To Egypt With Love: Unveiling the Secrets of Ancient Civilization

Imagine traversing through time, guided by the whispers of history. Picture yourself standing in awe, surrounded by structures that have withstood the test of time for thousands of years. A journey to Egypt is not just a trip; it's an immersion into a world where the past intertwines seamlessly with the present.

From the majestic pyramids to the enchanting banks of the River Nile, Egypt offers an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered, experienced, and cherished. Embark on an adventure of a lifetime and let Egypt bewitch you with its rich history, captivating culture, and mesmerizing landscapes.

Uncovering Ancient Secrets

Step into the realm of pharaohs and gods, where towering sandstone wonders stand tall against the desert backdrop. Visit the Great Pyramid of Giza, the only surviving wonder of the ancient world. Allow the vastness of its structure and the mysteries that shroud it to leave you in awe. Explore the Valley of the Kings, a sacred burial ground filled with lavish tombs and exquisite treasures that were meant to accompany the pharaohs into the afterlife.

To Egypt With Love: Memories of a Bygone World

by Viviane Bowell(Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5096 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

As you wander through Luxor's open-air museum, Karnak Temple Complex, immerse yourself in the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture. The towering columns, intricate hieroglyphics, and ornate statues will transport you back to a time when gods ruled over mortal men.

A Journey Along the Nile

The River Nile, the lifeblood of Egypt, has shaped the country's landscape and its people. Embark on a cruise along its tranquil waters and let the beauty of the Nile unfold before your eyes. Drift past picturesque villages, fertile farmland, and gentle palm-lined shores that create a picturesque tableau of the Nile's timeless charm.

Stop at Edfu and Kom Ombo, two temples that pay homage to Horus, the falcon-headed god, and Sobek, the crocodile god, respectively. Be mesmerized by their intricate designs and captivating legends that have been etched into their walls over millennia.

The Enigmatic Charm of Cairo

No visit to Egypt is complete without exploring the bustling capital city of Cairo. Dive into its vibrant streets and embrace the chaos that coexists harmoniously with its rich history. Wandering through the chaotic lanes of Khan El Khalili, an ancient bazaar, immerse yourself in the sensory symphony of fragrances, sights, and sounds that epitomize the essence of Cairo.

Make your way to the Egyptian Museum and marvel at its vast collection of artifacts, including the famous golden mask of Tutankhamun. Be captivated by the stories each artifact tells, unveiling the secrets of Egypt's past with every step you take.

Immerse Yourself in Egypt's Natural Beauty

While Egypt's ancient treasures hold a mesmerizing allure, its natural wonders are equally breathtaking. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea and explore the vibrant coral reefs that teem with colorful marine life. The coastal resorts of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh offer the perfect haven for divers and beach lovers alike, where one can bask in the warm Egyptian sun or embark on an underwater adventure.

For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the White Desert is a must. Marvel at the surreal landscape of chalk-white rock formations that resemble a moon-like terrain. As the sun sets, the desert comes alive with shades of gold and pink, creating a truly magical experience.

Egypt, with its historical wonders and beguiling charm, awaits those who seek an immersive journey through time. From the majestic pyramids to the tranquil Nile and the bustling streets of Cairo, each step uncovers hidden secrets and captivating tales. Let Egypt ignite your sense of wonder and leave an indelible mark on your soul. Pack your bags, embark on an adventure of a lifetime, and discover the enchantment of Egypt with love.

To Egypt With Love: Memories of a Bygone World

by Viviane Bowell(Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5096 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

This book was written primarily as a legacy to the author's family. She was born in Egypt and grew up in Cairo in the 1950’s in a secular Jewish community which had its own unique customs and traditions. In its apogee, the community numbered 80,000 people. They all left or were expelled between 1948 and 1967 and there are now only a handful of Jews still living in Egypt. In the book, she shares memories of her childhood and describes in great detail a way of life which no longer exists. She evokes the scents snd smells of the busy Cairo streets and describes the local people she came into contact with every day. Jewish and Muslim festivals, mores, customs and superstitions are recounted anecdotally. She also talks about her experience as a refugee in England, initially living in a hostel in Gloucestershire and then settling in London. Apart from her father, her family did not speak English, so learning a new language, battling with the harsh English winter and adapting to a new culture had its difficulties. Her family, like most refugees, surmounted all these with a great deal of resilience and determination. She describes herself as British, but confesses to still feeling somewhat uprooted, even after all these years.

Sara Ahmed, Egyptian Streets

To Egypt with love, a literary Jewish memento of a by(going) era

Bowell’s biography was not intended as one. Indeed, what was meant to be a recipe book passed down to her grandchild became a journey down memory lane, with recollections of her journey to the UK.

In her simple but lovely memoir, Bowell starts with introducing us to her family origins and the origins of many Egyptian Jews, a blend of Sephardi and Mizrahi. This book is an excellent to anyone who wants to glimpse at a time Egypt’s communities were coexisting and thriving, as well as understanding the Egyptian Jewish genealogy.

Generally, there are usually various elements that are lacking in books that tackle Jewish culture in Egypt, namely the cuisine and the celebrations of religious festivals, which richly stand out in ‘From Egypt with love. With a love for cuisine that seeps out from the pages, the reader is invited to explore Judeo Egyptian cooking, largely inspired by Tunisian, Spanish, Moroccan, among others.

Bowell is a phenomenal writer. Her style is no-nonsense, but it is still poetic. It feels like sitting with an old friend who has a charming, but meaningful story to tell. She is, above all, an honest writer, in the candid manner in which she captures simplicity and complexity, never amplifying either.

True to its multifaceted purpose, the book is also constantly heart-aching and never fails to highlight the second tragedy of the exodus from Egypt: familial separation. Distant relatives ended up moving to various locations: kibbutz in Israel, London, Paris, and the US. It thus captures the unfurling of the Jewish diaspora before our very own eyes.

The book’s story is straightforward, with a strong focus on the documentation aspect that Bowell initially started with. Yet, little by little, Bowell revisits each aspect of her past as well as relationships with her family.

In the midst of capturing the exodus that she, and many like her went through, Bowell also manages to openly reflect on the cracks of her upbringing, namely her parents’ difficult marriage. She humbly admits that her parents’ upbringing of her was faulty, yet she does not deny them the humanity of their error.

There is more to explore in the book, such as her attempts to explore and reconnect with the Egypt that she had once known, and even venture into her familial home, now occupied. Yet it would be harsh to rob any reader the chance to learn more for themselves.

This may be Bowell’s own story, but, in a sense, this is also the story of thousands of Jews who had lived in Egypt. They may not be dwelling amongst us any more, but their stories still do.