I have always wanted to see the Great Pyramids, so I canceled (what would have been a very ratchet trip with friends) time in Las Vegas to book solo for Egypt in October of 2015 for my 30th birthday!
The Planning & Attire
I'm like, super Type A. Like ridiculously Type A. I booked a private tour guide and driver (shouts out to Mohamed Fawzy, who I found through AirBNB) months in advance, and searched Pinterest for "appropriate Egypt outfits." Egypt in October was sure to be hot, but I wanted to be respectful of the local culture; I packed lots of maxi skirts, leggings that covered my knees, and left the shoulder-bearing garments at home:
Honestly, I think that I stood out much less as a tourist because of my fashion choices. I had plenty of folks approach me in Arabic, and it was nice to blend in. Of course, the best I could reply was, "In-GLEE-zah?" But it was still flattering!
The Flight & Airline
Qatar Airways handled my flight situation, including a quick layover in Doha, Qatar. I typically ride in the main cabin with the proletariat (hey, human services salary, lol)...Their seats were plush, and the seat next to me was free for both of my longer flights. I definitely indulged in their yummy red wine (Casillera del Diablo Red Blend), which helped the flight feel like it was shorter than it was. All FAs were courteous and cheerful; I would fly with Qatar Airways again without hesitation. Oh, did I mention that they offered Empire, HTGAWM, AND Scandal?
The Sights & Sounds
The pyramids in Egypt were everything that I thought they would be. Seeing them in person was surreal. I did the illegal thing and climbed one of them, *gasp,* ignoring all posted signage with encouragement from my guide/photographer.
The Planning & Attire
I'm like, super Type A. Like ridiculously Type A. I booked a private tour guide and driver (shouts out to Mohamed Fawzy, who I found through AirBNB) months in advance, and searched Pinterest for "appropriate Egypt outfits." Egypt in October was sure to be hot, but I wanted to be respectful of the local culture; I packed lots of maxi skirts, leggings that covered my knees, and left the shoulder-bearing garments at home:
Adorbs, right?
Honestly, I think that I stood out much less as a tourist because of my fashion choices. I had plenty of folks approach me in Arabic, and it was nice to blend in. Of course, the best I could reply was, "In-GLEE-zah?" But it was still flattering!
The Flight & Airline
Qatar Airways handled my flight situation, including a quick layover in Doha, Qatar. I typically ride in the main cabin with the proletariat (hey, human services salary, lol)...Their seats were plush, and the seat next to me was free for both of my longer flights. I definitely indulged in their yummy red wine (Casillera del Diablo Red Blend), which helped the flight feel like it was shorter than it was. All FAs were courteous and cheerful; I would fly with Qatar Airways again without hesitation. Oh, did I mention that they offered Empire, HTGAWM, AND Scandal?
You know you made it when your shows are on international flights!
The Sights & Sounds
The pyramids in Egypt were everything that I thought they would be. Seeing them in person was surreal. I did the illegal thing and climbed one of them, *gasp,* ignoring all posted signage with encouragement from my guide/photographer.
Can you see me?
How about now?
Here I am!
I visited Cairo and Alexandria, and would have seen Fayoum's Oasis, but the Pharaoh's Revenge had me out of commission for nearly two days. Streptoquin saved my life, y'all. Ask for it by name if you get the runs while you're on the run in the world (Mind you, I was certain to only drink bottled water...but whatevs. Pharaoh's Revenge was hatin'.)
Stay tuned for Egypt! - Part II!
