Travelogue explores mysteries of ancient, modern Egypt

DOWNEY - The majesty of Egypt has long enticed travelers. Join Clint and Sue Denn as they cruise the historic Nile River aboard the MS Sun Goddess to discover the mysteries of this cradle of civilization when they return to the Downey Theatre this Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Their film, "Egypt's Treasures & Cruising the Nile," is the ninth film of the 2008/09 Armchair Adventure Travelogue Series.The cities of Alexandria and Cairo are both ancient and unique. Cairo, a major city since the time of the pharaohs, and the port city of Alexandria, founded more than 2,300 years ago, both hold major fascination for every traveler and lover of history. Alexandria, once the second city of the Roman Empire, sparkles against the Mediterranean Sea. We will visit Pompey's Pillar, the remains of the Serapeum Temple, and the Roman Amphitheater. No trip to Egypt would be complete without experiencing the Greco-Roman period of her magnificent history. We also see the ancient great library which has been restored to a state of the art research center. In Cairo, a bustling modern metropolis of more than 16 million people, we explore the city's rich cultural heritage. Old Cairo's Khan el Khalili Bazaar offers a step back in time and a shopper's paradise. We will visit the beautiful Muhammed Ali Mosque and the ancient Citadel, a spectacular medieval fortress on a hill above the city. In Memphis we will see the Ramses II statue and Hathor Temple, then on to the world's oldest pyramid, Zoser Step Pyramid. The Pyramids of Giza, the only remaining member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, are the most famous monuments of ancient Egypt. The mysteries surrounding their symbolism, design and purpose have often inspired debate. A symbol of strength and wisdom, the mysterious Great Sphinx presides over the Giza necropolis. At Luxor we will begin our cruise along the Nile River, where people are still farming the same crops in the same way as their ancestors. Luxor contains the largest collection of historical monuments in Egypt. We will visit ancient Thebes and the Valley of the Kings (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Valley of the Queens, Karnak and, of course, the incredible Temple of Luxor. Between Luxor and Aswan we will view the best preserved major temple in Egypt, the Temple of Horus at Edfu. On a high dune overlooking the Nile, experience the grandeur of the Temple of Kom Ombo. We stop in Aswan, Egypt's door to Africa, to visit Aswan High Dam. It is an engineering marvel where we have a chance to see immense Lake Nasser. Clint Denn has been a movie actor, author, photographer, underwater explorer, and teacher, as well as an award-winning filmmaker. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he joined in partnership with Col. John D. Craig, famed for his daring television series, including "I Search for Adventure" and "Of Lands and Seas." Together they wrote a nationally recognized text on scuba and skin diving, and produced several prize-winning films. "Egypt's Treasures & Cruising the Nile" is the ninth Armchair Adventure" of a 10-film series. All films are on Sundays at 2:30 p.m. in the Downey Theatre. Tickets for individual films may be purchased on day of performance only beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the box office. Adult tickets are $7 and senior/student tickets are $6 (cash or check only).

********** Published: April 3, 2009 - Volume 7 - Issue 50