Ever since I saw the movie Agora I have wanted to go to Alexandria. The movie is about a 4th century woman named Hapatia who was a mathematician, astronomer, philosopher and teacher. Her father was the curator of the library of Alexandria, whose mission was “collecting all the knowledge of the world”. It is a movie about ideas and the ongoing controversy between science and superstition but what I really loved about it was that it centers on this wonderful, brilliant woman who, in 391 A.D. when women were not generally treated as equals, taught scholars. I fell in love with the notion of Alexandria and the library as the place where Hapatia was admired and celebrated by learned men during turbulent times. How heartbreaking it must have been to live and breath the preservation of knowledge and then to witness its total destruction. An estimated 40,000 – 400,000 scrolls of priceless information were lost forever when the library was burned.
Even though the current library is new (2002), it has a connection to the past. I am thrilled to be here in the largest public reading space in the world where 250,000,000 books and scrolls are housed (though sadly not on display). I feel like I should be studying something profound or saying something philosophical but I just sit here…writing my post…in the bibliotheca of Alexandria!
The Flip Side of Fifty 
Save travels home my friend. I can’t wait to see you and hear all about your adventure.
Thanks Rhonda! The only thing better than travelling, is coming home. Excited to see you too my friend xoxo
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You both look well and well rested. I have absolutely loved the stories and photos and learned a lot. Many, many thanks. Stay safe. Sue
On Fri, Mar 25, 2022 at 8:16 AM The Flip Side of Fifty wrote:
> arlenekeith posted: ” Ever since I saw the movie Agora I have wanted to go > to Alexandria. The movie is about a 4th century woman named Hapatia who was > a mathematician, astronomer, philosopher and teacher. Her father was the > curator of the library of Alexandria, whose mission ” >
Thanks so much for reading and so happy you’ve enjoyed. Hoping, hoping I’ll see you in the fall!! Lots of love!
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A feast for all the senses. You are truly blessed to have experienced all that you have on this trip.
Gary D
On Fri, 25 Mar 2022 at 10:16, The Flip Side of Fifty wrote:
> arlenekeith posted: ” Ever since I saw the movie Agora I have wanted to go > to Alexandria. The movie is about a 4th century woman named Hapatia who was > a mathematician, astronomer, philosopher and teacher. Her father was the > curator of the library of Alexandria, whose mission ” >
Oh Gary, you speak the truth. you would have especially loved the seafood feast. And we have indeed been blessed. 🙏
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Wonderful pictures & information , what a fantastic trip you have had , thank you for bringing us along , look forward to seeing you when you return , hugs to you both
Great pictures !! I can’t believe that you will soon be home ! You have see so much ! I’m looking forward to hearing more in April: ) xox Carran
Thank Carran! It’s hard to believe for me too! We are filling up on old churches and Islamic markets here in Cairo and then, it’s homeward bound. Looking forward to seeing you! Xoxo
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