Well I never .

[WIZARD]

The Statue of Liberty was originally meant to go to Egypt, not the U.S.A.

The Statue of Liberty was originally meant to look like an Arab peasant and to be at the entrance of the Suez Canal in Egypt and her flame was to symbolize the light she was bringing to Asia.

The sculptor, Barthaldi, fell in love with the Middle East and all it entailed in 1855. Barthaldi returned to Egypt in 1869 with the blueprint of giant statue of a woman that would double as a lighthouse at the entrance of the Suez Canal.

Egypt wasn’t reaping any of the monetary benefits of the canal even though it was located in Egypt. Barthaldi realized that he could never put his statue in Egypt, because they didn’t have the financial means.

He was heartbroken and sailed to New York. As his ship entered New York Harbor, Barthaldi spotted the deserted, oval island of Bedloe. It was perfect for his statue. The French and the Americans were friends and between the two of them, they paid for statue. The statue was revamped and sent to the U.S.

(Source)
Read more at http://www.omg-facts.com/History/The-St ... qGufMpk.99

[A-Four]

God bless you Wiz, first, its nice to hear that you are safe and well, Having suffered a simular fear for the where-abouts and health of a dear old friend, I am happy to know you are alive and kicking, so I shall have a few drinks, and I mean a few, before I write up a bit of info for my old friend Timetraveller, to help her have a good time in old Istambul.

This lot on here have been a bit crabby while you have been absent, but I am sure you'll bring a bit of reason to this play ground.
Welcome home .

P.S.- Actually the Egyptian government refused to pay the French the cost for this borbal, that trully was intended for a replacement at Alex, for the lighthouse, then it was offered to the Suez Canal Co.

[WIZARD]

Actually the Egyptian government refused to pay the French the cost for this borbal, that truly was intended for a replacement at Alex, for the lighthouse, then it was offered to the Suez Canal Co.

Well thank you for that A-Four, one really does live and learn.

[Lisak]

Ooh I would be interested in the Istanbul write up A-Four as it may well be the place of my next jaunt.
Wiz...great to hear from you. Hope life is good for you. Take care no matter where you are and hope your health is well.
(and nope, never knew that about the Statue)

[A-Four]

As I already pointed out to Wiz earlier, I have hit the bottle toNight, but will write up a few notes for Timetraveller tomorrow. .

[Winged Isis]

Me neither! Good to see you back, Wiz.

[LivinginLuxor]

I wonder!

Here's the official line:-

Sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi was commissioned to design a sculpture with the year 1876 in mind for completion, to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. The Statue was a joint effort between America and France and it was agreed upon that the American people were to build the pedestal, and the French people were responsible for the Statue and its assembly here in the United States. However, lack of funds was a problem on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. In France, public fees, various forms of entertainment, and a lottery were among the methods used to raise funds. In the United States, benefit theatrical events, art exhibitions, auctions and prize fights assisted in providing needed funds.

http://www.statueofliberty.org/Statue_History.html

I do think Wiz's is a nice story though, and could be possible

[A-Four]

The first time I looked at something on Wikipedia, I ended up laughing for a week.

That probably accounts why people today believe everything they read, without true research.

[Mimimay]

Nice to see you posting again Wizard,hope you are keeping okay X

[Luxormad]

Very nice to hear from you again Wiz
hope every things ok and you're in fine fettle.
and i bet the central heatings on full blast!!!!!!
all the best