Geneva's Egypt, March 10 to 28, 1922

This is the fourth entry in a series on Geneva Porter's 1922 trip to Europe and North Africa. The first entry describes her voyage across the Atlantic onboard the RMS Adriatic.  The first stop was in Madeira, Portugal, followed by a short visit to Algiers.  Read all of Geneva's 1922 diary - see the link under "Resources" at left.

For 18 days in 1922, Geneva and Peter Porter, and friends Paul and Penn Schoellkopf traveled throughout Egypt, including Alexandria, Cairo, Heliopolis, Luxor, Thebes, Asswan, Sakkara, and Memphis.  On March 11, Geneva and friends arrived in Cairo, stayed at the historic Shepheard's Hotel, and toured the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, the pyramids at Giza, and Heliopolis.  Below is an image of her diary entries for March 11 and 12.  Click "Read More" for transcriptions.

Saturday, March 11, 1922.  Cairo, Shepheard's Hotel.

I really celebrated over my hot fresh water bath and shampoo.  This morning drove over Cairo over noted bridge to Gezirah Park and saw residential section- afternoon went to museum, wonderful spot.  Old tombs, statues, mummies of Seti, Rameses II, etc. with all articles of furniture, jewelry, etc. from various tombs (marvelous).  Went to Pyramids and Sphinx by moonlight most wonderful sight in the world.  Rode back on camels.  Cheops body never found.  He was so cruel to his people- 100,000 for 30 years to build pyramid.  The Pasha build road to Pyramid in 35 days for Empress Eugenie at opening of canal. 
Residential sect- Ismailiyeh and Taufikiyed.

Sunday, March 12, 1922.  Heliopolis.

Drove through old Cairo went to mosque of Amr very old- been destroyed many times- many kinds of pillars in court.  Went to Coptic village very dirty children made us sad.  Saw Coptic church (St. Sergius) where Mary and Joseph and Christ were hidden.  Took ferry to Roda Island saw Nilometer- measures water of Nile- and probable place Moses was found.  In afternoon drove to little town of Matareya.  Saw the ancient sycamore under which Mary and child rested during flight (Virgin's Tree).  Sakiyeh here- well said to be caused by Jesus.  Went in church (Notre Dame de Matareya) pictures pretty (flight).  Drove from here to ancient Heliopolis to see old Obelisk (Pharoah gave Joseph for wife daughter of priest of On (Heliopolis)).  Drove home through new Heliopolis- concert in evening.