Luxor (Upper Egypt)
January 27 1927.
Dear Abby Turner:
This pleasant month of January - when I had thought to and many letters home and "Thank you's" for dear Christmas cards received - is now almost an an end, & little writing done! Every day brings some pleasant and often unexpected opportunity; like that which came a morning or two ago. I had thought, for a change, to stay in at my desk, when, - thro' the Breasteds -, a charming invitation came to spend the day sailing in a dahabiyeh up the Nile to Gebelein, & back by sunset! All the Chicago House contingent went - including Mrs. Ransom - for there were prehistoric caves to see and other things, - interesting archaeologically.
The dahabiyeh was Miss Aldrich's houseboat. The dais, delightfully appointed, where, - having got much appetites from the three hours and a half cruise on the river, - luncheon was served before we landed and, later, afternoon tea on deck, as the company returned. Our very nice hostess, a sister of Mrs. J. D. Rockefeller Jr. -, did everything possible for the pleasure of her guests - even to an improvised native concert, at the prow, given by the boat's crew - And Professor Breasted told some of his inimitable "yarns" to the delight of everybody. As you may know - He and Mrs. Breasted are especially fond of sailing along the Nile, of which, in every port, they have intimate knowledge.
Still another day, this week, I went with Toledo friends to the Valley of the Tombs of the Kings, that I have already seen more than once this winter. It was a day for visiting Tutankamen's tomb, open only three days in the week. And to see this, with one of the beautiful interior coffins still in situ is a thrilling experience. Later we drove to the terraced temple of Deir-el-Bahari built by Queen Hatshepsut, to look again at the entrancing wall pictures in low relief that tell of the expedition in boats, sent out by Egypt's great Queen of the Land of Punt -. In our ride back, we came past the Chicago House - where Caroline insisted on our staying to tea, served late every day on the wide screened porch of the house - with open archways toward the western Theban plain. - And, here, the famed Colossi stand, only a little [?] distance away - quite as if in the expedition's front yard!
I meet Mount Holyoke Alumnae now & then which is always a treat. Dean Purington & Miss Greene may reach Luxor this week-end, and I hope to see them - Their sailing date from Alexandria to New York is February 2nd. I am sorry to think it is so soon! -
You were so kind to say that you might have a few addresses in England, France, Belgium that could be of use in my travels this [...] next summer - If so, and it isn't too much trouble to write them out for me - at your convenience, please, for there is no haste - I shall indeed be grateful - After the first of March, address c/o American Express Co. Rome - I shall probably go to Greece for a short stay then to Rome - on leaving Egypt[.]
My love to the table & best greetings to any who inquire - Please tell Miss Smith that I have a little letter begun to her, which will be dispatched soon -
Always lovingly yours -
Louise F. Randolph.
P.S. We were very glad to receive. .your [sic] lovely Christmas message - written on such a pretty Swedish Red Riding Hood card. Mrs. Ransom & Caroline join me in heartiest thanks - & love to you. I hope you still are served to "large baked potatoes" alas! we see not one - here -ever-! L.F.R.
front: "1535 Thebes: Medinet Habu - The Pavillon of the Tmple of Rameses III"
back: inscription: "Outer entrance 'High gate' to Temple of Medinet Habu - where the Chicago University Expedition is at work - L.F.R. Luxor. January 26, '27."