07/04/2026
The Wow Factor
Egypt – A Journey of Awe and Gratitude
I’ve just returned from Egypt, a place that had lived quietly on my bucket list for years, waiting for “someday.” Then, unexpectedly, someday arrived. My eldest son surprised me with the trip of a lifetime, and just three weeks later, we were there, stepping into a land I had only ever imagined.
And truly… wow.
Egypt didn’t just meet expectations; it shifted something deeper. Standing before those ancient monuments, I felt incredibly small, in the best possible way. The sheer scale, the endurance, the mystery of it all… it’s hard to put into words. These weren’t just structures, but echoes of a civilisation that understood time, devotion, and legacy in a way we often forget today. There was a quiet power in it, something grounding, almost spiritual.
Of course, the pyramids of Giza were breathtaking; their enormity almost surreal. But it was Luxor that lingered with me. There was something about it that felt more intimate, more alive. Walking through Luxor Temple, standing in the Valley of the Kings, and especially wandering through Karnak, I found myself slowing down, noticing everything. The carvings, the hieroglyphs, the layers of history etched into stone… it all spoke of patience, craftsmanship, and belief in something greater than the present moment.
This journey held even deeper meaning as we celebrated my son’s 13th year of sobriety. To honour such strength and resilience in a place built on endurance and legacy felt incredibly fitting. It added a layer of gratitude to every step — a quiet acknowledgement of how far he’s come, and how precious these shared moments are.
On a personal level, Egypt challenged me. Coming from the stillness of the countryside, the intensity, the movement, the noise, the constant energy, felt overwhelming at first, especially with sensory sensitivities.
We stayed just outside Cairo, in a quieter town that made the perfect base for exploring. And in Luxor, we were lucky enough to stay at the traditional Nefertiti Hotel; complete with two restaurants, including a rooftop open-air terrace overlooking both Luxor Temple and the River Nile. Eating delicious Egyptian food while watching the sunset over the Nile… it doesn’t get much better than that.
This wasn’t just a trip. It was a reminder, to step outside the familiar, to embrace discomfort, to stay open to wonder. It was about connection: to history, to place, and to each other.
Another dream ticked off the list, but more importantly, one that left a lasting imprint.
Wow, wow, wow… Egypt, you didn’t just amaze me — you moved me.
