By Dale Enman, 3-time traveler, Deerfield Beach, Florida
After my marriage of 25 years ended, I decided to leave my life in Florida behind to live near my daughter and grandchildren in Virginia. But after some time, I began to yearn for something more … and started asking myself, “What am I missing?”
I’d always dreamed of traveling to Egypt, but never had the chance when I was married. And now that I was newly divorced and didn’t have a traveling companion, I was hesitant to take the next step and visit this distant land.
But I knew it was time to stop daydreaming about traveling—and start doing something about it. So I began researching and found Grand Circle’s Ancient Egypt & the Nile River CruiseTour, reserved my trip, and signed up to be matched with a roommate. When I told my friends and family about my plans to travel to Egypt, they were beyond surprised. I can’t tell you how many times I heard the words, “You’re going by yourself?!”
Dale enjoys a visit to the Sphinx during her journey to Egypt.
But I knew that this was something that I needed to do, and it was—in many ways—a gift to myself after the end of my 25-year marriage. And although I was a little skeptical about my new adventure, I quickly learned that I had no regrets as I watched my very first glorious sunrise above the Pyramids in the early morning hours. In fact, I still get goosebumps each time I think about that very moment.
I truly enjoyed every moment on our river ship sailing down the Nile. There was something so special and comforting to know that we (Grand Circle travelers) traveled together without any outside groups. There were many other women traveling as singles in our group, so I never felt like I was alone—and I always felt welcome amongst my fellow travelers.
When in Egypt, do as the Egyptians do—just as Dale demonstrates by riding a camel near the pyramids.
This trip taught me many things about myself, but most importantly, I learned that I was able to be an individual. I didn’t need to have a husband to explore the world or seek new adventures: There was no need for me to be afraid to be alone.
After returning from Egypt, I realized that although I loved Virginia, it was time for me to head back to Florida to be near my brother and sister—and I no longer needed to worry about doing so on my own.
Dale explores many historical sites, including Abu Simbel.
After two marriages—which provided me with three wonderful children, seven amazing grandchildren, and two lovable great-grandsons—and working as a nurse for more than 20 years, I discovered something very important: Life is full of many unexpected events. Sometimes our marriages fall apart, and sometimes we move away—but if you want to truly survive in this ever-changing world, you need to be ready to accept the change as it comes.
And that is what Egypt helped me to do.
Sail along the eternal Nile River—and discover the country’s awe-inspiring wonders—on our Ancient Egypt & the Nile River CruiseTour.
Want to meet like-minded travelers who may become new travel partners? Visit our Travel Companions section of our website.