“Concerning Egypt, I will now speak at length, because nowhere are there so many marvelous things, nor in the whole world beside are there to be seen so many things of unspeakable greatness.”   - HERODOTUS, 5th Century BC

Concerning Egypt... over 2500 years later, nowhere in the world are there so many things of unspeakable greatness.

I led a wonderful small group of woman to Egypt the last WTT tour offered this trip. Long after the experience, I’m still in awe and deeply grateful. What happened on the shores of the Nile River is unprecedented on our planet–a civilization evolving at dizzying speed, creating works of art, science and mathematics that simply baffle the mind. Every piece of art and writing is connected to the ancient Egyptians’ deeply held belief in an afterlife– a belief that continues to influence and intrigue humans today. How in a few paragraphs do you write about a place, a people, and particularly an energy, rooted in 5000+ years of brilliance and mystery?

Our journey was extraordinary for many reasons. The itinerary was beyond exceptional... from Cairo to Aswan to Abu Simbel to Luxor. We stood in awe and often speechless amidst the monuments, tombs, temples, and pyramids left by the pharaohs, as well as by the Greeks, Romans, early Christians and Muslims.

A shining gem for all of us on this tour was Manar. On the first day, our 35 year old guide and brilliant Egyptologist joined us. Manar (her name in Arabic means “Light”) led us, physically and emotionally into the heart and soul of ancient and modern Egypt.

Though every single excursion on this tour was a journey in itself, several “memories” aren’t as much about what we saw, and did, as about how they made us feel. Before leaving for Egypt, I had high expectations, but I never imagined the feelings I’d experience that will be forever etched in my mind.

The Valley of the Kings. Walking into the remote, barren canyon once called The Gates of the Kings is extraordinary. I remember noticing how appropriate the view seemed above ground. Nothing lives here. Scorching cliffs and isolated valley with tombs that were designed to resemble the underworld. Sound kind of depressing? Just the opposite! Once we entered the first temple corridor, the life of the pharaoh and his journey through the realm of the dead came alive through paintings and hieroglyphics. The feeling walking through these magnificent chambers? Inspired... and a feeling that we humans are so much more than we know.

Camel Ride to St. Simeone: Women of various ages and backgrounds connected by adventure, hoisted up onto camels by Nubian guides. Then single file up into the hills we rode into the desert for a tour of the sacred St. Simeone Monastery. Holding tight, laughing hysterically and courageously clicking our cameras... thinking... here I am in the Sahara trekking like the ancients on a camel through the Egyptian desert. The feeling? Pure elation.

Inside the Great Pyramid: On the first day of the tour, I’d told Manar how much we looked forward to entering the King’s Chamber in the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Choeps). Manar said this would be difficult because only 150 people per day are allowed to enter the Great Pyramid of the thousands who visit Giza every day. When the time came, we managed to be included in the 150. Carefully, we began to climb the massive steps into the opening of The Great Pyramid. I had to remember to breathe, knowing I was present in a dream of a lifetime. With each step, we were keenly aware of the depth of history and genius surrounding us. Finally, we stepped into the King’s Chamber. It was somewhat dark with rays of light streaming through a high opening on the wall. For me, the energy was electric and stunning. I stood in the middle of the chamber knowing that directly above me was the point of this great pyramid. The feeling? Miraculous.

It’s rare that I want to return so quickly to a place I visited. But Egypt is different. It is a place I want to return to again and again.

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