I flew TWA so often that I became friends with most of the flight attendants. These nice women took very good care of me in the business class. I also remember my friend Rufus, who was an airline captain, whom I unfortunately haven’t seen in about 6 years. When we flew into Cairo in the past, we would fly over Giza, and they would announce in the plane that people could look out the window and see the pyramids. Even though this is a spectacular site, I requested that they stop flying over the pyramids, because the exhaust from the planes damages the soft limestone. I would like these monuments to last for many future generations, so we have to protect them now.

When I flew TWA, the flight attendants and I would all laugh and joke and have so much fun during the flights that we all became good friends. We used to call them the TWA girls. When TWA stopped flying to Cairo, they were very sad that we would not be able to spend time together and have fun on the flights anymore. This week I got an email from one of the TWA girls, Patti, and it was such a kind email that reminded me of good times that I thought I would share it.

 

 

“My calendar tells me that your holy month of Ramadan has ended, and I must tell you how much I enjoyed reading your stories about your Ramadan month on your web site.  You are a most interesting and wonderful man!  Your great accomplishments will be remembered by Egypt, and all the world, forever.  But what the world does not know is how kind and generous you are!  As we say here…”your bark is loud & strong, yet your bite is kind & soft”.  For years I was a little frightened of you.  Your deep voice with such authority made me nervous.  But as I got to know you I started to see the ‘other’ Zahi…the one with the kind heart and generous spirit.  The man who always had time for those less important, the ordinary people.  When I read about the reception you hosted for your site workers and many of the Egyptologists, to thank them for their work for the Egyptian people & for you, it reminded me of a truly great pharaoh, one who loves the people of his lands.  To me you are indeed a truly great pharaoh!  We all miss you and are looking forward to your next lecture & hopefully to seeing you in L.A. sometime soon!  Love & kisses,  Patti, Colleen, and all the Queens!”       

Patti Hill