I am currently over halfway through a course in Greek and Roman Mythology. I am doing it for fun as it is something I am very interested in. It's hard work getting back to the whole study thing, and having to write an academic essay for the first time in over 40 years really tested me to the limit! But I did it, and did well!
During this course there have been lots of things that I have learned that link in very nicely with my love of Egypt and the religion and rituals of the Pharoahs.
As we all know, gods and goddesses abound in Ancient Egypt, and I was very surprised at the number of myths, such as the creation story, that are very similar in Egyptian, Greek and Roman myths. Amazingly so!
Not only Ancient Egyptian myths are cropping up time and time again, but also many of today's traditional and cultural practices here in Egypt. Greek traditions of Xenia (hospitality) is widely practiced here in Upper Egypt, even to this day.
So my mission once I have finished this course is to spend some time learning more about the similarities and seeing how I can incorporate all this into my tours and into my spiritual practices here in Luxor.
So be prepared to be bombarded at some point with some extra titbits of information about Ancient Egyptian myth.
Yesterday was amusing, my guide and I were back at Hatshepsut temple and Deir El Medina for the second day in a row! I am having so much fun though, and I am learning a lot from the excellent guide I am now using on a regular basis. Well, I do use other excellent guides, but like all of us, I have my favourites. I am even understanding hieroglyphics and can read one or two as well! Before that we had a wonderful discussion with another tour guide about the work of David Rohl and the Exodus! Our guests loved it, 2 egyptologists and me having a major debate outside the tomb of Ramses 3.
Now, its back to work! Karnak temple in the morning with lovely guests!
See you all later!
