The World Is Opening Up! Inspiration and Facts

Posted on June 23, 2021 by gbooks

Spark Inspiration. Choose A Journey. Highly Recommend. Notes On Travel

Guest Post by our Creative Director, Susanne Smith, who creates the stunning front end of our weekly Malchimp posts and client magazines. Everyone can use a refresher on How to Travel Again!

Choosing A Destination

Getting Inspired

Where It Is Safe To Travel

Assembling Your Journey

The World Is Opening Up And It Is A Celebration!

This is the perfect time to create lists of must-see, can’t die without visiting…the proverbial Wish List of travel destinations and experiences.

Now. How on Earth do you make up your mind where to travel next? It’s part art (flair, instinct, desire, dreams) and part science (budgets, visas, distance, time…).

The world is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The horizon for travel feels closer, every day a little bounce toward normalcy.

After nearly 15 months of being grounded, some may feel they have taken travel for granted. Pre-Pandemic, I had composed a globe-trotting list of experiences and a month before we were so quickly shut down, I had just returned from Jordan and Egypt. My Journey began with a starlight walk under a carpet of stars to being dazzled by the Treasury in Petra, illuminated by thousands of candles; my Journey concluded at the great pyramids of Giza.

Quarantine time provided hours of dreaming and plotting experiences. What do I want to see and what is safe? I’ve flown to Cabo, mainly because it was a three hour flight, which felt safe for my first outing. Double masked, in first class, with wipes and clear glasses, I felt surprisingly comfortable. I’m plotting a long-haul flight, but will take one more short hop to feel 100% confident of airport procedures and other tourists acting responsibly.

I have such faith in our World and can’t wait to get going!

Choosing A Destination

Why Exactly Do You Want To Travel It’s not always obvious. Usually, it’s because you have a destination in mind but understanding your motivations and your desires will help you decide. Begin asking questions and consider new ways to be inspired.

It can be a fun research project; and if you’re planning an international Journey, ask yourself and your travel companions what’s most important. Safety and comfort? Adventure and lots of activities? Or both?

There are so many ways to decide where to go and what to do. Shape your experiences. Dig deep inside. Pester friends for advice. Peruse your bucket list. Inspiration for your next big Journey can be in the form of a single photo to 23andMe results inspiring a visit to your homeland!

Havanna Cuba
Native Girls
Men at the Valley of The Kings
Mykonos
Puglia beach
Bhutan Thimphu
The Marquesas
Havanna Cuba
Bhutan Vegetable Market
Bangkok RiverMarket
Cairo
Santa Fe Spanish Market

Decide Who’s Going Maybe you want to travel alone so you can do whatever you want, or you and your best friend have finally carved out time to take a Journey together. Who you’re traveling with will affect the remainder of your Journey planning.

Pick A Time To Travel How many days can you go? Remember that the weather and season could be drastically different from where you live. Northern or Southern Hemisphere? Follow the sun or the snow?

Estimate A Budget It helps to be honest with yourself and whoever is going with you on what you want to spend—and what your priorities are. Budgeting before you decide where to go can provide some structure when narrowing down locations and accommodations.

Accommodations & Activities Accommodations can range from aplenty to scarce to extremely rare. Do you feel like kicking back and letting an all-inclusive resort take care of the details or book a private villa and be more integrated with the local community?

Share Your Travel Plans Communication. Share your travel plans with colleagues, friends and family. Keep in touch through social media and consider registering online with the U.S .Government so the U.S. Embassy has you on a locate list.

Jumpstart Any Travel Mental Blocks Corral your friends if your own ideas are feeling a little stale, tap into the collective hive mind of your friends. Throw a cocktail party with admittance: one travel story! Social Media Influencers are a great wealth of information too.

Dream Up An Experience Instead of country-hopping or city-dipping, concentrate on a 360-degree view of what you’ll actually do when there? Have an experience in mind as opposed to just a country. Eg. – ‘I want to go to Sydney and see free range Kangaroos at the Reptile Park,’ rather than, ‘I want to go to Australia.’

Sunrise Four Seasons Los Cabos Resort at Costa Palmas

Relaxation Float through vacations. Unplug. Swing in a hammock. Live in the Spa. Consider a private yacht in remote tropical locations. Move into a villa on Lake Como for the summer.

Culture Countries like Italy, Turkey, Greece, Peru, and China are replete with history. Customize your trip with vetted guides.

