Egypt's history can be verified by the hieroglyphics.

Sometimes when visiting countries and hearing the tour guides telling about a particular event or site, I often wonder if this is true or if it is made up. But not in Egypt. From the time the royal child was born, a tomb was started with hieroglyphics on the walls of the events in that child’s life. The one place in the world where I felt they were telling the truth.

This trip definitely needs to be done with a tour company. It is a combination of land tour and river cruise and you need reservations and an Egyptologist to tell you everything. You don’t wander in the desert alone!!

Cairo is filled with museums and galleries. This is the starting point so you understand the rest of the country. Then there are certain features I look for in the tour. Some tours "add on" some of the best parts while others include them. Also, knowing the time of year to go is important. The heat can get to you. Packing for this trip needs someone who has been there to help you.

Being a Muslim country, there are many customs you must respect. Also, how to shop in the bazaars needs some guidance so you don’t fall into a trap!! The biggest issue is the food and drink. Getting sick ruins everything.

You feel very regal as you glide along the Nile River. I pictured Cleopatra and was looking for the “fanning man”. Alas, no one onboard. Then you stop along the shore and go into the various sites and visit all kinds of places. I was going back into the Bible and thinking of Joseph as he was ruler of Egypt. You hear how the pyramids were built and wonder how the whole picture ties together. I asked questions, but the answers weren’t what I wanted. So, I am still studying.

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Read all of our blog posts about Egypt.