El Alamein

Posted bypamlinesartPosted inArt

So Kens dad, Alan Lines, was a soldier during WWll serving in North Africa along the coast road out from Alexandria. They were part of the ANZACs who were working with the British to build the railway across the desert to get supplies out to the troops. Today we visited war and grave sites from that time. Our first stop was to the German war memorial.

The 3 men representing the soldiers, the 3 women those that were left behind. Very much an Egyptian influence.

I wasn’t worried about going to the German memorial but I’m glad we did. It seemed a very sad building. We were the only ones there.

There were 3 crypts in each alcove and the plaques on the wall had the names of those in that space. There were 9 alcove’s.

In the courtyard this obilesk was erected to commemorate all those who died.

From there we went to the El Alamein Military Museum.

El Alamein Military Museum
Relief of army generals.
Building a railway wasn’t without its action.
The railway across North Africa was an important event. The battle at El Alamein was the turning point of the war.
Outside area with lots of vehicles found in the desert. Many of them still go.
Beautifully kept lawn and garden. The flags of the nations involved at Alamein.

Real green grass and outside the walls it is desert.

More green grass at the Commonwealth cemetery at El Alamein.
Cross of the commonwealth cemetery.
Many many New Zealand soldiers graves were in this area.
Resort at Alamein

Alamein used to be out from Alexandria with the gravesite and a few houses. Now it is a place we’re wealthy Arabs go for the summer to resorts all along the coast.

Close to the Mediterranean Sea it is sought after by foreigners for holiday homes. Looked pretty good to met too. Not as good as Waihi beach though.
So first sight I thought it was a very tall palm tree. On closer inspection it’s a communication tower. With metal leaves on top. When I saw one I saw many. Thought that was an ingenious way to camouflage an ugly mask.
Bumblebee taxis. Old Ladas have a long life over here. There are very few buses just vans for public transport, and of course the taxis.
Those same 2 tourists are outside the new Alexandria Library.
The Cecil Hotel where we are staying has this very beautiful very old lift. A real experience going up and down in that.

I’ll take some photos of my sketches for you tomorrow, a day of rest for our last one in Egypt.

Pamela

Published by pamlinesart

I am a full time watercolour artist living in the beautiful village of Waihi Beach in New Zealand.

6 thoughts on “El Alamein”

  2. Oh my goodness what an amazing sad experience. Egypt and Alamein.and war.
    Im off tomorrow to Wgnt so see u Mon pm. Safe trip home. Xx

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Oh my goodness what an amazing sad experience. Egypt and Alamein.and war.
    Im off tomorrow to Wgnt so see u Mon pm. Safe trip home. Xx

    Liked by 1 person

  5. So pleased Ken visited El Alamein, where his Dad was during the Second War. Reminds me of my visiting Gibraltar where my Dad was stationed for a time.
    Very emotional! We could see North Africa from Gib. xx

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Moving photos of the war graves. What a trip you have had!
    Have a safe journey home. Don’t forget our challenge when you get back and think about those rivers.

    Liked by 1 person

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