Sacred Places Bhutan’s monks in maroon robes, prayer flags and Tiger’s Nest. Sardinia’s mysteries of Mamoiada with ancient fairy houses and giants’ tombs. Santa Fe’s red earth and strange vortexes – the world is full of sacred places.

Inveterate Shoppers There are fabulous markets across the globe — from Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to the flea markets of France. Plan your Journey around classic fashion cities like London, Paris, Milan, or Tokyo.

Unforgettable Architectural Sites The Colosseum in Rome, pyramids of Egypt, Barcelona for the Gaudi buildings. The best chateaux of the Loire Valley. Tour America visiting choice Frank Lloyd Wright homes or reserve one for an immersive experience.

Solo Journeys Some countries lend themselves to independent travel because they are so organized and simple to navigate like Switzerland, South Korea or Singapore.

Off The Beaten Path Vacations Spend a week in Sri Lanka, explore Saharan sand dunes in Morocco, or see Cuba that seems to be frozen in time yet modern, utterly unforgettable.

Explore A Specific Region Pick a region and organize an itinerary that takes you there in depth — the cities of southern France, for example. Or, use a single city as your hub and then get out to explore the region: Annecy, France can be your jumping off point to the French Alps.

Elements of the decorations of the Temple of Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, Thailand

Film & Book Inspirations Let a favorite film, television show, or book shape your Journey. Follow Lawrence of Arabia’s steps through Jordan, Amman, and Morocco. A River Runs Through It – can be relived at a luxury Montana Dude Ranch. Meet Diane Fossey’s Gorillas in the misty jungles of Rwanda.

Food & Wine Sojourns It’s truly the way to a city’s heart. In deciding where to go next knowing what I want to eat and going to the birthplace of that dish is a big factor. Organize street food tours — Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok are great places to start. A wine lover? That will get you to France, California, Chile, Australia, Italy… this list grows and grows.

Follow Festivals & Celebrations Choose an event, not a destination. Consider festivals, celebrations or holidays. Food bashes, film and music festivals, or TED-style conferences can inspire Journeys to far-flung places. You won’t have to decide what to do when you get there — that part’s all planned.

Sporty Vacations Hike the Atlas Mountains in North Africa. Ride horses through the vineyards of Argentina. Do something sporty – marathons, cycling tours, races, and Championships – X sports, golf, surfing and Olympics.

Throw A Wild Card When in doubt, throw a dart at a map. Either you will go, or, it will help you realize where you don’t want to go! Throw it as many times as you like. Or, pack a bag and show up at the airport. Hop the first plane to a city you’ve always wanted to visit.

Where Is It Safe To Go? More than 75 countries currently allow U.S. citizens to visit, but some restrictions apply. See resources below and view Country-by-Country Guides to Reopened Europe and Asia.

Research the state of the virus and learn your location’s entry requirements, medical facilities and daily life.

Gaggan Bangkok, Thailand Vegetable Puree
Milano Pasta
The Beaumont Rye Manhattan
Khan El Khalili Restaurant & Naguib Mahfouz Café Cairo
Memphis Egypt
Cairo
Megeve France
Heckfield Place
Jordan Hot Flatbread
Four Seasons Cabo
Fritters Chef Dinner Ojai Valley Inn
Momo’s Amankora Bhutan
Four Seasons Punta Mita

Check your destination country’s official government websites—as well as the CDC website and U.S. Embassy website for the country—before and during any Journey.

What To Pack Even as mask guidelines relax stateside, we’re still packing face masks and hand sanitizer wherever we go. Some travelers feel more comfortable with a face shield. I personally have not had a cold in over a year so may never give them up.

Where To Get A Digital Vaccine Records

• myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov

You will receive a personal QR code. Take a screen shot of this and save on your phone.

Resources

• cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices

• usembassy.gov

• nytimes.com/article/travel-to-europe

• travel.usnews.com/features/where-can-americans-travel-right-now

• nytimes.com/2021/05/26/travel/travel-to-europe-restrictions-covid

Things To Know About Traveling Overseas And At Home

Megeve France Breakfast in a Balloon Basket!

International Travel Shifting flight schedules, varying hotel flexibility and new tech: A lot has changed since the last time you packed that passport. Flight schedules will be in flux for months to come.

Hotel flexibility will vary, so read the fine print. Prepare to schedule and commit, rather than wing it. There are now laws in place in some countries allowing hotels and other travel companies to issue credits, rather than cash refunds, for canceled bookings.

