Egypt is so steeped in history, it’s like a dream. One of my earliest exposures to Egypt was the “King Tut” travelling exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. The exhibit was amazing in so many ways and without a doubt created a seed in me. I had to go to Egypt at some point in my life to see more of this amazing world history.
Being in Egypt
Some years later, my girlfriend (now wife) and I planned a whirlwind 10 day trip to Europe including Egypt. Greece was the real vacation part (including the Acropolis) but Egypt was all about discovery- in 3 days! Cairo was the destination although there are certainly other places to visit in Egypt.
After landing in Cairo, we start speaking with a tour guide in the airport- and end up with a 2 day private tour of Cairo and area with a private guide and car/driver. Perfect and great value! Off to our hotel, the Cairo Marriott, on the banks of the Nile River.
In the next day and a half, we visit the National Museum, the great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the open air museum at Memphis (the former capital), the Khan El-Khalili bazaar, the Nile and many other sites along the way. Seeing wonders of the world is something you never forget. World history just doesn’t get boring- ever. A very quick visit for sure but well worthwhile and something that can be done. A visit to Egypt must be done! If you are travelling from afar, be prepared for a long flight and hot, dry weather.
Egypt Experience: Stories
2 “cocktail party” Egypt experience stories to share:
At lunch, we are taken to a rustic roadside restaurant on the way to Memphis. Lunch is pita in a basket with some kind of poultry. We ask- the poultry is pigeon. I haven’t had pigeon before but it was delicious pigeon. I take a pita from the basket and discover ants crawling over the underside. The waitress rushes over, takes another pita from the basket and crashes the two together. Like a pair of cymbals! The ants fall off- all is good! She hands me back the pitas.
Our drive back into Cairo follows a road alongside a canal. We are driving behind a sewage truck with a big leak in very hot 44c. weather. Each leak creates instant steam and unimaginable sewage stench. The driver decides he must overtake the truck (thankfully). A taxi is racing at us in the opposite direction. Our little car has no more horsepower and we are heading straight for the taxi- in their lane of course. It’s close! Seated behind the driver, I pull my arm in as our side mirrors hit and our side mirror falls off. The driver is not phased- I was but it’s part of the Egypt experience.
In Summary: the Egypt Experience
Egypt really is the trip of a lifetime and always in my travel memories. I would highly recommend some kind of an escorted tour along with top quality accomodations. You want to see the sights and have a hassle free trip. Egypt is a place where every traveler must visit (at least once)!
Author Bio
Mark Crone is the traveller and storyteller behind Mark’s Travel Journal, where he shares practical tips, destination guides, and real experiences from his adventures around the world. Based in Canada, he aims to help others travel smarter and discover meaningful moments on the road. Explore more of Mark’s blog: