1. Seeing a real ancient Egyptian temple for the first time
2. Learning the fine art of haggling
3. Being enveloped by the scents at a spice market
4. Looking up at the Colossi of Memnon and wondering how big the building they guarded must have been
5. Discovering which Egyptian god is your favorite (mine is Horus)
6. Tasting real Egyptian coffee for the first time
7. Seeing hot air balloons float over the Nile at sunrise
8. Investigating the artifacts at the massive Egyptian Museum
9. Classic high tea at the luxury Cataract Hotel in Aswan
10. Sailing in a traditional wooden Nile felucca
11. Wandering through the Valley of the Kings
12. Being thankful for having an expert guide, sharing the secrets of Egyptian history
13. Pyramids. Enough said.
14. Standing face to face with the mighty Sphinx
15. Walking through the unusual Temple of Kom Ombo and the mummified crocodile museum next door
16. Great views of Cairo from the Mosque of Muhammad Ali
17. Enjoying a classically prepared Egyptian dinner
18. Going on a 3-4 day Nile cruise – really, you have to try it
19. Learning to appreciate the chaos of Cairo
20. Navigating the beautifully chaotic souks
21. Haggling from a boat on the Nile
22. Getting to know the Egyptian people, some of the warmest and most friendly in the world
23. Gazing at hieroglyphics in near perfect condition and instantly feeling connected to an ancient people
24. Learning more about Nubian culture and their delicious traditional coffee
25. Pondering Egypt’s future standing in Tahrir Square
26. Flying over the living mountain of Abu Simbel
27. Saying a prayer at the Hanging Church in Cairo
28. Walking through the incredible Temple of Horus in Edfu
29. Sailing along the Nile and watching the Egyptian countryside scroll past
30. Marveling at the unfiltered beauty of the countryside
31. Enjoying being outside at the Philae Island Temple complex
32. Eating delicious Egyptian pastries at a local coffee shop
33. Standing transfixed by the golden mask of King Tut
34. Walking into an ancient tomb and suddenly feeling like Indiana Jones
35. Learning just enough Arabic to thank and apologize to people
36. Going inside a pyramid
37. Being a corny tourist and dressing up in a traditional Gellabiya
38. Admiring the beautiful symmetry of the Temple of Hatshepsut
39. Learning more about modern Egypt at the Aswan High Dam
40. Enjoying a quiet coffee at Simonds Bakery in Cairo
41. Standing in front of the incredible Abu Simbel temple
42. Vowing to return to this amazing country
