Alexandria Port, Egypt

A sturdy, medium-sized ship sat anchored in Alexandria Port. The ship was called Tutela, which meant “protection” or “guardianship.” As its name suggested, the ship was doing a good job of protecting the excavation team and their equipment at sea.

Ryan stood on the dock with his belongings beside his feet. He surveyed the scene around him. The harbor was bustling with the activity of workers hurriedly unloading and loading cargo onto and off the docked ships. Their shouts and laughter were loud, mixed with the occasional sound of seagulls.

Ryan turned to find Dr. Hassan, the leader of the expedition that Ryan joined this time, greeting him with a big smile. The doctor's bald head glistened in the morning sunlight. His neatly trimmed beard and brown eyes looked warm. He was wearing a dark gray suit that didn't really suit the current hot weather.

“Good morning, Doctor,” Ryan replied with a respectful smile. He took Dr. Hassan’s hand and shook it.

Dr. Hasan’s eyes lit up as he surveyed the bustling harbor around them. He spotted some of his expedition staff and waved to them. Then he asked Ryan with a mischievous smile on his face, “Ready for The Valley of The Kings?”

“Of course,” Ryan said enthusiastically. “The equipment is being unloaded from the ship. We’ll be ready to go in an hour.”

Dr. Hasan’s face lit up at Ryan’s words. “That’s great! Let’s recharge with some local cuisine,” he said with a mischievous smile still on his face.

Ryan chuckled. He knew that Dr. Hassan had a hearty appetite, in contrast to his small and slender frame.

“Of course. We can ask Beatrice to bring us our original travel documents and excavation permits while we eat,” Ryan added.

Dr. Hassan nodded enthusiastically. “That’s great! I can’t wait to eat the local food. It’s been a long time since I’ve had shawarma,” he said, rubbing his hands together in front of his chest.

“Let’s make a plan…” Ryan shouted in the middle of the crowd.

“Okay, okay! But first, have breakfast. Then we will conquer The Valley.” Dr. Hassan interrupted with a laugh.

***

They then walked along the chaotic docks of Alexandria Port. Porters and merchants rushed to them, shouting offers of luggage or offering their wares. The two politely declined, and nimbly navigated the crowded, labyrinthine alleys. They had already decided where they would have breakfast and had a clear idea of where they should go.

They finally arrived at a small, relaxed cafe with few people eating. The sound of light jazz music filled the cafe, and a delicious aroma wafted from the kitchen.

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They ordered shawarma (a delicious lamb sandwich), and umm ali (a sweet pastry). And they also ordered ahwa (a strong Egyptian coffee).

Beatrice is the logistics coordinator for Dr. Hassan’s archaeological team. She handles transportation, equipment, permits, and clearances. In addition to being fluent in Arabic and English, she is also able to navigate the complexities of Egyptian bureaucracy with ease. Her efficiency and friendly nature make her a key player in the success of Dr. Hassan’s archaeological team.

She arrived shortly after. Wearing a white floral dress and her blond hair pulled back in a ponytail, she greeted Dr. Hassan and Ryan with a big smile.

“Good morning, everyone. How are you all?”

Dr. Hassan motioned for Beatrice to sit down in one of the empty chairs at their table. “Please sit down. We’re discussing logistics today.”

Beatrice sat down and took a sip of her ahwa coffee. “Can we finish the paperwork handover now?” she asked.

Ryan nodded and said, “Equipment check, transportation—”

“And confirming KV5 security clearance,” Dr. Hassan added solemnly.

Beatrice nodded as she took notes. “The equipment has been packed and is available at the villa. All transportation arrangements have been made. Security clearance has also been granted. Anything else?”

Dr. Hassan smiled in satisfaction and leaned back in his chair, he said. “That’s it. Thank you, Beatrice.”

Beatrice, still smiling, stood up. “Everything is ready. We will meet at the location in a few days. May you have a safe journey today!”

Ryan and Dr. Hassan smiled. “See you later.”

Then Beatrice left the two of them to finish their breakfast. People had started to arrive at the cafe for breakfast. The cafe was starting to get crowded.

Dr. Hassan and Ryan exchanged glances after Beatrice left. They both knew and realized that without Beatrice, the entire team would be in disarray. Her efficiency was crucial for their excavation to run smoothly.

“Let’s go over the details one more time,” Dr. Hassan said. He took out a notebook filled with sketches and notes. “We can’t afford to make any mistakes.”

Ryan nodded in admiration of Dr. Hassan’s dedication.

“Do you think we’re really ready?” Ryan asked in a low voice.

Dr. Hassan considered what to say. “Hmmm, the equipment is complete, all the team members are present, and the documents are complete. But…” He hesitated. “We have to be prepared for anything. This is Egypt. Things can change in an instant.”

Ryan thought back to his last expedition with Dr. Hassan. They had faced unexpected challenges, from equipment failures to unexpected weather changes. It was a reminder that no plan is perfect.

“Let’s keep adapting,” Ryan advised. “If we need to change course, let’s do it quickly.”

Dr. Hassan nodded, appreciating Ryan’s perspective. They had built a strong bond over the years. Each expedition had deepened their trust in each other.

As they finished their coffee, the bustle of the cafe faded into the background.

***

An hour and a half later they set off in a convoy of five vans and two double-cab trucks. The journey would take eight to ten hours south, 674 kilometers from the Port of Alexandria.

They cruised along the Desert Road, an alternative route from Alexandria Port to The Valley of The Kings.

Golden sunlight shone on the dunes stretching along the way, creating shadows under the slightly cloudy sky.

Ryan gazed at the scenery along the road with nostalgia. He had traveled this route three years ago as a volunteer member of the archive team, studying ancient tombs in The Valley of The Kings. He remembered documenting the hieroglyphs in the magnificent tomb of Tutankhamun. And the thrill when his team managed to uncover a secret chamber in the burial site of Pharaoh Horemheb.

He began to feel sleepy after two hours of the journey and fell asleep.