Apropos to nothing at all I thought I would tell you about my 50th birthday. At my junior school in the late 1950’s we had a wonderful teacher Mr. Potter and I think it says something that I remember his name almost 50 years on. He told us wonderful stories of his time in Egypt doing his National Service. He told us about the Suez canal, Cairo and the pyramids, and the place that enchanted, and that is so the right word, me was Abu simbel. He mesmerised us with how they had moved this enormous temple stone by stone to the higher ground to save it from the flooding by the Aswan Dam.
Well due to kids, mortgages and work I never went and with the fast approaching big 5 0 I informed OH that he was taking me on a Nile cruise. I’m quite a shy person really and I did not want a party or anything else. Well we did it. We selected the bargain basement cruise and the boat was indeed a bit of a rust bucket and was put to shame by all the floating gin palaces that ply the Nile, but it was spotlessly clean and the crew, staff and food were wonderful. We did it all. The Valley of the Kings, Luxor , Karnac, Edfu and Phillaie temples, Aswan Dam, felucca cruise, Kitchener’s Island Garden, visits to bazaars, son et lumiere, camel ride across the dessert. I loved every minute of it. There are times in life when I think the word synchronicity comes into play and what do you think? The trip to Abu Simbel was on my 50th birthday, the very day.
We set off in a convoy of coaches across the Sahara in the dark of the early morning. Most people were asleep but I was so excited I didn’t get a wink. The coach park is a bit of a walk above the temple and walking down I was keenly looking out trying to catch my first glimpse. You come round the side of the hill and wham there it is. The first sight of something that I’d waited nearly 40 years to see, and promptly burst into tears. As you can see I was not disappointed.
The pictures show the first glimpse, one of the four Ramesis statues, and me and OH posing for posterity.
Well due to kids, mortgages and work I never went and with the fast approaching big 5 0 I informed OH that he was taking me on a Nile cruise. I’m quite a shy person really and I did not want a party or anything else. Well we did it. We selected the bargain basement cruise and the boat was indeed a bit of a rust bucket and was put to shame by all the floating gin palaces that ply the Nile, but it was spotlessly clean and the crew, staff and food were wonderful. We did it all. The Valley of the Kings, Luxor , Karnac, Edfu and Phillaie temples, Aswan Dam, felucca cruise, Kitchener’s Island Garden, visits to bazaars, son et lumiere, camel ride across the dessert. I loved every minute of it. There are times in life when I think the word synchronicity comes into play and what do you think? The trip to Abu Simbel was on my 50th birthday, the very day.
We set off in a convoy of coaches across the Sahara in the dark of the early morning. Most people were asleep but I was so excited I didn’t get a wink. The coach park is a bit of a walk above the temple and walking down I was keenly looking out trying to catch my first glimpse. You come round the side of the hill and wham there it is. The first sight of something that I’d waited nearly 40 years to see, and promptly burst into tears. As you can see I was not disappointed.
The pictures show the first glimpse, one of the four Ramesis statues, and me and OH posing for posterity.
17 comments:
How fantastic and what a memorable birthday.
Thats amazing Toady. I'm like you don't want a party for rapidly approaching 50th - Hub3 can't understand me. We don't get away for long trips cos of the dog. Really should I suppose - life is short. Well done you, and Mr Potter would have been delighted.
I can't do big birthday parties either - was the same for my forthieth. I've always wanted to go to Egypt, maybe I'll do it for my 50th!
Wow, how fantastic, such an amazing place, love the photos. I've not been myself, but I'd love to go.What a wonderfulo way to celebrate being 50!
Liked your story about teacher, I too have very vivid memories of my first teacher 40years ago!
Wow and double wow - what a treat for your birthday. I did disappear to a beach for my 50th, which is on xmas day, so slightly difficult time to disappear. But hey, you are only 50 once and I didnt want to be cooking a turkey!
Lovely photo's too. Egypt - what an experience.
What a wonderful way to remember your special Birthday.
Like you, I don't do big parties-My 40th I went away with girl friends to London for a wonderful weekend-Gordon Ramsay@Claridges, Harrods and Tea at the Ritz.
Always fancied Egypt but not right for kiddies and I won't leave them, so maybe when I'm 50 eh?
warm wishesxx
Toady thanks for the memories, I used to live in Egypt amd your blog reminded me of some grest times.
it really is a magial place isnt it?
Have missed your blog the last couple of days. Firstly, wanted to say how absolutely bloody marvellous that you got to go to a place I have been fascinated with since my history teacher introduced me to ancient Egypt. Am totally and utterly jealous!!!! Fabulous pics, Toady. Secondly, my love, am SO sorry to hear that things have been cr*p with your benefit/tribunal thing. As you say, you have paid into the system all these years. Bloody infuriating. Wish I could do something to help, but know I can't, except to be here to listen and send my virtual hugs your way. Much love.xx
how fantastic, what a great wasy to celebrate much better than a party!
Like Woozle I have fallen a bit behind with some of the blogs. Toady, I am so sorry you are having such a truly crappy time with the benfits people, etc. Hardly what you need when fighting such a horrible illness. I am thinking of you and I hope the fact that so many people here at purplecoo sent such lovely, caring comments helps. Keep up the blogging (and a few more photos like the one of Bo watching telly would be good!) xx
Oh, and forgot - the baguettes were from a beach cafe but the restaurant above Swanpool Beach is called the Three Mackerel and is lovely. It used to be called something else, but I can't remember what just now! x
I had always been fascinated by Egypt too and was very lucky that we were able to go there about 3 years ago. Did all the things you mention except the camel ride! Love the pictures, took me right back there to that magic place. How on earth did they manage to move it and yet it still feels as though it was always there. Sorry abit muddled!
Having read the comments, I find that I am ignorant, so am now going to read your past blogs.
Have only just caught up with your last few blogs Toady. Am so sorry you are having such a horrible time with the benefits people. They are unbelieveable. I have a client with heart problems and they have stopped his benefit too. Pictures of Egypt are amazing! Lucky you to have got there, that is something I am going to aim for, for my 50th
Been there and caught up. You poor dear, just rant and rant and let it out. You've got lots of support here. I know it doesn't actually get you anywhere, but it is so important to pour it out. As if you depression wasn't bad enough, this sort of frustration is deffinitely NOT either helpful or necessary. I really do not know what this country is comeing to with all the burocracy and job's worth people. Love and thinking of you, Rho
Hello Toady. The Egyptian pictures are awe inspiring.
It is late here, but I did want to add my wishes of support to you.
Jane's food info seems very intriguing, and I expect that you may have already heard of those views. But even so, sounds worth trying.
I would so like to be able to go to one of those flea market/boot sales with you, or even help in the garden. Please do keep sharing your thoughts with us in this friendly place.
All best wishes, xo
Wonderful way to mark a milestone birthday! The only Luxor I've seen is the hotel in Las Vegas! We went on a Russian River cruise last September and it has wet my appetite for more!
Cor Toady, lucky you, don't forget to keep presenting yourself to your local MP will you when he has his surgery ?
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