I lived in Cairo during the late 1980's - so was very happy to see this wonderful series and revisit many of the places I'd visited
Bettany Hughes is a wonderful story teller & it was facinating to see some of the areas she was able to access.
I travelled the Nile by small felucca 5 times (once from Cairo to Luxor (not the best direction as you're travelling against the river flow. Therefore if no wind you need to hitch tows with boats that have an engine.
The other 4 times we hired a felucca in Awan & drifted with the river flow to Esna (where the lock is) just before Luxor. Much better option.
In 1989 I travelled to Siwa Oasis - a challenge back then getring all the permissions & we travelled via bus with yourng army conscripts from Marsa Matruh.
The reason I spoke about my travels is I know what is functional & 'respectful attire' for hot dusty places, climing into tombs & riding on donkeys!
What spoilt it for me was the ridiculous attire Bettany wore through this journey & the same every day!! Except for once when there was a very close up shot of her in a short sleeved cotton top on the boat.
It couldn't have been a continuity issue as Bettany could've changed into a different outfit each filming day.
Bettany's 'Pieces to Camera' on the boat could've been one outfit & exploring the sites in something more functional & culturally respectful. Her hair was all over the place and wonder why she didn't tie it back.
A low cut top showing off wonderfully edowed breasts was not culturally appropriate (she did wear the scarf at some stages); but a tights skirt riding up whilst on a donkey, motor bike & climbing up & down steep shafts. Who on earth decided on this outfit??
When Bettany waved goodbye to the crew - how lovely if she had Shukran (just one word which even most tourists say)
Bettany Hughes is a wonderful story teller & it was facinating to see some of the areas she was able to access.
I travelled the Nile by small felucca 5 times (once from Cairo to Luxor (not the best direction as you're travelling against the river flow. Therefore if no wind you need to hitch tows with boats that have an engine.
The other 4 times we hired a felucca in Awan & drifted with the river flow to Esna (where the lock is) just before Luxor. Much better option.
In 1989 I travelled to Siwa Oasis - a challenge back then getring all the permissions & we travelled via bus with yourng army conscripts from Marsa Matruh.
The reason I spoke about my travels is I know what is functional & 'respectful attire' for hot dusty places, climing into tombs & riding on donkeys!
What spoilt it for me was the ridiculous attire Bettany wore through this journey & the same every day!! Except for once when there was a very close up shot of her in a short sleeved cotton top on the boat.
It couldn't have been a continuity issue as Bettany could've changed into a different outfit each filming day.
Bettany's 'Pieces to Camera' on the boat could've been one outfit & exploring the sites in something more functional & culturally respectful. Her hair was all over the place and wonder why she didn't tie it back.
A low cut top showing off wonderfully edowed breasts was not culturally appropriate (she did wear the scarf at some stages); but a tights skirt riding up whilst on a donkey, motor bike & climbing up & down steep shafts. Who on earth decided on this outfit??
When Bettany waved goodbye to the crew - how lovely if she had Shukran (just one word which even most tourists say)