Tuesday, September 04, 2007

I left my heart in Egypt

My love story with Egypt began when I started reading about the temples of Abu Simbel and Pharoahs in secondary school. I spent years and years dreaming about visiting one day...but I had yet to make a concrete plan. Then one new york morning, a cabbie from Cairo re-kindled that dream in me. And so it began...

I started toying with the idea of actually going to Egypt. A few random emails to friends and casual research got the process flowing. We found an amazing tour via Contiki and started researching dates. I couldn't believe it was happening! It all seemed unreal. We encountered numerous hurdled with visas and tickets.....but in the end, we ended up making it to Egypt!! What followed was 10 of the most unforgettable days of my life. All other travels and adventures have paled in comparison.

I had to pinch myself when I got out of the Cairo airport. I felt I belonged to Egypt the moment i arrived there....it was very strange. It was as if I had found a missing part of my life. Our tour guide, Mohammed, gave me the name - Amun (derived from Amu, derived from Amrita). Amun as in the Sun God. Amun as in the most powerful God of Egypt.

From witnessing the glory and architectural wonders of Karnak, Abu Simbel and Luxor; to having endless discussions about Akhenaten, Ramesses, Tuthmosis and Nefertiti; I felt a deep contentment. Leaving Egypt has left me numb. It was as if Egypt was the way of life and everything else was irrelevant. It was not a casual vacation for me...it was an unforgettable journey.

Shukran,
-Amun
P.S: Stay tuned for a day by day account with pictures...

8 comments:

Rajesh said...

amazing !! Dreaming is one thing and making it happen - another. Glad that you could rbalise your dream.
Of course, Being in this part of the world helps a lot in making such trips

":-)"

Unknown said...

From now on, you are Amun to me :)
Cab totally feel the vibe. Thanks for sharing the dream with us

ammu said...

Rajesh - I'm still reeling from it :-)

Lova - hehe...i'm glad the name is catching on... :-)

Kalindi said...

wonderful! You inspire me girl... There are so many places I wanna see.... the name Amun may make sense after all... :)

Lisa Johnson said...

I have always wanted to see Egypt and Morocco too. So many places to see...

I'm looking forward to your pictures! ; )

ammu said...

K - :-D You should just do it....make a plan and go!

Anali - :) Morocco is on my list as well... Will send you some pictorial linkies...

Mosilager said...

Egypt calls me too... I want to have major discussions with them about who was first... India or Egypt. At that rate I'd probably get deported on the first day.

ammu said...

Mosi - they'd probably offer you Hibiscus tea and discuss the issue to bits...