Let's stop for a minute on the deck of the steamboat that is gently rocking on the Nile. I am here with renowned archaeologist Sebastian Jones and Sohan Héka, a TV regular and also a great archaeologist. They're going to answer a few questions while enjoying a cup of tea.
Interviewer: Well, well, well! You two have had quite a few adventures! Aren't you guys tired? Are you currently taking some time off?
Sebastian: "Each expedition has its share of surprises. My girlfriend and I are enjoying Egypt for a while to wind up a little before hitting the road again."
Sohan: "Yeah, there are always surprises, but I still manage to handle them just fine. But personally, I don't need to rest. There are so many artifacts left to find all over the world. I'm leaving again as soon as I set foot in Cairo."
Sebastian rolls his eyes at the way Sohan is showing off.
Interviewer: Both of you have dealt with some kind of curses... Was it scary? How did it affect your lives?
Sohan: "You know, when you choose to have a life like ours, you can't afford to be scared. Or you might as well stay at home and read books. Or worse... Become a teacher."
Sohan turns to Sebastian raising an eyebrow, a large grin on his face.
Sebastian: "Finding happiness in sharing your experiences with the next generation of archaeologists or historians is not for everyone... Anyway, the curses that hit my family changed everything. But now, we need to find the right remedies to counter them. It's all that matters."
Sohan: "The next generation... Stop speaking like a boomer! You just have to protect yourself well. I always carry the artifacts I need with me so I can head off on an adventure peacefully. I'm prepared for any situation, plain and simple."
Interviewer: Speaking of simplicity, when you travel you go camping, you don't sleep in a hotel. So, if you had to pick three persons: So, if you had to choose three people: one to handle the supplies, one to stand guard and one to be the guide, who would you choose for each role, knowing that it could be someone close to you or yourself?
Sohan: "I travel by myself. I don't need anyone to handle things for me. And if I'm with someone, I'm the one taking care of others, not the other way 'round. That's how I grow, that's how I get better."
Sebastian: "Unlike Sohan, I will never make the mistake of traveling alone. The dangers I face are far too great. If I get hurt or trapped, I..."
Sohan: "Well then, just be agile and don't fall into traps!"
Sebastian breathes deep and clears his throat.
Sebastian: "So, back to your question... For the supplies, I would need..."
Esteban slides along the waxed floor of the boat, making a perfect entrance.
Esteban: "Hello? I could handle the supplies! I'm a great cook!"
Sebastian: "Anyone but Esteban who'd eat everything! Ha ha! No, all jokes aside, I would need my girlfriend, who's by my side now."
Esteban leaves, half laughing and half grumbling.
Sebastian: "And to stand guard, Estaban and I would take turns. He knows I'd trust him with my life. Not with my food, but with my life for sure. And I'd be the guide."
Interviewer: There seems to be some tension between you, and I understand it goes back to when you were in college. Dare I ask if you've made up? How is it going?
Sebastian: "No need to make up. We're not friends."
Sohan: "Tsk, tsk. I have nothing against Sebastian. He's the one who has a grudge against me. What can I say, I'm that kind of person. Either you love me or you hate me. I mean, you, for example, which side are you on?"
Interviewer: Um... I have no reason to hate you...
Interviewer: Anyway! Let's move on to a lighter topic... We are currently in Egypt, what is your favorite thing about this country and what would you recommend to our readers?
Sohan: "This is my homeland. I know all about the thousand wonders it has to offer. If you need a personal guide, just give me a call."
Sebastian: "Wow, I won't get too excited like Sohan, but Egypt is indeed an amazing country, there's no doubt about that. I recently went to Luxor, and I can guarantee the temples there have earned their reputation. They're breathtaking. Especially for a scholar like me. Every time I go there, I feel the same thrill."
Sohan: "Right, and you might as well also talk about the pyramids and camel rides! Seriously, you're not giving a good image of our country, buddy. What I'm talking about are secret, wonderful places, known only by a handful of Egyptians. Nothing like cheap tourism."
Sebastian lets out a long sigh and takes a sip of tea. You can tell he's used to Sohan the intrepid's sarcasm.
Interviewer: You've also traveled a lot in other countries... Do you have any stories that would inspire us? And where would you love to lead excavations?
Sohan: "There is not a single country I haven't been to. And I loved every single one of them, well almost... But my most memorable experience was when I was surrounded by fanatics who were looking for a green-eyed god. Guess who they wanted to kidnap? Me! Damned green eyes! I thought they were gonna cost me my life... It was in a remote part of China."
Sebastian: "I wouldn't want to be in your shoes, Sohan... But China really interests me. It's a huge country that still holds many mysteries."
Interviewer: If you had to choose between staying in Mystery Spell for the rest of your life OR living without love, what would you choose and why?
Sohan: "It depends on what you mean by love. There's love, and... love..."
Interviewer: "Uh... Well..."
Sebastian: "Sohan, that's enough. You know exactly what she means. Personally, I'd happily spend the rest of my life in Mystery Spell rather than live without love. That's not even a question."
Interviewer: "Speaking of love, which qualities are you looking for in a woman? Does she have to be an archaeology assistant? ;)"
Sohan: "Or can she be an interviewer? Is that what your question? Ha ha! No, she doesn't have to be an archeologist. But she must be fearless. Life with me is not exactly a walk in the park."
Sebastian: "She doesn't have to be an archaeologist, but she has to take a minimum interest in other cultures. We are more than just archaeologists, we are explorers. It's more than a job, it's a way of life. So if she's not into it, we may not see each other much..."
Interviewer: I'm curious... What was the hottest moment of your year? And the most romantic one?
Sohan: "There is no hot moment. Being hot is a lifestyle. I can't pick just one moment."
Sebastian: "Yeah, whatever you say... You're just afraid that your exes will read this interview and be mad at you after... Anyway, I personally can think of several different moments. But if I had to pick just one, it would be right here, on this boat, with my girlfriend, when she guessed where we were going."
Interviewer: "Of course, I guess she gave you a big hug, right?"
Sebastian looks away. OK, got it, she gave him much more than that! It's high time to end this interview...
Interviewer: Is there anything you'd like to say to our readers to end this interview?
Sohan: "Make sure to follow my adventures on social media and in my books, because there are many more to come!"
Sebastian: "Um... Thank you for your interview, I hope that we have been able to inspire aspiring archaeologists and explorers! It's a wonderful profession that allows us to discover many a treasure."
To join your favorite characters, play "Is It Love? Sebastian" and dive into an emotional success story!
