A Day in Giza: The Great Pyramid, Ancient Memphis & A Camel Ride

February 26, 2020Egypt

“If bliss can be described as an exalted state of wishing not to be anywhere else, then this had been bliss.” ~Paul Theroux, Fresh Air Fiend: Travel Writings Car horns were beeping, and morning traffic was in full swing as we headed out on Ring Road to the Giza pyramid complex. It wasn’t Cairo’s traffic that … Read More

A Day In Cairo: The Egyptian Museum & Scenes from the Nile

February 24, 2020Egypt

“As you set out for Ithaca hope your road is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery… And may you visit many Egyptian cities to learn and go on learning from their scholars.” ~C.P. Cavafy, Ithaca “I know a short-cut,” our driver was saying as we were headed to Dubai’s International Airport. It was … Read More

Luxor at Last: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple & A Milestone Celebration

January 20, 2020Egypt

It was almost noon when our bus pulled into the gates of the Hilton Luxor. After a brief stop at the security checkpoint – this was becoming an expected part of our Middle East travels – we headed inside for a lunch break before our jam-packed afternoon itinerary. There wasn’t even time to check into … Read More

The Road from Safaga to Luxor: A Photo Essay

January 17, 2020Egypt

Every trip has its unexpectedly wonderful experience, a moment or a place that turns out to be much more than we had imagined. On this journey from Egypt’s port of Safaga, I had anticipated the treasures we would be experiencing in Luxor. But it was what we saw on the three-and-a-half-hour drive getting there that … Read More

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt: A Day at the Beach & A Lesson in Geography

January 15, 2020Egypt

“On your right is mainland Egypt, on the continent of Africa. On your left is Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, on the continent of Asia.” Hassan’s words as we were beginning our journey down the Suez Canal echoed in the air like speech bubbles from a cartoon character. Asia? Did he really say Asia? Africa would be … Read More

Sailing the Suez Canal: Egypt’s Wonder of a Waterway

January 13, 2020Egypt

It’s about an 11-hour journey through the Suez Canal. The 120-mile waterway links the Mediterranean and Red Seas from Port Said in the north to the city of Suez in the south. There are no locks – the two seas are at the same level – and the scenery on either side is a stunning … Read More