Places you may be returning to may not be the same – realize that Paris won’t look exactly like the Paris you remember.

Update your tech and tap into App tech updates. If it’s been a while since you’ve taken your phone overseas, research your wireless provider’s options to avoid roaming charges. Companies, including Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile, have per diem travel passes that include unlimited data and texting and certain calling benefits.

Many tickets and entry passes are digital. There are several new travel-friendly bells and whistles from Google Maps introduced more tailored maps that “know” when a user is at home or traveling: A London vacationer who fires up the app at noon, for instance, will see nearby lunch options as well as local tourist attractions.

Passport renewal services have resumed, but prepare for potential delays, we have services to expedite passports and visas. Here’s what to know if your passport expires any time within the next year. Plus, why a growing number of Americans are looking for second passports. As of late July, travelers can enroll in Global Entry again. And the deadline to apply for Real ID, a new federally approved identification all Americans will soon need for domestic travel, has been extended.

Countries in Asia like China, Japan and South Korea were impacted early on, they’ve also been earlier to peak, earlier to flatten their curves, and, generally, earlier to reopen. Some places, including Singapore and Taiwan took enough preventative measures to avoid a full lockdown altogether.

Resources

• cntraveler.com/story/asia-reopening-guide-coronavirus

• nytimes.com/article/travel-to-europe

• https://www.cntraveler.com/story/asia-reopening-guide-coronavirus

• https://www.nytimes.com/article/travel-to-europe

• nytimes.com/2021/05/26/travel/travel-to-europe-restrictions-covid

Domestic Travel Keep in mind, you don’t need to leave the country to have a memorable vacation. While international destinations are tempting, there are plenty of enjoyable places to safely vacation around the U.S. Trade the Maldives for Maui, Hawaii, the Swiss Alps for Vail, Colorado, or an African safari for an adrenaline-filled Jeep ride through the desert of Sedona, Arizona.

There are many lesser-known destinations around the country – such as St. Augustine, Florida; Leavenworth, Washington; Holland, Michigan – that feel more like Europe than America.

Choosing a domestic vacation has its perks, especially during a pandemic. You won’t have to worry about visa restrictions, issues with entry or last minute country closures ruining your Journey (though note some states are imposing their own travel restrictions and quarantine rules). Not to mention, you might find a little slice of paradise close to home that you can continue to visit. Highly Recommend touring our National Parks and their early 1900’s lodges, or domestic UNESCO sites.

Perks of a Travel Consultant Emergencies. Expertise. Extras. Air Travel. Better Journeys. Planning your Journey is a juggling act of timing, travel goals, budget management and coordinating real-time logistics. Every detail needs attention for the big show! It can be likened to choreographing a ballet or planning a wedding. Travel advisors offer unique services – they vet your Journey, save you time and reduce stress, understand ambience, staff, hotel suite size, best dining options, and can create customized experiences.

Travel advisors are your advocate. Whatever hurdles rise before the most solid itinerary, your travel agent solves the problem and coordinates any domino effect changes.

Travel advisors add a human element — and an element of trust.

They are invested in their clients’ happiness and want to make sure each and every Journey is packed full of positive lifelong memories. They listen, suggest, adjust, understand and become a friend. They are with you before, during and after your Journey.

Like any professional advisors, they really do know more than you do.

Travel Consultant Wandering the World, in Wadi Rum Jordan

Resource

• https://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2020/01/26/5-reasons-why-you-need- a-travel-agentmore-than-ever/?sh=43bea6c45343

Planning My Personal Journeys My visit to Bhutan reinforced my goal of seeing countries with well-preserved cultures with customs that haven’t been touched by outside influences. As much as I love Paris and Italy, at this point in my life, I’m drawn to lands that feel raw and less explored. Tribal traditions all around the world, understanding the culture of people who live so differently, the remoteness and physical natural beauty of foreign lands are always beckoning.

Morocco I am planning to return this November wanting to immerse further into the culture and landscape, beyond Marrakesh and the medina.

Ethiopia Talk about my ideal Journey; the origin of mankind, their own calendar that says it’s still 2010 instead of 2021, the ancient architecture, sweeping gorgeous landscapes, people, cuisine…I cannot wait to begin planning!

