Later that afternoon ...

After the tour, the students reported to the ground floor's entrance. The professor joined the students to load back on the bus. Crystal would have loved to have stayed longer and seen everything in the museum. It would have taken several hours to have seen all the exhibits and displays. How fascinating, she thought. She hoped to come back and visit on her own soon.

The 15-minute ride to the hotel seemed to take forever to Crystal. Crystal looked at her watch. It was almost 4:00 p.m. when they turned into the hotel's driveway. Once there, the group disembarked the bus. Crystal wanted to find a post office to mail a letter that day. She doubted her cell phone would reach her mother in Baltimore, plus the minutes would be very expensive.

Once back in her hotel room, Crystal wrote her mother a short letter, telling her that she arrived safely this morning. She described the museum and how excited she was to be in Cairo. She was fascinated with the sights and thrilled to start the expedition tomorrow. She finished the letter and took it to the front desk. Crystal inquired about mailing the letter. The hotel could mail it out tomorrow morning, but needed postage. She could get postage at the post office downtown. It was several blocks away though. Why didn't she inquire about it when she was downtown earlier? Crystal then inquired about a Western Union office. She would be wiring her mother periodically for money. The hotel clerk said there was an office a block away from the hotel on the corner.

Crystal walked a block down to the Western Union office. Interestingly enough, the office did have air postage for her letter to the United States. She paid for postage and sent the letter. It would go out in the evening mail, the worker said. It took about 10 business days to deliver.

Crystal walked back to the hotel. She made her way to the elevator and went upstairs. She wanted to take a warm bath and rest before dressing for dinner. Having little time earlier today, she had planned to unpack some before dinner. Given the time, she may have to unpack the rest of her clothes after dinner. There were only a couple of hours before the social this evening.

It wasn't a very large hotel, but spacious enough for large groups. There were 120 rooms in all and three floors. Crystal and Angie's room was "301," located on the third floor, nearest the elevator. It was a standard room, two double beds with ample closet space for hanging clothes. The closet was located at the door entrance. There was also a television and telephone inside the room. Outside the room was a small balcony overlooking the wading pool, which was located on the ground floor. There were two chairs and a small table outside on the balcony.

Crystal unpacked her clothes to wear tonight. She unpacked the bottled water she brought, but didn't have anyway to cool it. There wasn't a small refrigerator inside the room. She got a bucket of ice at the vending machine and set the bottled water in it to keep it cool. There wasn't a microwave or a coffeemaker either. All the comforts of home and what she took for granted.

Crystal wanted to run her bathwater before her roommate got into the room. Angie and a few other students were downstairs taking pictures of the hotel. Crystal got out a jar of scented jasmine bath crystals, pouring some into a bathtub of warm water. It smelled wonderful and felt so good to soak. Crystal stayed in the bathtub several minutes. While soaking, she heard the door close. She guessed it to be her roommate. She heard another voice, but it was a masculine voice.

Crystal grabbed a towel in the bathroom. She didn't have any clothes on, just the bath towel wrapped around her. After a few minutes, she heard the voices leave the room. She hurried into the room to find her house robe. She changed into her robe in case Angie and the other student came back into the room.

Within minutes, Angie appeared back into the room alone. "I wondered where you were," Angie said.

"I was taking a bath," Crystal replied. "I didn't have a stitch on."

"I see," Angie giggled. "Another student and I have been touring the hotel. Not much to see - just a lobby and a restaurant with a bar alongside," she answered.

"I thought I heard a masculine voice in here," stated Crystal.

"Yes, that was Phil, another student I met yesterday at the airport before the flight," Angie replied.

"Oh, I wanted to get cooled off. It felt relaxing and so good," Crystal replied.

"Sounds smart. I think I will take one next," Angie said.

"What are you going to wear tonight?" Crystal asked.

"Probably a short skirt and a sexy shirt. I don't have that many nice clothes with me," replied Angie.

"I don't either. I will just have to make do with what I have," Crystal said.

"That is cute. That black outfit," Angie stated. She pointed to a black pantsuit Crystal had hung up in the closet earlier. It was made of thin lace on top with ruffles and matching polyester pants. There was a golden belt to fasten around her tiny waist. It was a pantsuit designed by her mother.

It flattered Crystal's slim body.

"That was designed by my mother. She is a clothes designer," Crystal said.

"Really, she does a good job," Angie replied.

"That is more for a formal dinner, but it will do, I guess," Crystal replied.

Within the hour, Crystal was dressed. She had put on her makeup and was curling her hair. While Angie was taking a bath, Crystal hung some of her clothes up in the closet. The rest she would have to unpack after dinner.

