In March, I shared a special memory with Harriet’s Corner readers about how I was moved to tears upon seeing the Pyramids of Giza for the first time. Well, it turns out I’m not alone: Rosie Keller Hughes, a 12-time traveler, Inner Circle member, and Vacation Ambassador from West Henrietta, New York, wrote to tell me she’d had a similar experience on our CruiseTourAncient Egypt & the Nile River.
“As my husband, Bob, and I stood there at the Pyramids and Sphinx,” Rosie says, “I, too, felt tears welling and the goose bumps popped up all over my body. I was so overwhelmed and could not truly believe that, at long last, I was in their presence. All I can say is that it was one of the greatest moments of my life!”
Rosie also sent me a link to an online journal she’d created to tell her friends and family about their “wondrous, enriching trip” with us. I found it fascinating, and asked Rosie if I might share some of her photos and impressions with you. She graciously agreed; I hope you’ll enjoy this “virtual tour” of Egypt just as much as I did!
“On the plane ride over, we met Sharif, a very nice young man who was returning home to Egypt after interviewing for a residency at two New York hospitals. He is 30 and in love, but says he’s going to have to save lots of money to get married because in Egypt, the groom pays for everything: The dowry, the reception, the civil and religious ceremonies, the bridal gown, etc. Sharif was surprised when we told him that in America, the bride’s father pays most of the expenses—he said perhaps now he’ll move to the U.S.!”
“In Cairo, we checked into Room 1151 at the Marriott Hotel. We had an outstanding view of the river.”
“A perfect day in Cairo was topped off with a Home-Hosted Dinner. On the left is our hostess, Shari—who owns and operates an interior decorating business with her husband—and on the right is our wonderful Program Director, Inas Hassan. Before we sat down to eat, Shari explained the use of the veil in the Egyptian Muslim community. She also gave a short but impassioned speech about how we, as nations and peoples, need to be accepting of one another and work for world peace.”
"Shari and her youngest son, Achmed, treated us to an incredible meal of eggplant parmesan, roasted potatoes, rice with yogurt and a roasted onion crust, a reddish vegetable cut like a crinkle French fry but very crispy, small sliced cucumbers, and more. A most enjoyable event!”
“Here we are in the Giza Plateau, home to one of Egypt’s signature attractions: The Great Pyramids. The largest among them is the Great Pyramid of Cheops, probably built more than 2,600 years before the time of Christ. Standing there in amazement at its age, I realized I am just a very small speck on the continuum of time!”
“We visited a school that trains students in the making of Oriental carpets. At first I was really disturbed by the fact that these children were so young—I asked a few their age and most said 12. When we talked to Inas about it, she said that, yes, it was difficult to understand, but their parents want them to be productive and contribute to the family economy. I couldn’t help but think of our grandson, James, who is the same age, having to spend his days (three hours at a time) working so hard and having the burden of providing for his family.”
“On our Spiritual Cairo optional tour, we visit three major sites of worship: Mohamed Ali Mosque, the Hanging Church, and Ben Ezra Synagogue. One of the oldest Coptic churches in Egypt, the Hanging Church gets is name from the fact that it was built on top of the south gate of the old Roman Fortress of Babylon. In the courtyard are colorful tiled murals featuring religious scenes.”
“We flew to Aswan and arrived at the dock to see our home for the next week, the M/S River Anuket. We are so pleased with our accommodations: We had a nice room with twin beds, regal chairs, good storage, and a decent-sized bathroom. At lunch, we discovered that the food is excellent, too.”
“While in Aswan, we cruised around Elephantine Island aboard a felucca—a traditional boat with triangle-shaped sails. We were joined by our new friends, Adam and Debbi Wetzel, 9-time travelers, Inner Circle members, and fellow Vacation Ambassadors from Saxtons River, Vermont.”
“What was so wonderful about sailing along the Nile was the people on shore—especially the children—waving to us and calling out, “Hello, Hello!” and occasionally shouting out “Obama!” One little boy even mooned us, much to the laughing appreciation of our group.”
“A beautiful sunset along the Nile.”
“We enjoyed a festive galabeya party onboard one evening. Bob wowed everyone when he was pulled into a group of dancing cruisers (similar to musical chairs). Days later, he was still being referred to as ‘Bob, that fellow who can really dance.’”
“Wow! The enormous temple complex of Karnak, in Luxor, was amazing. The ancient Egyptians called it ‘the most perfect of places,’ and it continues to be a fascinating site. The huge Hypostyle Hall, seen here at left, is an architectural marvel large enough to enclose the Cathedral of Notre Dame.”
“Here’s a picture of Bob and me at Dendera Temple. The statue between us is the Egyptian god Hapi—and while the name may not reflect the deity’s mood, it did reflect our state of mind to be exploring Egypt with Grand Circle!”