Papua New Guinea Here tourism is a fairly unexplored area of the world which is very appealing to me. The culture of Papua New Guinea is complex. There are more than 7,000 different cultural groups mostly with their own language. I definitely plan to experience a celebration with the Mudmen of the Asaro tribe.

Botswana Although I’ve visited Africa eight times and trekked for several days with the magnificent gorillas in Rwanda, Botswana will be my next safari. From the Okavango Delta to the large elephant herds in the Chobe National Park and the unpredictable Savute Channel, which runs dry and floods seemingly at random – Botswana has some of Africa’s most beautiful reserves and exceptional wildlife.

Egypt – Chapter One

Posted on June 17, 2021 by gbooks

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller,” Ibn Battuta.

Will you ever forget grade school geography books with shiny color prints of the pyramids? Stimulating dreams of exotic societies, pondering feats of impressive engineering and the mysteries surrounding the ancient people who built them for the Egyptian pharaohs who expected to become gods in the afterlife.

My last pre-Covid Journey to Jordan and Egypt left me wanting to explore more – typically, my introductory visits provide an overview, an outline to curate the picture-perfect Journey for our clients. I’m encouraging our clients to visit, I intend to be the evangelist for Egypt and Jordan! The areas are open to tourists and this is the time to begin plotting your visit for fall! The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April, when temperatures are cooler, but still pleasantly warm across the country. This makes exploring the busy streets of Cairo, visiting the Pyramids in the desert, and exploring ancient Pharaonic tombs more comfortable and enjoyable.

There were several resonating themes: both countries are safe for Americans, I was welcomed by everyone and invited to pose in photos with locals – tall blondes are infrequent! The food is delectable and very healthy; I will never again eat pita bread in the U.S., equivalent to cardboard after snacking on hot from an oven pita bread used to scoop up an abundant assortment of garden-fresh mezzes. Transportation is best left to the professionals; however, it is a mesmerizing neck turning adventure. How one becomes accustomed to standing along the side of a busy roadway with children to catch a crowded group taxi van is still a mystery to me. Farmers piloting donkey carts overloaded with the most beautiful enormous vegetables and fruit come to the cities at dawn, in the mix of traffic, it’s a stunning fusion of moving vehicles, flowing and weaving.

And of course, the entrée – the history, the pyramids and the sphinx, and the ancient burial tombs in the midst of twenty first century life. The perfect Cairo introduction – mosey to Mena House for lunch on the terrace – the Pyramids of the Giza Plateau, sometimes referred to as the Giza Necropolis are mere feet away, looming over lunch, breathtaking! The bases of the three Pyramids of Giza together cover more than a million square feet, roughly nine midtown Manhattan blocks, sip and snack and absorb the energy of the mightiest Pharaohs – Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus. The Great Pyramid of Giza remained the tallest man-made structure in the world for 3,800 years. A short drive away, gaze at the Great Sphinx at the Giza plateau. An afternoon wandering here mingled with camels to hire, tourists, vendors – a riot of movement and local life.

Pyramids of Oranges, Memphis outside Cairo, Egypt

We can reserve private evenings and private dinners in front of the Pyramids, one very fortunate client enjoyed this iconic experience years ago. Also at the Manial Palace in the Golden Room in Cairo, the Citadel and a Private lunch/Sunset Champagne on a felucca on the Nile in Cairo.

The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, Cairo

The new Cairo Museum, the Grand Egyptian Museum at Giza recently opened to much fanfare and has been a predictable smash. We enjoyed a visit to the current, but very old museum, The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, a historic building bursting with an extensive collection of antiquities, in original wood and glass display cases, massive stone statues and coffins draw your eye across from the entrance. Our expert guide, Haytham, steered our path sharing his excitement for the finest pieces; his mother was a history teacher and it was abundantly clear her schooling was ingrained in his passion for Egyptian history. Much to learn and captivate, we absorbed the most significant pieces before the crowds.

El hakim Mosque, Located near Bab al-Futuh, at the beginning of Al-Mo’ez Street, Egypt

A few days in and around Cairo should include a visit to Memphis, just south of Giza on the west bank of the Nile. The capital of Ancient Egypt with ruins including an enormous statue of Rameses II, the 30-foot-long limestone carved statue is on its back due to deterioration, wearing the white crown of Upper Egypt, it is a stunning flawless exhibit in an outdoor museum. A second sphinx is also here in this small compound. Nearby are the famed Dahshur pyramids, the southernmost end of the pyramid areas that begin at Giza. These transitional pyramids provide a first look at the engineering process, not as refined as Giza, but provide an initial look at how the construction of the angles took shape and evolved in Giza.