Angie got out of the bathtub and started dressing for dinner too. She wore a dark skirt with a sheer dark top. The back was low and showed off her beautiful tan. Angie was a very attractive girl with long brown hair and brown eyes. She was medium tall with a medium build.

Crystal's mother always dressed Crystal in beautiful clothes, even when she was a little girl. Being a fashion designer, Gloria had fashionable taste with beautiful dresses and ruffles. Crystal preferred pants and pantsuits, but wore the clothes her mother designed to please her. Many times, the clothes were made by her mother too.

The social was scheduled at 7:00 p.m. and dinner at 7:30 p.m. Both girls looked lovely this evening. Crystal decided to wait on Angie to finish dressing. Angie commented to Crystal that she liked being politically "on time." This meant she liked being a few minutes late to make an entrance to any event. Angie put on her foundation and styled her hair. Both girls descended the elevator to the bottom floor. There, in the lobby, a crowd of students had already gathered. This would be the time to meet the other students. There was a choice of Egyptian tea or coffee and a tray of Konafa, an Egyptian dessert made of thin pastry strands, nuts, and syrup. 5 Crystal poured herself a glass of herbal tea. She ate one of the Konafa treats. Angie was busy talking to another student she had met today.

The professor came down to the lobby about five minutes later. He was followed by two other students, Crystal recognized as graduate students. The professor had encouraged students to introduce themselves to others that they haven't met before. Pretty soon, the lobby was covered with students.

Crystal was a little shy about meeting others, but she was persuaded when Angie came over with another student. Crystal recognized him as the student following her around at the museum earlier this afternoon. "Crystal, this is Dan. He is in the graduate program at New York University."

"Wow, NYU. I didn't realize that we had so many students representing several colleges," replied Crystal.

"Yes, I think the program said six different universities and colleges are represented on the Eastern coast," Angie said.

"But we don't have that many students for that," Crystal replied.

"I believe only four or five students are represented from each college or university," Dan replied. This made Crystal feel extraordinary that she was selected to go on this expedition.

Crystal realized reading the program that this was a prerequisite course for graduate courses in Ancient History. The course was required of postgraduates obtaining a Master's degree in Archeology and Ancient History. Crystal elected to take the course early, as some other undergraduates did this summer.

Crystal was tired of standing as Angie continued to mingle with other students. Angie was the social butterfly of the two young women. Crystal finished her glass of tea. The Konafa tasted good, but she decided to wait on dinner. She didn't want to spoil her appetite. She sat down on the sofa in the lobby, while several students strolled by her. Dan came up to her while she was sitting. "Tired or just bored?" he asked.

"I'm afraid a little of both. I think the long trip from New York and the museum wore me out. I just thought I would sit this one out," replied Crystal.

"You are denying yourself meeting others," Dan replied.

"I know, but I'm not much of a social person," Crystal said.

"I'm not much either," Dan replied.

Dan and Crystal talked about their adventures and how exciting to be in Egypt. Crystal said she wanted to go back to the museum and explore some more.

"Maybe this coming weekend you can. I know they have buses leave from here to downtown Cairo. Also you can catch the metro," Dan said.

"Really, I would love that," Crystal replied. "What about this metro I hear?"

"I think you have to catch that downtown, but look into it," Dan replied.

Crystal and Dan talked some more until the professor motioned to the students that dinner would be served soon. The students were led into the dining room. There were several tables, with four chairs around each table. A name tag was placed on the table at each chair. Crystal found her name tag on one of the back tables. A dinner menu was placed on each table. Crystal looked at the menu and found the Egyptian names and description in English of the appetizers, entree and dessert. Interesting enough, the Egyptian cuisine makes heavy use of legumes, vegetables and fruits since the Nile valley and delta produce high quantities of these.

Tahini, a sesame paste dip or spread served with pita bread and white (feta) cheese and tomato salad with olive oil and garlic, would be served before the course. There was a choice of Samak mashwi (grilled fish) or Samak makli (fried fish) for the main course with Torly, baked vegetables and tomato sauce. Crystal decided on the grilled fish. For dessert, Basbousa, a spicy dish made from semolina and soaked in a sugar syrup, was served. It was topped with almonds and cut into a diamond shape. Crystal ordered Koshary (black) tea, popular in Lower (Northern) Egypt. 6 After tonight, meals would be the responsibility of the students. There just wasn't enough money in the budget to feed each student every night.

