Archive: Journal #2
ca. Spring, 1400 BCE
I successfully arrived at the base of the Nile river as the sun peeked over the horizon, at a bustling port. When I exclaimed to Dakarai how excited I was to be in Egypt's largest city, I was shocked when he informed me it was no longer... the city of Thebes was now growing in population more than any other city.
Dakarai, who had met me at the port along with his father, told me much about his city, explaining that Memphis had become a centre for education of royalty and the nobility. However, his own family were commonfolk, relying on Dakarai and his father's jewelry business to sustain themselves.
After getting settled in an extra upstairs bedroom (which I have to share with Dakarai's loud 10-year-old son, Mosiah), I was given a tour of the home, "for my studies," Masika assured. I still believe she only wanted to show off her decorating that she was so proud of. The entire house is constructed of mud bricks, built very squarely. The front room contains their shrine to the Goddess Hathor and a low dining table. I am hoping to learn more about their faith while I am here. Further into the house is a living room where the adults slept, beds arranged against dividers so Dakarai and Masika, Dakarai's parents, and Masika's widow mother each have their own privacy. The walls of each room are decorated with various tapestries and wall hangings, as well as pottery, baskets, chests, colourful rugs, and intricate carvings on furniture. Beside the entrance to this room is the stairwell that leads to my own living quarters- a room much smaller than theirs, with a low ceiling, two beds and two windows which look over a roofless area of the house. Masika told me, enthusiastically, that this room was intended for their children- and that she was pregnant with a girl. On the opposite side of the bedroom sit stairs leading downwards, most likely to a food cellar.
The entire house isn't large by any means, but is able to house the entire family, plus a guest, plus a baby on the way comfortably.
At the opposite end of the livingroom was a door back outside, which leads to a large fenced-in area that serves as both a kitchen and Dakarai's workshop. He seems excited to demonstrate his craft to me, but I am exhausted from the trip and the sun is nearly set. I will record the day's activities tomorrow evening. Goodnight.
Dakarai, who had met me at the port along with his father, told me much about his city, explaining that Memphis had become a centre for education of royalty and the nobility. However, his own family were commonfolk, relying on Dakarai and his father's jewelry business to sustain themselves.
After getting settled in an extra upstairs bedroom (which I have to share with Dakarai's loud 10-year-old son, Mosiah), I was given a tour of the home, "for my studies," Masika assured. I still believe she only wanted to show off her decorating that she was so proud of. The entire house is constructed of mud bricks, built very squarely. The front room contains their shrine to the Goddess Hathor and a low dining table. I am hoping to learn more about their faith while I am here. Further into the house is a living room where the adults slept, beds arranged against dividers so Dakarai and Masika, Dakarai's parents, and Masika's widow mother each have their own privacy. The walls of each room are decorated with various tapestries and wall hangings, as well as pottery, baskets, chests, colourful rugs, and intricate carvings on furniture. Beside the entrance to this room is the stairwell that leads to my own living quarters- a room much smaller than theirs, with a low ceiling, two beds and two windows which look over a roofless area of the house. Masika told me, enthusiastically, that this room was intended for their children- and that she was pregnant with a girl. On the opposite side of the bedroom sit stairs leading downwards, most likely to a food cellar.
The entire house isn't large by any means, but is able to house the entire family, plus a guest, plus a baby on the way comfortably.
At the opposite end of the livingroom was a door back outside, which leads to a large fenced-in area that serves as both a kitchen and Dakarai's workshop. He seems excited to demonstrate his craft to me, but I am exhausted from the trip and the sun is nearly set. I will record the day's activities tomorrow evening. Goodnight.