Accomplished world-travelers and Presbyterian Village North (PVN) residents, John and Betty Birkner, embarked on a memorable two-week journey through Egypt, and John recently shared tales of their adventures with fellow residents in McGowan Auditorium.
His presentation took the audience on a voyage through Egypt’s ancient wonders and along the majestic Nile River, starting in the vibrant city of Alexandria and ending in Abu Simbel. John recounted the exhilarating camel rides he and Betty enjoyed amidst the Giza pyramids while marveling at the craftsmanship of the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the infamous Sphinx. The couple delved into Egyptian history and culture, deciphering hieroglyphics and admiring precious artifacts. In fact, a prized souvenir they brought home was Betty’s exquisite, personalized cartouche (see photo). In Egyptian hieroglyphs, a cartouche is an oval with a line at one end tangent to it, indicating that the text enclosed is a royal name.
John captivated audience members with insights into the mysteries of King Tut and the intriguing rituals of the afterlife, covering topics such as canopic jars and the elaborate burial customs depicted in sarcophagi. John’s presentation provided a fascinating glimpse into the enduring allure of ancient Egypt and rich culture of this remarkable civilization.