Several students sat around the table. Two girls and a guy she hadn't met yet. The students introduced themselves around the table. The two girls, Betty and Jean, each told a little about themselves. The guy, Charlie, went next. She discovered that Jean was an undergraduate student too. Betty and Charlie had both started the Master's program this summer. Crystal then introduced herself and told the small group where she was from and studying.

Crystal looked at her dinner when served. It was a different cuisine than what she was used to eating, but she was hungry tonight. She had a healthy appetite as she hadn't eaten much since lunchtime. She snacked a little, but rarely in the daytime. At night, she usually ate an apple or another piece of fruit before bedtime. She glanced at her program. There would be three guest speakers tonight.

After dinner, the group leader stood up and made several announcements. He said due to the full day, that the speakers would start a little early tonight. He must be a stickler on time, Crystal thought to herself. He introduced himself to the group as Professor Henry Smith. He was a History professor from the University of Maryland. Crystal had never seen him before at the university. She hoped to have some future classes with him. The professor introduced the guest speakers, mostly historians and experts in the field.

The professor announced that the students would board a bus tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. and driven to the site being excavated. There would be no exceptions to the rule. If late, there would be no other transportation. He emphasized that participation from all students was required. Crystal listened as she knew that the rules were strictly enforced. She knew that the course would be challenging and difficult. Still, it was an exceptional course and a unique opportunity to learn Archeology and Ancient History.

As the guest speakers spoke that night, the first man reminded Crystal of Indiana Jones, bravely seeking the Ark, crystal skulls or various treasures. He was a History professor from the University of New York. The next speaker talked about his adventures in Central Australia, the bush "down under" with the aborigines. He wrote several books and articles on the subject.

Crystal was getting tired as she slept little last night on the plane. She rarely took plane trips, especially to far away places like Cairo. Crystal looked at her watch. An hour had nearly passed since dinner. There was only one guest speaker left to speak. The speech was going in and out of Crystal's ears. She was not only tired, she was sleepy. Crystal had felt more fatigued tonight for some reason.

The last speaker got up to speak. He talked about his adventures in Europe as well as Africa and Asia. He was interesting, but Crystal found it hard to stay awake. Finally, he stopped talking and sat down. The professor stood up and concluded the program. He said to get a good night's sleep tonight. Tomorrow would be the start of a new and great adventure. He then dismissed the program.

Crystal looked at her watch again. It was approaching 9:30 p.m. already. She wanted to get upstairs to unpack the rest of her clothes. Angie came over and asked Crystal if she wanted to join her and some friends.

"Thanks, but I think I will take a rain check, please. I need to unpack some clothes still," Crystal said.

"I do too, but I will wait until tomorrow. Sure you won't change your mind?" Angie asked.

"We have to get up early in the morning, Angie," Crystal replied.

"I know, but what good to come to a foreign country and not have a little fun," Angie replied.

"Remember I can't drink legally. I'm under age," Crystal said.

"That is right. I keep forgetting. You can have a drink without alcohol," said Angie. She was persistent and wouldn't take 'no' for an answer.

"Okay, Angie, but only for a little while," Crystal replied.

Angie and Crystal went across the street to a bar called Joe's. It had a small dancing area on the side. Crystal joined Angie and two of her friends on the barstools. Angie introduced them as Patrick and Karl. Angie said she knew Karl from her hometown of Phoenix. They grew up together. Both of the males were students and looked around Angie's age. Crystal drank Tamr Hindi, a sour, chilled drink made from Tamarind during the summer as the others drank a glass of wine. It literally means "Indian Dates," a local term for tamarind. 7 Angie put some money in the old music box. It played some songs that Crystal guessed to be Angie's favorites.

Angie and her friends talked about today's events and what the plans might be. None of the students knew what would happen, but felt it would be doable for the credit. After a half-hour, Crystal was exhausted. She could hardly keep her eyes opened and focused. Already pooped out from the long day, she needed to get back to the hotel room. She thought she would never get to completely unpack everything.

Crystal finally had to excuse herself. It was 10:00 p.m. and she wanted to go back to the hotel.

"But the night is young yet," Angie said.

"I know, but it has been a long day already. I still have some unpacking to do," replied Crystal.

"Can you manage by yourself?" asked Angie.

"I guess so," replied Crystal. This meant that Angie wasn't walking back with her. "Is it safe to walk alone across the street?"

"Yes, I did it earlier today," replied Angie.

Crystal stood up and started to walk out of the bar. This discouraged her that her roommate wouldn't walk with her across the street at night. It wasn't the night time that discouraged her as much as the fact that they were in a foreign country. It wasn't safe for her. As she was leaving the bar, she overheard Angie remark to the other two students that she would never ask her again to join her. Crystal bit her upper lip then.