Volume 2, 7th Edition
July, 2022
Location of the Month
The House of Howard Carter
In 1907, Howard Carter, a British archaeologist and Egyptologist and the man who led the team to excavating the tomb of Tutankhamun, was recommended by Sir Gaston Maspero, a French Egyptologist, to Lord Carnavaron to supervise the excavation project of Deir El Bahari’s tombs in the necropolis of Thebes on the west bank of the Nile River, East of the Valley of the Kings.
Carter had great success on this mission, that it encouraged Lord Carnavaron to hire him again and lead the excavation of the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.
The house of the British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter still resides on the fascinating west bank of Luxor. He resided in this house during the years of his mission. In November 1922, Carter made his greatest discovery, one of the most well-preserved tombs in Egypt, the tomb of King Tutankhamun, which then intrigued the world to learn more about this amazing discovery and much more.
Once his excavating mission was complete the house remained uninhabited and ignored for many years until the suggestion of Dr. Zahi Hawass, the house was reopened to tourists and has become a touristic site that you will visit on your tour with us. You will experience and have an insight on how Carter spent those years of hard work and exploration. It is now preserved as a museum, and is well recognized by its unique dome-shaped roof and is surrounded by lush greenery as well as a café on its side for visitors to relax after their tour. Fortunately, the house remains in its original state and is home to maps, old books, writings by Carter himself, his dog’s home, as well as antique furniture and a replica of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Departure Schedule
Oct. 9 – Oct. 22, 2022
Oct. 30 – Nov. 12, 2022
Nov. 20 – Dec. 3, 2022
Dec. 4 – Dec. 17, 2022
Jan. 14 – Jan. 27, 2023
Feb. 4 – Feb. 18, 2023
Mar. 4 – Mar. 18, 2023
Apr. 8 – Apr. 22, 2023
Tour Highlights
Join us this November for the Centennial Celebration of the discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun, where we will visit his tomb and see his well-preserved mummy, which remains on display in perfect preservation. We will also visit the Museum where you will enjoy all of his treasures that were found in his tomb. This month we also celebrate the 200 years discovery of the Rosetta Stone by Jean-Francois Champollion, who gave us the key for understanding ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. An experience that you will not want to miss.
- Karnak – Karnak Temple
- Aswan- Philae Temple
- Dendera – Zodiac Temple & Cleopatra
- Kom Ombo – Temple of Kom Ombo
Word of the Month
Bekaam
Meaning:
How Much
Monthly Weather
The weather in July is hot with average temperatures in the range of an average low of temperatures in the range of an average low of 70.3°F (21.3°C) and an average high of 98.2°F (36.8°C).
As it is almost never rains during July in Egypt the weather is perfect for hanging out outside andexploring all that Egypt has to offer.
Recipe of the Month
Beef Shawarma
Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish that originated in the Ottoman Empire, consisting of meat cut into thin slices, stacked in a cone-like shape, and roasted on a slowly-turning vertical rotisserie or spit. Traditionally made with lamb or mutton, it may also be made with chicken, turkey, beef, or veal.
INGREDIENTS
PREP TIME:20 mins COOK TIME:10 mins SERVINGS:8 sandwiches
Ingredients:
2 1/2 pounds beef steak thin slices (See note)
2 Tablespoons olive oil for cooking.
For the marinade:
1 Tablespoon homemade Shawarma spice blend recipe follows:
1 teaspoon salt or to taste.
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper.
2 Tablespoons yellow mustard.
2 Tablespoons tahini paste.
1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
1 1/2 tablespoon onion powder.
1/2 cup oil.
3/4 cup vinegar.
1/2 teaspoon sugar.
Shawarma spice blend:
1 Tablespoon paprika.
1 Tablespoon ground cumin.
1 Tablespoon ground ginger.
1 Tablespoon ground coriander.
1 Tablespoon ground cloves.
1 Tablespoon ground black pepper.
1 teaspoon sumac.
1 teaspoon allspice.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
1/2 teaspoon cardamom.
1/2 teaspoon turmeric.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Start by grinding all the shawarma spice ingredients together then place in a jar and set aside.
- In a small bowl mix all the shawarma marinade well.
- Pour over the beef slices and toss well to coat the beef slices with the marinade, cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and start cooking the beef in batches. Do not cram the skillet.
- If you are making the lightly sautéed onion and pepper place them in the pan after the beef has cooked and stir for a couple of minutes, we want them still crunchy and crisp.
- Spread a generous dollop of garlic dip or hummus on pita bread or any flatbread you are using. Top that with your favorite toppings from the list above and beef. Wrap tightly and enjoy.
NOTES
What type of steak cut is to be used for the Shawarma meat: the tougher steak cuts like flank steak, skirt, sirloin and round are best for marinating longer.
How long to marinate the shawarma: If you have a tender beef cut, then 30 minutes to 2 hours is enough to add flavors, but if tenderizing is required then it is recommend to marinate overnight and up to 24 hours.
Make a head tip: prepare the marinade ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze up to two months.
If you are not making vegetables, then try to add some fresh parsley to your wrap it is really a nice addition.
