Walking like an Egyptian

“Egypt is a great place for contrasts: splendid things gleam in the dust.”

- Gustave Flaubert

Camel ride into the Sahara Desert

We arrived to Cairo at about 8am, after too many hours in a minibus coming from Eilat, Israel. It wouldn't have taken so long but, because we had to bypass the Gaza strip, we had to go out of our way to reach the capital of Egypt. I decided not to wear a watch on the trip and with my phone packed away, I wasn't exactly sure of the time but the sky (and the air itself) still had that sleepy feel to it; when the colours we see are a dim shade of their brighter midday self. As the Museum of Cairo opened, we entered; grateful to enter before the long lines started.

Just chilling with Sphinx. No biggie

Travelling to a country that is recovering from a revolution means that it wise to travel with a company. Our guided tour included many things; we had an armed escort where ever we went for example. Our entourage was made up of 3 tourists, our guide, our driver and the policeman. My friend and I were travelling together from Palestine but the other girl had come alone, a Peruvian girl who had basic English. We decided that it was probably a good opportunity to practice our Spanish with her. Little did we know that we would only be speaking in Spanish for the next two days! Our wonderful guide, Nasser, could speak some Spanish too, and because we were such a tiny group, he tried to compensate for us as much as he could, and when he wasn't able to, we would try pick up the slack. My brain was dead by the end of that trip. Not speaking in my mother tongue in a foreign country that doesn't even speak that language? Not an easy feat! But we managed just fine :)

An eye-sore reminder of the revolution

Signs of the revolution were everywhere. A blackened shell of what was once a government building was right next to the museum. During the riots in 2011, that particular building was targeted because it belonged to Mubarak's political party. Other signs of the revolution is how quiet the tourist sites are and the military spotted around. Vendors said that what they are making now has more than halved since after the rebellion took place. When you whole income is invested in the tourist trade, that can devastate your way of life, but Nasser told us that Cairo is slowly making its come back as a tourist destination.


Poverty haunts the streets of the city. Coming from the opposite side of the continent, I expected the city to be a twin to Johannesburg; Jozi being a city knowing both wealth and destitution. It is not though. In many ways, I find this city extremely difficult to write about because I experienced one of the happiest days of my life there but, at the exact same time, it was a rude awakening as to how so many live. I equate most cities to a beehive; everyone busy doing their own little work, making the city function in perfect harmony. Cairo is an anthill. With a population of about 7 million, that's not really surprising, however the way the city runs is nothing like I've ever seen before. Somehow it works though, with every resident making the city the unique place it is. Either way though, I have so many things to say that I cannot hesitate at trying to explain myself to the best of my ability.

The Pyramids of Giza

After the museum, we made our way to the 3 Pyramids Papyrus Institute where, I'm ashamed to say, I fell into the tourist trap and bought a lovely Egyptian calendar that I have no idea how to interpret but looks just gorgeous and a little alluring on my wall. Being on a guided tour means that you are taken to these kinds of places that you would not otherwise stop at. I don't usually buy grand souvenirs like that, but my will went away with me. YOLO, you know? I am the worst when it comes to falling prey to a charming salesman. That's probably why I bought 3 bottles of famous Egyptian essence that I honestly don't need, but was insistent on buying while I was there. It doesn't help that everyone is so friendly and hospitable.

Arabic culture demands a show of generous hospitality. Nasser told us, "You are free to choose, but not to refuse." I was overwhelmed by how kind and giving these people are. It is part of their custom; it is a matter of honour and duty. I have had my fair share of adventures and my guard is always up as is needed for a solo female traveller. Yet I was treated with unexpected  respect and kindness everywhere I went in the Middle East, even as I dressed as conservatively as possible to avoid disrespect and unwanted attention; I was never made to feel that way.

First glimpse of the pyramids through the hazy pollution

We finally made our way to the pyramids! The moment we had been patiently waiting for. And what an awesome spectacle it was. Now, I say 'awesome' in truest meaning of the word; I was in awe. I first laid my eyes upon them from across the city while in the bus. Because the air is so polluted, we only got a hazy glimpse of them. When we eventually reached them, we could only simply gaze at their majesty. They are bigger than you expect. You can't climb the stones easily; steps have been made for tourists to climb onto the structures. As you stand on the golden blocks, which were once covered by smooth white limestone, you can sincerely believe that each took about 20 years to be built.

My scarf was always around my shoulders

There are 6 pyramids in Giza, which lie on the outskirts of Cairo and the three great pyramids there, are the most famous of them all, being the largest of roughly 160 ancient Egyptian tombs that have been found. The 3 great pyramids, and 3 lesser, sit right up against the city. To get those wonderful picturesque photos, you have to ride on a camel into the Sahara Desert and look back to see them at a distance. Riding a camel is not easy, let me tell you. You think it's like riding a horse. No. They are lovable creatures though, albeit a tad smelly. As I got the rhythm of the animal's gait, I was able to appreciate that this was a way of life. Plus, that was just another thing I could tick off my very long bucket list. This holiday was proving to be very successful in terms of fulfilling my dreams.

