Life in Egypt is hard, humorous, and extremely human. Many times along each day's trek through the cities' streets, local Egyptians call out or approach us. Admittedly, in the souks (markets) or other shops these are often invitations to part with our Egyptian Pounds. (The mantra has become familiar: "Only 5 pounds! Small money!" When we politely refuse these offers of commerce, there is often a plaintive "Why?") But other times those who acknowledge our obviou...

Hello again, Blogonauts! These blog entries became sparser from Luxor primarily because the internet service there, amidst the tombs of the Pharaohs, itself became mummified. So now that I'm in Alexandria, here’s a brief and presumably accurate update. Our last day in Luxor was rather low key. Before heading out to buy some souvenirs, I visited the Luxor Museum, which contains a few items extracted from King Tutankhamen’s tomb, found just across the...