03/11/2026
Egypt – Ancient Wonders, Rich History and Vibrant Cultures
Egypt makes me feel like I’m on another planet—in the best possible way. A land that evokes awe - It truly hits different, and it should. The country’s immense history doesn’t feel distant or abstract; it echoes constantly through everyday life and modern culture. During the week I spent there, I traveled through Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan, with unforgettable moments along the Nile River.
Alexandria, set along the Mediterranean Sea, was especially beautiful. One of my most anticipated stops was the Library of Alexandria. I had long been fascinated by the ancient library, once among the largest and most important centers of knowledge in the world, housing hundreds of thousands of papyrus scrolls by some estimates. Although it was accidentally burned during Julius Caesar’s campaign in 48 BC, its legacy lives on. Completed in 2002, the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina stands as both a functioning library and a cultural center, honoring the spirit of the original.
In Cairo, I stayed at the lovely Sonesta Hotel and visited the Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza. Their sheer scale is impossible to grasp until you see them in person. Each stone block is massive—around four feet tall and nearly as wide and deep—which surprised me, as I had always imagined them to be much smaller. Standing there, I couldn’t help but think about how many people have walked those same sands over thousands of years. Egypt has a way of making history feel intimate and ever-present.
Some of my favorite experiences in Cairo, though, came from the simplest moments. Near our hotel, a man sold Turkish coffee straight out of the trunk of his car—strong, rich, and unforgettable. I also loved exploring a tiny nearby market, where I picked up teas, nuts, chocolate, and other fun, inexpensive treats. These small encounters added warmth and personality to the city.
From Cairo, I flew to Aswan, where I visited the Unfinished Obelisk and one of the highlights of the entire trip: Philae Temple. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this sacred site sits on an island and is reached by a beautiful ferry ride across the Nile. The setting alone is breathtaking, and the sense of history there is powerful and serene.
Beyond these cities, Egypt offers endless wonders—from the tombs in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings and the vast Karnak Temple, to the majestic temples of Abu Simbel. The lush Nile riverbanks, the slow and scenic cruise between Aswan and Luxor, the Muslim call to prayer, and the presence of Coptic Christianity all reflect the country’s remarkable diversity. Despite its depth and grandeur, Egypt is also incredibly affordable, making its riches even more accessible.
Luxor, as the name denotes, exudes a casual luxury. The city is beautiful and the people are wonderful. It was my favorite city I visited in Egypt and the Steinberger Hotel where I stayed was stunningly gorgeous, resplendent in holiday décor. On Christmas Eve, I ate at a Lebanese restaurant in the hotel and had amazing lamb shank and eggplant moussaka. Before the sun rose on Christmas morning, I was off to the Valley of the Kings again for a hot air balloon ride that was truly one of the highlights of the trip. The next morning allowed for a few hours of a glorious buffet Egyptian and American breakfast, amongst the bougainvillea flowers, just watching the boats on the water.
