“All my bags are packed I’m ready to go… Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane Don’t know when I’ll be back again Oh baby, I hate to go…” Dear Universe, Passport not confiscated, but arms were twisted and I was convinced to stay a little longer! But you, Universe, have other plans for me. When the ticket situation didn’t …
Nighttime, Nile Style
Dear Universe, Driving in Cairo is a nightmare. Traffic is always at a standstill, people follow their own rules, lanes don’t really exist, horns beep incessantly, cars come within mere millimeters of each other, motorists maneuver by, pedestrians pop out of nowhere and sometimes, just sometimes, a horse or donkey needs to get through. I would never want to drive …
Market Mayhem
Dear Universe, On my first morning here I had a few moments of peace just strolling through Egypt’s world renowned outdoor market, Khan al Khalili. I never got the chance to go the first time I came. It was a sight to see. And yes, there was some bargaining to be done. Peace didn’t last long though, as vendors swooped …
Museum Marvel
Dear Universe, I have always been intrigued by Ancient Egyptian History. I think even if I wasn’t Egyptian, I would still find it fascinating. In college I studied the subject, learning from a professor who, when he wasn’t teaching, was in Egypt conducting archaeological digs and helping to restore artifacts. He showed the most jaw-dropping slideshows each class. Like I …
So Close, So Far… Seriously
Dear Universe, When I came to Egypt the first time, I was lucky enough to get to the pyramids, be stunned by the Sphinx and yes, ride a camel and live to tell about it. But, as luck would have it, my camera broke. All these incredible moments were missed. When I spotted a camera shop nearby, I had …
Cairo Calling
Dear Universe, Can’t believe I’m in Cairo. Yes, I put it on my vision board 2011. Yes, when I asked for a sign about a month and a half ago of whether or not I would go to Egypt, I got it loud and clear about thirty seconds later. (A man I’d never seen before walked by me at the …
Even Better Than the Real Thing
Dear Universe, There have been times in my life when I picture what something or someplace will be like, but when I actually see the real thing, it lets me down. I’m happy to report Santa Monica was not one of those instances. It was a stunningly sunny day with not a drop of white in the sky when my …
Lost Angels
Dear Universe, Well, here I am enjoying sunny Los Angeles on the first leg of my trip. Some hear L.A and they think Beverly Hills, 90210. Others picture the Hollywood sign or the walk of fame. After all, L.A is home to movie stars, almost movie stars and wannabe movie stars (to some degree or another). But for me, it’s just home to one …