Hotels – arrive to the Colorful Chaos of Cairo and you have two choices of Four Seasons Hotels, I recommend a stay at both as they are equally enchanting – you will return to Cairo before departing home, so begin at Four Seasons Nile Plaza with a balcony suite overlooking the Nile – sunset view from your terrace is spectacular. A brilliant welcome before setting out to discover the sites, exceptional dining and a beautiful spa. Stay a night or two then with the new museum opening, Mena House at Giza is the perfect next step.

Egypt is brimming with energy, acclimate before you begin the frenetic pharaoh program! Following your awe-inspiring Egyptian Journey, move across the Nile River and enjoy a few nights at The Four Seasons Hotel at the First Residence. An oasis in this never sleeping city, the pool is a quiet spot for lunch and basking in afternoon sun – save some Cairo touring for the last few days in Egypt – visit the Mosques, the 12th Century Citadel, the bazaar and the art galleries. Late night flight home deserves several hours in the decadent spa, massages once reserved for Egyptian royalty, it’s the perfect post Journey finale! Flanked by the zoo and the western bank of the Nile, with views of the pyramids and the river.

Sunset The Four Seasons Nile Plaza, Cairo Egypt

Exploration: Old Cairo including the Coptic Museum and the Hanging Church. Lunch at the charming Riad Boutique Hotel, savor authentic dining with a dazzling dance spectacle. The roof top location offers a bird’s eye view of the teeming streets below and a fascinating look at ancient rooftops. The streets are animated and buzzing, still a popular and lively neighborhood. Most traffic is banned, but scooters vie with carts for space in the narrow-cobbled streets. Vendors offer their ware, fruit stands weigh produce on ancient scales, women in hijabs sitting along the curb offer fresh citrus delivered every morning by farmers.

The Journey of Egypt. Quick early flight to Aswan, my personal suggestion, pre-boarding your boat for cruising the Nile, stay at The Old Cataract Hotel. The gates of Egypt open in Aswan, the hotel was built in 1899 by Thomas Cook to host European travelers. Relive the tale in this 19th century Victorian Palace, 5-star luxury on the banks of the Nile. This historic property has hosted Agatha Christie, Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Queen Noor.

Rising grandly from a pink granite shelf at the edge of the Nubian Desert with views of Elephantine Island, this sophisticated property blends Pharaonic treasures with fine French art. The interiors in the historic Palace will take your breath away, a legendary reminder of travelling in another time, another era. A realm of Moorish arches, ruby red chandeliers, plush Persian carpets, comfy armchairs and hand-carved furnishings. It’s grand, it’s swell. After an afternoon visit to Philae Island, mosey to the terrace for a hibiscus tea or a proper sunset cocktail overlooking the Nile.

There are numerous Aswan sites to leisurely absorb: Khnum Temple, Elephantine Island and Aswan Museum before you board and sail to Kom Ombo. The Temple of Kom Ombo is an unusual double temple in the town of Kom Ombo in Aswan Governorate, Upper Egypt. Standing on a promontory at a bend in the Nile, ancient temples from the Middle Kingdom are tucked into the sand banks, just past the greenery, the desert sands creep to the river bank. In ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the river bank, the temple is unique because it is in fact, a double temple, dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, and Horus the falcon. You will see wall reliefs of Cleopatra, with her brother-husband and co-ruler Ptolemy VIII. The path out of the complex leads to the Crocodile Museum which has a stunning collection of mummified crocodiles and ancient reliefs.

