Summer of Slow Travel

There is always a little lull…when all the planning and packing and worrying is done, then I like to stop and think about why this trip,why now?

About a year ago Max –my big-picture guy–started saying “We will never be healthier or wealthier then we are now…it’s time to do the bucket list.”

He has always wanted to see Egypt so that went on the list…though it seemed tricky as not many tours were going to Egypt.  I always have wanted to go to St. Petersburg.   So I mentioned that and Max said “I don’t know about that…Putin is a little crazy, maybe we shouldn’t go there. It might not be safe. ”  And I thought “Not so sure what will be left on the bucket list if Russia is unsafe.”

And then life went on, including my little cancer and people killing police for no goood reason.   One of my patients took a tour to Egypt –loved it–when I mentioned that to Max he said “Let’s go!!!”   After booking the trip I asked him why he was willing to go somewhere that is likely less safe then Russia…he said “If this year taught me anything, I learned we really can’t control life.”

We shall see how that thread runs through this trip…if it does….Travel is always about surrrending to your urroundings on some level–I will be open to exploring the idea of less control.

Currently I am also completely fascinated with the following–

A civilization 5000 years old…I know there were people living in my backyard 5000 years ago, but they didn’t leave enough to help me imagine them…to actually see paintings of life 3000 years ago..to see statues and temples..it will push me to connect to them.

The political side of Egypt. Before oil was a huge moneymaker Egypt was the leader of the Arab states…it still has a huge voice in the politics of the region…I don’t know if that is a conversation I can have with people but I would love to understand the politics from a personal perspective.

Being where there is an Islamic majority.  I did my reading…but so excited to see, feel, and hear the reality.

This is a book that really reminded me of Jane Austin.   A very small slice of Cairo life…yet reflects on the big pictures of politics and religion.