Today marks the commencement of a momentous holiday, a day etched in anticipation and excitement, as I set forth on a journey to Egypt, the venerable land of Pharaohs, Cairo, the majestic Nile, and a civilization wrapped in the shroud of antiquity.
The morning broke early in Douala, my body attuned more to the rhythms of work than rest, but today, it was the thrill of adventure that stirred me from slumber. Such an early awakening proved fortuitous, for there was much to be done.
Among my tasks was to pen an article for my Unveiling the Shot series, a reflective piece on a photograph I captured of Machu Picchu. This image, a testament to my travels pre-COVID, served as a reminder of the globetrotter spirit that had once taken me to far-flung corners of the world – from Peru to Jordan, Thailand, and beyond.
Admittedly, the early rise also bore practical benefits. Packing, an essential yet often last-minute affair, awaited me. My priorities, perhaps unorthodox to some, began with the tools of my trade: my camera, lenses, drone, chargers, and various electronic accoutrements. This, much to the gentle chiding of my wife, who amusingly pointed out the curious order of my priorities over more conventional items like clothing and hygiene essentials.
The flight to Cairo
In less than two hours, our preparations were complete, and we made our way to the airport around noon, our flight scheduled for 14:50. The processes at the airport unfolded smoothly, save for an unexplained hour-long delay of our flight. Boarding the Airbus A330-200, we found it brimming with passengers, many seemingly in transit through Cairo to other destinations.
Upon landing, as promised by our travel agency, we were greeted by a representative who assisted us with the entry formalities.
The drive from the airport to our hotel, lasting about 45 minutes, offered our first glimpse of Egypt by night. The silhouettes of the pyramids, looming in the city lights, were nothing short of breathtaking, a sight we would explore more intimately in the days to come.
Cairo is an expansive metropolis. It unfolds its vastness in such a way that even a 45-minute drive at a brisk pace barely scratches the surface of its expanse. According to the 2017 census, Cairo alone is home to over 9 million inhabitants, a number that swells to more than 22 million when including the sprawling suburbs. This immense population presents a formidable challenge for urban planners, tasked with accommodating and facilitating the needs of one of the world’s largest and most densely populated cities.
We finally arrived at our hotel at 23:45, weary yet filled with anticipation for the adventures ahead. The night promised to be short, as we were scheduled to depart for Aswan at 3:00 in the morning, with our flight to southern Egypt departing at 6:00 (5:00 Douala time). This meant a mere couple of hours of rest before we embarked on the next leg of our journey. Though we hoped to catch some sleep on the plane, certainty eluded us.
As I bid you good night from Cairo, the heart of a land steeped in history and mystery, I do so with the eager expectation of what tomorrow will bring. Stay tuned for more tales from this land where ancient and modern narratives intertwine, creating a tapestry rich in culture and wonder.