Adventure in horse & buggy to Old Cataract Hotel, Aswan, Egypt

One of my favorite experiences was in Aswan, I insisted on visiting the Old Cataract Hotel for sunset and a proper cocktail. My guide, Haytham, negotiated with a horse and buggy driver to deliver me to the hotel and wait while I enjoyed the sunset. The driver was a little grizzly in appearance in his long slightly soiled gallibaya, an overcoat, a loosely draped scarf and wrapped turban. Egyptians tend to shout at each other, no menace involved, an unnerving situation when you don’t understand the language. Negotiations ensued, Haytham, protecting me, took a photo of the buggy drivers’ license, made sure his cell phone worked, took his number, negotiated a firm rate and shouted some more. I assumed the driver would lose body parts if he misled or left me stranded. The pony cart took off at a fast clip, horse hooves smacking the pavement and the driver not sparing his whip. I asked him not to hit the horse, he replied you need to come sit in front, it’s better for the horse. Pointing to my new knee, I said I would not be clambering over the seat to ride front and center. A pell-mell pace ensued to the Old Cataract Hotel, it was a breathtaking adventure on my own! The hotel didn’t disappoint, a setting sun over the Nile and a perfect Rye Manhattan, I wandered the property and was elated to see my grizzled old driver waiting for me at the curb. He asked if I wanted to stop for additional sightseeing, his English was fine – I mentioned my guide would be looking for me to arrive back at the boat – he exclaimed: Oh my God, your guide, he is crazy! I explained that my guide pretty much owned me during my visit and was responsible for my safety and well being. It was a most excellent escapade and on a future visit, I will enjoy more of these experiences! Meeting locals, enjoying typical experiences adds layers to my travel, it’s the best! Donkey cart with vegetables, next time!

The Temple of Kom Ombo is an unusual double temple in the town of Kom Ombo in Aswan Governorate

Wall reliefs of Cleopatra, with her brother-husband and co-ruler Ptolemy VIII, The Temple of Kom Ombo.

Rise early and get comfy on the sundeck of your boat as you will witness men and boys along the Nile as a pictorial of ancient life, the views were mesmerizingly Biblical. Early morning farmers in long robes, scarf and turbans making their way down steep stone steps toting a bundle of just harvested green alfalfa for their livestock, mostly white donkeys and cows. Men gathered on old wooden benches quietly observing dawn, I imagined they were plotting their day. Small boats with bedsheet type sails stick close to shore, guiding the tiller with a foot thrust off the stern of the almost submerged boats. A panorama of landscapes remind you the area was described as the Bread Basket of the world, the fertile Nile banks overflow with tidy golden fields, swaying palms, sugar cane and wheat. Solitary cows, herds of goats, horses staked to a post for all day grazing – boys and men go about their morning rituals in a quiet dawn mist.

Sail on to the Temple of Horus at Edfu on the West bank of the Nile. Egyptians associated death with the west and buried their pharaohs on the Nile’s west bank. It was one of my favorite visits, as it is extremely well preserved, taking over 180 years to complete. Two large statues of Horus carved from a single block of granite from Aswan guard the entrance. The monumental entrance is a gate flanked by two massive flat embossed towers, the door was originally two large Lebanese cedar doors. Inside, 32 massive columns flank the first hall. The hall’s ceiling is adorned with astronomical imagery. At all the temples and tombs, the walls are covered in reliefs and etchings, hieroglyphics, symbols and figures, each telling a story. Many maintain their original bright hues, some tarnished by centuries of erosion, weather and people.

Inside, multiple well-preserved rooms and chambers can be explored. The most important is the sanctuary, the most sacred and significant area of the temple. It contained the sacred barks of Horus and Hathor, used in processions, as well as the permanent shrine for the sacred image of the god which was likely a wooden falcon statue. The shrine, made of black granite, is located at the rear of the sanctuary and is one of the few remnants of an older temple of Horus.

Temple of Horus at Edfu, Egypt The Sanctuary

The Ancient Egyptians were obsessed with their belief in the afterlife, life after death. The pharaoh tombs and pyramids were built for the rulers. Important Egyptians were mummified, to preserve and be spared from excessive decay. The Egyptians provided the deceased with everything they would need for their Journey including valuable treasures.

According to legend, Anibus, the Egyptian god of the dead, invented mummification. Egyptian Gods and Goddesses – religion was a way to explain and understand the workings of nature. They believed that gods controlled things like floods, rains, sickness and death. There was a god for each aspect of life, so Egyptians tried to please each of their gods and goddesses. Horus was god of the sky and one of the most important symbols of Egyptian power, with a man’s body and a falcon’s head. Horus represented resurrection and eternal life.

Anibus, the Egyptian god of the dead, from King Tut Tomb, Egypt

Sail to Esna. Chapter Two.

Egypt funeral procession with body on stretcher men only attend.

(Egypt) is a great place for contrasts: splendid things gleam in the dust.”
― Gustave Flaubert, quote from Flaubert in Egypt: A Sensibility on Tour

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Category Archives: Journeys

The World Is Opening Up! Inspiration and Facts

Egypt – Chapter One

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