I just read that Dr. Hawass has resigned
 

I was really saddened to read this!

http://www.drhawass.com/blog/why-dr-hawass-resigned

Well, it seems I am late to the party again. Saw some notes about this further down in the forum. I thought Dr. Hawass's short-lived "reality" tv show was a joke, but I still enjoyed hearing him speak about his love for Egypt.

Think what you will about him but his love/ enthusiasm for egyptian antiquities was infectious. Can only hope that whoever replaces him will continue to preserve Egypt's history/heritage.

I hope they find someone as charasmatic as Hawass was, and a whole lot less entwined with the Mubarak camp.

Sad that antiquities are no longer being protected

but would not be surprised if substantial corruption

has been or will be found.

Tends to be the #1 cause of unexpected "resignation"

My fondest memory of Egypt was meeting Dr. Hawass at the Valley of the Kings. He was so gracious to step out of his office and have his picture made with our group. I have always enjoyed watching him on TV and I couldn't believe I had the privilege of meeting him in person. This is a loss for Egypt and the rest of world.

I wasn't fortunate enough to meet Dr. Hawass in Egypt, but did at the Met in NYC, where I can attest that everyone in that room, felt they were in the midst of someone special, and, no doubt, most wishing to right then pick up a shovel and join him in his work.

Kind of how, I assume, children feel meeting Mickey at Disney...:) no comparison of course, but I can still feel the awe all held for him and every word that came out of his mouth. Quite amazing to see/listen to a grown man so enthralled with the work he did and could pass on the enthusiasm to so many others worldwide.

Certainly, a loss for Egypt.

<<Sad that antiquities are no longer being protected

but would not be surprised if substantial corruption

has been or will be found.

Tends to be the #1 cause of unexpected "resignation">>

Agree

Agree with you CC... seems strange for him to resign.

Zahi didn't resign on his own volition. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces made no uncertain terms, and the public prosecutor is now investigating corruption and graft charges. While it is certain Zahi used his position for financial gain, the question will be whether this went into his own pocket, or the coffers of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. It would be shocking if the allegations of antiquities smuggling were proven- as he has publicly been a crusader for their return.

Zahi still holds a concession to his KV site in the Valley of the Kings. Somehow that was overlooked by investigators.