As I pen these words, the bustling energy of Cairo envelops us, a vivid contrast to the serene days we recently savored in Hurghada, Egypt’s illustrious beach haven. Our three-day sojourn there, a tranquil interlude amidst our whirlwind adventure, remained largely undocumented for two pivotal reasons.
Firstly, I was immersed in the meticulous task of translating my blog posts into French, ensuring a seamless mirror of linguistic elegance across both languages.
This labor of love, though time-consuming, was a journey in itself, bridging cultures and thoughts through the art of translation.
Secondly, our souls yearned for respite. Following the exhilarating yet exhausting explorations of Aswan, Abu Simbel, Luxor, and other jewels of ancient Egypt, we chose to embrace leisure.
Our days in Hurghada were a symphony of simplicity, basking under the sun by the pool, delving into the world of books, and retreating to our hotel room to breathe life into our photographs and videos.
Venturing out of our hotel was rare, save for two memorable runs where I charted 13 kilometers each through diverse terrains, from the resilience of hard sand to the steadfastness of asphalt.These runs, playfully challenged by local dogs and graced by the 28°C dry climate, were a refreshing change from Douala’s humid embrace.
As the sun cast its first rays over the serene landscape, we embraced the peaceful conclusion of our time at this tranquil retreat. While we luxuriated in the restful ambiance, a sense of adventure began to stir within us. The stillness of the resort, coupled with the crisp chill of the sea, gently reminded us that even in the heart of winter, the sun’s warmth is a beacon of change and new beginnings.
Leaving Hurghada
With hearts filled with anticipation, we departed from our hotel in the mid-morning, our spirits lifted by the promise of the journey ahead. The destination? Cairo, a city rich in history and mystery.
As we boarded the plane, we carried with us not just memories of restful days but an eagerness for the adventures that lay in wait in the bustling heart of Egypt. This transition was not just a change in location, but a shift in our journey’s rhythm, from the serene to the vibrant, from contemplative quiet to the exhilarating pulse of a city steeped in centuries of stories waiting to be explored.
Our return to Cairo was marked by a journey aboard an ATR72/600. The aircraft, modest in size but rich in character, danced lightly through minor turbulences. Soaring over the Red Sea, the azure waters below whispered tales of distant lands, evoking memories of the Maldivian archipelago.
As our journey neared its end for today, we retraced the very path that marked the beginning of our Egyptian odyssey. Our driver, a silent custodian of our travels, steered us from the bustling airport back towards the hotel. This road, now familiar, was the same one that had ushered us into the heart of Aswan, where our adventure had unfolded a week ago.
Traveling this route during daylight was a revelation. The road was a tapestry of contrasts, woven from the threads of Egypt’s diverse urban landscape. We glided past an eclectic mix of architecture, opulent structures standing in stark contrast to modest dwellings. Each building, whether grand or humble, was a testament to the myriad stories that pulse through the veins of this ancient land.
Yet, amidst this mosaic of modern life, history beckoned with timeless allure. The fortress of Cairo emerged, a sentinel of the past, guarding the city’s rich heritage. Its formidable walls, steeped in history, whispered tales of bygone eras and long-forgotten battles.
The journey’s most breathtaking moment was a fleeting, yet unforgettable glimpse of the pyramids. Even from a distance, their majestic forms dominated the horizon, a stark reminder of Egypt’s eternal legacy. The sight of these ancient wonders, rising from the sands, was a poignant reminder of humanity’s enduring quest to defy time and leave a lasting mark on the world.
This road, a simple connector between destinations, became a conduit for reflection and awe. It was more than a route; it was a journey through the layers of time, a vivid showcase of Egypt’s dichotomy between the old and the new, the rich and the modest.
Back at the hotel, we’re cocooned, gathering energy for the adventures that await. The coming days may silence my updates, but be assured, our Egyptian odyssey continues to unfold in the most splendid ways.
And soon, when the digital world reconnects us, I shall share our tales and visuals, weaving our experiences into stories that reach across oceans and time.
