by West Oehmig
posted September 25, 2008
) Avi Kohli, travel agent, and West Oehmig enjoy sunrise at Giza |
Having spent some thirty three years in the travel industry, I have had the pleasure of experiencing many fine and exciting destinations over the years. East and Southern Africa are jaw dropping, India and Nepal are breathtaking, Turkey is a wonderful place and home to the Sultans. The list goes on. The country of Egypt, however, scores most highly in my book of truly exotic and mesmerizing places to visit, and it’s about this wonderful place that I write today.
As we drove into Cairo from the airport, our driver explained that the mercury hit about 140 degrees this day until a sandstorm blew in and cooled things off (just a little under 100 degrees). It was around midnight, early July, and it was still hot. What else should one expect being in the Sahara at summer’s height? Our hotel was marvelously cooler, their air conditioning was reviving and accommodations very comfortable.
When most of us think of Egypt, images of the pyramids, King Tut, the Sphinx, and the Nile all spring to mind. Images of Pharaoh’s minions pressing workers to build fantastic structures to last millennia in tribute to themselves and their dynasties, and upon arrival, one soon realizes this land is full of wonders from all ages.
Of course, Egypt’s ancient history is ‘biblical’ in fact. The treasures to be found in Cairo’s museums are overwhelming. From 2,500 year old wooden carvings, to the old canopic jars, to the mummies on display. Gold jewelry, death masks, and ornate jewelry, weaponry and sarcophogae simply stun the senses. The mummy room of the Cairo Museum is truly spine tingling! Ancient Egypt is a long and wonderful chapter in this fabulous ‘book’.
After the span of the Pharoahs, the history of the Ptolemies, rulers of Egypt following Alexander’s conquest of the ancient land, includes the alluring tales of Cleopatra and Antony. The subjugation of the Mameluke Empire by the Sultans of the fabulous Turkish Empire, and their defeat by Napoleon is the early 1800’s and the British occupations from the mid 1800’s until the end of World War II, the current inhabitants weave yet another tapestry of for the guest to savor.
Surely one of the greatest experiences available today is a riverboat cruise on the Nile. It’s an adventure into history with the stunning experience of seeing life along the Nile, where people utilize this famous river in so many ways, as they have for so many centuries. Perhaps beginning in Aswan and spending two or three nights at the incomparable Cataract Hotel, made famous by the many dignitaries who have stayed here, some of whom, like Agatha Christie, would winter here as she wrote many a mystery. Of course, the town of Aswan is a living museum itself, and a few days here provide the visitor, a short, sweet taste of this place. On the river there are some four hundred licensed riverboats plying north and south, each vessel unique, from basic to luxurious, stopping the astounding sites of Karnak and Luxor, where Akhenaten built his fabulous city and temples is a must. On the western side of the river lies the Valleys of the Queens and Kings. Here is where Howard Carter, financed by Lord Carnarvon, discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen, the greatest treasure trove yet discovered in Egypt, and brought upon himself King Tut’s curse! Here also, not so far away, is the tomb of Queen Nefertiti which boasts the most brilliant paintings of any known tomb. In fact, only a few travelers are allowed into this tomb each day to protect the fragile paintings from too much exposure to human breath and perspiration. The sentinels of Memnon guard the western desert lands and eerily greet every visitor with their ancient visage.
How I could go on and on in my praise for the fantastic destination! Cairo is a buzzing city where the ‘souks’ remains the centers of activity with food, clothing, rug and curio shops and of course the hookah smokers, enjoying coffee and tea as they discuss the topics of the day.
The best time to visit Egypt is no doubt from November through March. After that the heat is really on. On my first trip (in July) we rose at 4 a.m. and were back in our rooms/cabins by 11 a.m. After a good breakfast/lunch we would siesta until 6:00 pm when the heat of the day had passed for more touring. Dinner followed around 9 p.m. My next visit was in January and the temperatures were pleasant all day, but there were many more visitors with which to contend.
If you have a desire to make a very memorable, life altering trip to Egypt, please give me a call. Our friend and onsite agent, Ashraf El Khadim, will help us see to it that you’ll find the magic of this place too!
There is simply no way in a short article to cover all the fine aspects and attractions of Egypt. If you love the exotic, enjoy history and art, and desire a truly life changing trip, then Egypt should be high on your list. This country can provide the highest levels of comfort and hospitality, and I would feel as safe in Cairo as on the streets of London!
The camels are calling me for a return trip soon!
Until next month, happy, stimulating, and rewarding travels to you!
(Since 1977, West Oehmig has guided TVTA. He is a graduate of Baylor School and the University of Virginia. He has served as chairman of the Advisory Board of Virtuoso and is involved in many aspects of our community and the worldwide travel industry. He advises clients with interests in four and five star cruising, deluxe touring, extraordinary family travel experiences, fine golf, shooting and fishing experiences. Contact West Oehmig at (423) 308-2906.)
| Dining Out | Business | Movies | Focus | About Us |
| Church | Living Well | Memories | Outdoors | Real Estate | Student Scene | Travel |
