretched across the deep blue sky and we watched in awe as the moon glistened peacefully on the water. The ever-changing landscape seemed virtually unchanged from the time of ancient Egypt. It caused one to imagine the famous trading expedition of Queen Hatshepsut when she sailed to the land of Punt (modern-day Somalia) thousands of years ago. Also, being cradled on the Nile River was a perfect respite after a long day. The ships ambiance was truly beautiful and we all enjoyed ourselves to the fullest. The head chef even tailored the menu to our liking...we required a taste of Nubia. The experience was très magnifique!
Damion, one of our dread-locked brothers who favored his Marcus Garvey T-shirt caught it every single time we went out. "Hey, Bob Marley...No Woman No Cry" was a constant chant by the locals, especially at the marketplace. Some of them would even break out into a Marley tune. It was hilarious. We definitely got some shopping time in, but our other major visits included the Sobek-Horus temple at Kom Ombo, the site of the first hospital, the Valley of the Kings, the Ramesseum, the Colossi of 'Memnon', Queen Hatshepsut's Temple, my favorite, the Karnak Temple that houses the Great Hypostyle Hall, and the Grand Lodge at Luxor that served as the university for the pharaohs & high priests to be trained in the so-called "Mystery System." We also visited the beautiful and mystical Isis temple at Aegilika Island, the temples at Dendera, Medinet Habu, and Abu Simbel. We visited the Step Pyramid at Saqqara (this time, we got to go into the tomb of Ptah-Hotep, author of the first book known to man), the internationally acclaimed Egyptian Museum in Cairo and we went to Egypt's first capital, Men-Nefer (aka Memphis). Educator and tour member, Marie, coordinated a fascinating trip to the new Nubian Museum in Aswan.
Tour Members at Luxor Temple Edmund, our youngest traveler was an18 year old college student. He said "this trip was crucial for me as I am now growing into manhood." Winston Munford, our resident photographer said this trip was 33 years in the making for him. After experiencing Egypt for himself, he said "it had a profound effect on me and changed my life in more ways than I could ever describe." That's saying a lot since Winston is a profound thinker and extremely articulate in communicating his thoughts and ideas. We hope that many more will be inspired to join us on future tours. Dr. Crawford's South Africa & Zimbabwe is scheduled for Jan.7-16, 2006. The Educational Tour to Egypt-2006 is scheduled for July 22nd to August 5th. For more information, call (718)756-8904 or e-mail: sankofa.c@gmail.com Click here to visit Photo Album 2002
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