Access to the Sphinx has lessened over the years

After we took in our fill of the view of the pyramids, we had to pay our respects to another famous monument; the Great Sphinx of Giza. The regal monolith looks onto the modern city, with a few of Pizza Hut and KFC; a paradox if I ever saw one. Missing its nose and beard, he is often mistaken for a she, as legend states in Greek mythology. It was a lot smaller than I expected, standing only 20m high and yet it still the biggest monolith of its kind. I suppose that having this mysterious, imposing image in your mind is always grander and more spectacular than what reality delivers. But that being said, by no means was seeing the Sphinx any sort of disappointment. On the contrary, it was the perfect way to end our first day in Egypt.

Day one concluded by falling asleep in our lovely hotel by 9pm, listening to the cacophony of hoots and beeps from the cars and taxis on the main road below. Exhaustion overwhelmed us and sleep came easily. Going on a sightseeing holiday does that to a person; the actual travelling part of travelling is taxing. Over the next few days we napped where we could, fighting to maintain sufficient energy for the adventures that that day held. But those are stories for another day...

A beautiful Egyptian winter's day

The Land of a 1000 Welcomes

The widest street in Dublin

Ireland is fondly known as the land of a thousand welcomes. I truly got a taste, quite literally, of that little saying on the plane during my journey from Alicante to Dublin when, after showing his true Irish roots, a man also on his way to the city, convinced everyone around us that we had been dating for years and kissed me as we landed; "to keep your mind off the turbulence". It was definitely the most amusing flight I had ever been on and what a great way to start my adventure in Ireland!

Felicity and me

I arrived in Dublin and was  warmly welcomed into the Hamill family with open and loving arms. This was my first Christmas away from my family and although it was hard, I felt as though I was adopted temporarily into this amazing little clan that were kind enough to let me into their home.

I was greeted by a new language; English like I'd never heard it before. Words like "fair play" and "grand" mixing with "slainte" but it was "yer man" that bested me until finally I figured out that it meant referring to a man you don't know the name of. More than once I replied that no, I'm single but thanks for asking.

Finding our way to Glendalough

I had never been to Ireland before and was amazed at how beautiful the country truly is. Sometimes you have expectations of places and they don't always live up to them. I was happily surprised that the country lived up to its reputation.

The cemetery in Glendalough

I've never seen a street
tell me which way to look

The streets were chaos during the Christmas rush; I heard the typical Dublin accent with "quality wrapping papers" as we headed down Henry Street towards Mary Street. At times I would just stop walking and stay in the same spot until people stopped battering me around.



I visited Trinity College and had my first Guiness at Pygmalion. I hunted for my usual magnet and postcard. Dublin itself is a great city but I need to go back to see more of it and really experience what the city has to offer.

"Merry Christmas"

I had my first "traditional" Christmas dinner with stuffed turkey, ham and Christmas pudding! In South Africa, my family celebrates a regular Polish Christmas eve dinner rather than Christmas day. It was my first holiday season away from my family and it was so great not feeling so far from home; I felt at ease and I enjoyed my time with the Hamills.

An Irish sunset

"Wherever you go and whatever you do,

May the luck of the Irish

Always be with you."

An Irish Blessing

The view in Glendalough

Castles and Beaches

"Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time."

Marthe Troly-Curtin

One of the best things about Spain is definitely how I spend my weekends. I arrived in Murcia at the end of summer and it was still blazing hot, so my friends and I decided to spend our days at the beach. The city is an hour or so away from the coast by bus. Every weekend we decided to venture to different beaches. Alicante was one of the main places we decided to go to.

Alicante is an old city and historic port in the east of the country. When you arrive at the train station you immediately feel that holiday vibe that you look for when spending the day at the beach. Although the city has been around for hundreds of years, it is modern and vibrant with many things to do and see.

What attracted us most comes down to two things: the awesome beach and the Castle of Santa Barbara that sits atop the mountain, Mount Benacantil, overlooking the entire city.

The castle overlooks the port

The bus stop is right next to the port. It's about a ten minute walk to the main beach. Along the way, I was bombarded by sound; adusting my hearing to other languages. Alicante is a hot tourist destination for many Europeans. I heard German, Polish, Dutch and English more than I heard any Spanish. Living in Murcia, not much English is spoken so it was quite nice listening to my native tongue outside my circle of friends but also a bit annoying because I prefer listening to Spanish when I'm out and about.

Wandering the streets

The beach is very crowded. Unless you're looking for that kind of buzz, I would avoid this part of the coast and travel further south. As it is everywhere in Meditteranean, the water is a gorgeous teal blue with palm trees and white sands.





The first thing you notice about Alicante is the castle on the top of the hill. The Castle of Santa Barbara dates back to Muslim control but is named as such after the capturing of the city on the feast day of Saint Barbara by Castilian forces. Not quite who those guys are but okay, job well done.





We got a bit lost trying to find our way to the entrance of the mountain so we found some typical Mediterranean homes up against the side of the mountain with the most amazing view of the sea. There's nothing better than losing your way in a new city and stumbling upon something you would never have found otherwise. I think that's my favourite thing about travelling.

