Photo courtesy of watchsmart – flickr
As the site of my first overseas experience, Egypt holds a special place in my heart. Long before the 2011 Arab Spring uprising, I had been a teacher at the St. Mary’s School in Shoubra, a poor Cairo neighborhood.
Photo courtesy of Arian Zwegers – flickr
During one kaleidoscopic summer, I traveled the road from Cairo to Alexandria under a canopy of desert stars, explored the marvels of the Sphinx and Pyramids on the Giza Plateau as well as the tombs of the Valley of the Kings. Every day led to new discoveries in customs, courtesies and culinary delights.
Photo courtesy of juliegomoll – flickr
The trip was not without its share of challenges, however. While I avoided vendor-offered homemade-flavored drinks and always kept bottled drinking water in the refrigerator where I lived at the orphanage, I still ended up with daily gastrointestinal problems.
Then late one afternoon I entered the kitchen and spotted one of the girls standing at the sink. She looked at me over her shoulder and flashed a beatific smile. My eyes widened when I saw her holding one of my water bottles under the faucet tap, carefully filling it up to the brim. In her quiet way, she had been taking care of me, her respected teacher, by ensuring that my water bottle was always filled. Oops.
Photo courtesy of eviljohnius – flickr
Despite those pesky gastrointestinal problems, exploring the magic of Egypt set the stage for what has become my lifelong love of travel adventures around the world. 5 continents down, two more to go . . .
What about you, wanderboomers? Are you ready to explore the wonders of Egypt?
It is a special place in many ways. I’m darkhaired and tanned, I could pass as arabian and when I was out at night a lot of men insulted me as I passed, I challenged them and when they realised I wasn’t an arab women that I was English they were all a thousand grovelling apologizes and I got so mad with them, really upset me. Like your posts, thanks.
Absolutely amazing Egypt. Just wondering, is it safe to go there at the moment as there seems to be a lot of political turmoil?
Yes, I had my own unpleasant encounter in a similar situation when I was in Alexandria, Maggie, though I am fair-haired. When I challenged the men who had made vulgar gestures at me, my male host (who was not at the scene), strongly advised me to ignore these types of people and remove myself from such situations in the future. While I disagreed with him at the time, in retrospect I think that was sage advice.
Good question, Shalu. I think it always pays to be aware and vigilant wherever we travel, but especially in areas of political strife. Egypt is not on the list of “Current Travel Warnings” issued by The US Department of State.
You might also be interested in reading my earlier post, “Top 5 Travel safety Tips.”
You also might want to check out the Facebook page for Rick Steves who is posting about his travel experience to Egypt while he is there this week.
Thanks for stopping by, Shalu!
I have always wanted to go to Egypt and I hope I will someday. it sounds majestic! Thanks for reminding me of my dream!