Egypt and Jordan 2019

Before boarding our cruise, we made a stop at the Aswan High Dam, a monumental feat of modern engineering that has dramatically shaped Egypt’s landscape and future. Our guide, Mona, shared its compelling story — how it was completed in 1970 with Soviet assistance, stretching over 12,500 feet in length and towering nearly 364 feet high. The dam created Lake Nasser, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the...

Our Nile cruise ship, the Oberoi Philae, docked at Edfu on a quiet Thursday night. Early the next morning, after breakfast, we set off for one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples in a uniquely charming way—by horse-drawn carriage. As the town slowly came to life, we rode through its narrow streets, passing shops just opening, locals beginning their day, and children heading to school. It was a beautiful contrast...

Before dawn, we were picked up from our hotel on the Nile’s west bank and ferried across the river in a small open boat, the quiet waters glowing under the first hint of light. From there, a short bus ride took us to the edge of the desert, where dozens of hot air balloons were in various stages of preparation—some still on the ground, others slowly lifting skyward in the growing light. We climbed into a balloon...

Khan We walked through the vibrant maze of Khan el-Khalili, a major souk located in the historic heart of Islamic Cairo. This bustling bazaar is one of the city’s main attractions, beloved by both tourists and Egyptians alike. Today, while the souk is geared toward visitors—with shops selling souvenirs, antiques, and jewelry—many of the traditional workshops still thrive in the surrounding alleyways. The...

Of all the temple complexes we visited in Egypt, Abydos was my favorite. Tucked away from the more touristed sites, this ancient spiritual center holds deep mystery and significance. Behind and below the Temple of Seti I, we explored the Osireion, a subterranean chamber believed to be symbolic of the underworld and closely associated with the myth of Osiris. One of the most intriguing moments was seeing the unusual...

It was Friday—a holy day in Jordan—and we definitely stood out among the many local families visiting Ajloun Castle. This remote hilltop fortress in northern Jordan is an incredible place to explore, and on this particular day, it was bustling with life and energy. The scent of picnic food, sounds of laughter, and chatter in Arabic surrounded us as we climbed through the stone passageways. Ajloun Castle, also...

We visited the ancient Greco-Roman city of Jerash, one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in the Middle East. Though not a UNESCO World Heritage site, its scale and preservation are remarkable. The ruins include Hadrian’s Arch, built to honor the emperor’s visit in 129 AD, and two stunning amphitheaters still used for performances today. We walked along the original Cardo Maximus, the main...

This morning, we had Petra to ourselves. We entered just after 6 AM, long before the crowds or the heat. The stillness was absolute—no voices, no horses, just the crunch of our footsteps on ancient stone. The Siq, that winding sandstone passageway, felt like it belonged only to us. The silence made everything more profound. The canyon walls—towering, streaked with rose and gold—seemed to breathe in the quiet...

After exploring the heights of Citadel Hill, we descended into downtown Amman and arrived at the Roman Theatre, nestled at the edge of Hashemite Plaza. The contrast was immediate—where the Citadel felt ancient and removed, the theatre was alive, vibrant, and still in use. Bathed in bright morning sun, the massive limestone structure gleamed against the backdrop of Amman’s hills. Despite its nearly 2,000 years...