 It's been open to the public in recent years but at one what time it was used as a prison.



The view of the city is quite astounding. All of Alicante can be seen; a full 360 degree view.


When summer returns I'll definitely be spending more Sundays at the beach in Alicante. In the meantime though, I'd like to go back to see more of the city itself. I've yet find its countless hidden treasures.

We saw the most amazing sunsets
on the way down the mountain

Prague: City of Statues

Prague was our second stop on our mini eurotrip in January/February this year. We arrived in the evening and I must admit, first impressions were not that great. The train station was dirty, the language was alien and the lady that helped us scared me with her wonky eye and debilitating body odour.

Taken from the Charles Bridge

We had to navigate our way through the city at night while it poured with rain and I was the only idiot who didn't bring an umbrella. To make matters worse, the rain stopped as we reached the hostel. Just my luck.

The next morning though, we woke up to a beautiful winter's morning and the city blew us away. The city has been preserved throughout history and takes you back into the world of ancient Bohemia.

On the Charles Bridge 

There are a few prize tourist attractions that bring people to Prague, come rain or shine. The famous Charles Bridge, for example, was the most prominent connection across the river from the Prague Castle to the city's Old Town. It was an integral trade route between Eastern and Western Europe.  More importantly, it's about 600m long and I ran that one winter's night at 3 am in my drunken state from a pub crawl I had with the girls. Along the bridge, there are 30 statues that line the bridge wall, mostly of saints.

Saint John of Nepomuk

One famous statue is of  Saint John of Nepomuk. Legend has it that he was the court priest who was tortured and then ordered to be drowned at the behest of the king because he refused to tell of his queen's confession and whether or not she was having an affair. He was thrown from the bridge and 5 angels saved him, hence the 5 stars around his head. It is meant to be good luck to touch the statue.

Prague is, in my humble opinion, most famous for its fully functioning, medieval astronomical clock. It was made in 1410 and still works today! Impressive by any standards. It is made up of 3 parts; the astronomical dial, the calendar dial and the 'Walk of the Apostles' that appear at each hourly strike. Dozens of tourists wait on the hour to watch the mini spectacle.  Legend says that the clock maker was a brilliant man beyond his time in engineering. The councillors of Prague did not want him sharing the mechanics with other cities so they lured him with a 'celebratory' feast where, instead, they blinded him. In his revenge, the clock maker committed suicide by throwing himself into the gears thus breaking the clock, leaving it damaged for the next hundred years. 

Death tolls the bell of time

Above the clock is a tower that you can go to the top of and see the whole city as far as the eye can see. We went at night. The city is as breath taking in the evening as it is by day.

Old Town Sqaure

A beautiful example of Gothic architecture is the Roman Catholic cathedral, St Vitus, within the Prague Castle. A monster of a church, it is the resting place of many Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors. 

The other side of the cathedral.

The main face of the St Vitus

To those that don't know, and neither did I don't worry, Hitler had intended Prague to be the capital of his new empire and so ordered that the city not be destroyed. He also wanted to save one Jewish synagogue as a testament to the 'exterminated race'. 

The view of Prague from the Castle

All in all, Prague is a beautiful city that is definitely worth your while to stop and visit. Transport is easy, the exchange rate is fair, the beer is amazing and the people are friendly. Although it's my second time visiting this city, I would definitely go again. 

Hunting Dwarves in Wroclaw

At the end of January 2013, I had a two week holiday and I decided to do a mini eurotrip around Central Europe. I went with two of my friends, Amanda and Erin. This was stop 1 of our 5 city trip.

We took a stroll after dinner. The christmas lights were still up.

Our first stop on our adventure was Wroclaw, Poland. This beautiful city is becoming a popular tourist destination. Its colourful history and cultural vibe attracts people from all over Europe to visit. It is pronounced Vrotswav, not rock claw. I have to emphasise this as the locals laugh at the tourists who make this mistake. I must admit, I giggled myself when I heard it mispronounced.

The buildings surrounding the square are quite pretty

The city lies on the Odra river and is a hidden architectural and cultural gem in Poland. It is probably my favourite city in the country, besides Krakow. There is a beautiful old town square with restaurants, cafes and clubs that outline the square. It has a prominent night scene, most probably because it is considered a university town.

The river was half frozen.

The absolute best part of the city are the gnomes! Actually, they are dwarves but to me they are gnomes and thus, Erin and I went gnome hunting because we wanted to satiate our curiosities. There are currently over 200 little inhabitants all over the city. It was fun trying to spot them during our stay. We only found about 20 but there are maps that show where each dwarf is, if you want to find them all.

The market square was empty so early in the morning

Unfortunately we could only stay for one night and day and, although I have been there a few times before, I would definitely go back to explore more of the city.

The casino dwarf!

Wroclaw is a unique little metropolis with an interesting history that dates back to Middle Ages Bohemia. I would definitely recommend any traveller to add this destination to their holiday, if for nothing more than getting a kicking out of hunting all the dwarves!

The cathedral from a distance