This is it, this is what it all comes to: what many of us dream about. We all have them—places, things, a moment in time—that we rank. It's our bucket list, as it's called. Ever since I can remember, I've had such a list—a list of places I want to go to. And at the top of that list was Egypt. Finally, I am here.

I boarded a ferry at Aqaba port in Jordan around 10:30 pm to head to Nuweiba in Egypt. We arrived at 2:30 am, feeling sleepy, tired, and exhausted, but ready for the adventure of a lifetime. After obtaining my visa from the chaos of the immigration cubicle for $25.00 US, I received a stamp in my passport that I will never forget.

It was pitch black as we drove to the first place to catch a few hours of sleep. The sound of waves splashing guided us to a dirt road, where we found ourselves parked in front of straw huts. Little did we know what the morning sunrise would reveal.

My first view Egypt at Maaganna beach camp

When I used to think of Egypt, desert, sand, and hot weather would come to mind. However, my perception changed completely after that first day of waking up on a beautiful beach. The following day, I decided to try something different and a must-do in Dahab: scuba diving. The morning was dedicated to my first-ever scuba diving experience, while the afternoon was spent exploring the famous Blue Hole and indulging in free diving amidst the stunning coral reefs.

After two days of swimming, snorkeling, and simply relaxing in Egypt's South Sinai, it was finally time to experience the pinnacle of my trip. However, I had to endure a two-hour drive to reach Sharm El Sheikh airport and then board a one-hour flight to the Giza plateau. But all the effort was worth it when I laid eyes on the iconic pyramids. Not only did I see them, but I also had the incredible opportunity to venture inside King Khafre's pyramid. It was the highlight of my journey, made even more memorable with a camel ride for added effect.

After spending the entire day exploring the desert, engaging in conversations with locals, and immersing myself in the rich history at the Egyptian Museum, we embarked on a 13-hour-long sleeper train journey to Aswan. Don't worry, this departure doesn't mean I won't be returning on this trip. Just wait until you hear about my upcoming plans.

The 13-hour, 1000km train ride from Cairo to Aswan was an experience worth every second. Despite feeling tired, hungry, and in need of a shower, our arrival at the Philae Temple made it all worthwhile. Located on an island, the temple's beauty was truly captivating. As I wandered around, slightly lost in its history, I couldn't help but marvel at its magnificence.

I know many of you are aware that waking up early is not something I particularly enjoy. However, once again, I found myself rising at 3:30 am to prepare for an unforgettable journey. We embarked on a long drive through the Sahara desert, spanning several hours, in order to witness a site that left us feeling small in comparison. Ramses II, known for his grand monuments, truly outdid himself with the temple at Abu Simbel. It is a sight that must be seen to be believed.

You may be wondering how I manage to capture photos without any people or crowds around. Well, let me share a little secret. The above photo of Ramses temple is a single shot, but it took me quite some time to get it just right. In fact, I waited patiently for up to an hour to seize the perfect moment. As a photographer, I've learned that rushing in and clicking away rarely yields the best results. Instead, I find it crucial to take my time, explore different angles, and exercise patience. Eventually, the ideal shot unveils itself.

Now, I must admit that this isn't always the case. On occasion, I resort to using a tripod and employing some editing techniques in Photoshop to remove unwanted elements. However, the essence of capturing remarkable photographs lies in finding your angles, being patient, and allowing the shot to naturally unfold.

I had the incredible opportunity to spend two nights sailing down the Nile on a Felucca, an Egyptian boat. It was an experience of serenity and relaxation. The highlight of this adventure was when we docked on the riverbank. We laid out blankets on the boat's roof and gazed at the night sky, counting the meteors (6), shooting stars (5), and numerous satellites (I lost count). The sky above us resembled a ceiling made of the Milky Way, a breathtaking sight that added to the magic of the moment

Today, words fail to capture the magnificence of one of the most extraordinary experiences I've ever had. I have been hot air ballooning before in Australia and India, but the hot air balloon ride in Luxor, Egypt surpassed all expectations. Picture this: over 25 balloons ascending into the sky just before sunrise, creating a breathtaking spectacle against the backdrop of the Valley of Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and their surrounding marvels. It was a sight that left me in awe, utterly mesmerized. What's even more remarkable is that this incredible experience only cost $120 US, making it not only affordable but also one of the most remarkable adventures I've embarked upon.

When you stand in Karnak Temple and look up at the towering columns in the Hypostyle Hall, you can't help but feel like a tiny ant. The Egyptians certainly didn't skimp on size when constructing this incredible monument. The entire temple complex spans over 100 hectares, an astonishing expanse. One of the most renowned sections of Karnak is the Hall, boasting 134 colossal columns. Some of these columns reach a height of 10 meters, while others soar to an impressive 21 meters, with bases spanning over three meters. It is an awe-inspiring place to sit and gaze at the sky above. Legend has it that the temple took a staggering 2000 years to complete, a testament to the enduring dedication and craftsmanship of the ancient Egyptians.

Once again, an early morning wake-up call marked the start of a new adventure, bidding farewell to Luxor, a city that left an indelible mark on my heart. One particular memory that will forever resonate with me is the hustlers enthusiastically proclaiming "Egyptian Ferrari" everywhere, referring to the horse-drawn carriages. However, it was time to return to the sea as we journeyed to Hurghada. A full day awaited us, dedicated to boating and snorkeling, immersing ourselves in the crystal-clear waters and replenishing our much-needed dose of vitamin "sea."

After indulging in the seaside lifestyle for two nights, our bodies felt relaxed and invigorated, infused with the essence of salt and sea. However, it was time to embark on a new mission, a challenging 12-hour bus ride back to Cairo. As we gazed in every direction, all we could see was an expanse of desert stretching as far as the eye could see. Despite feeling sleepy, tired, and somewhat chilled, our journey was far from over. Our next destination was Alexandria, requiring an additional 4 hours of travel. It was merely a pitstop at the hotel before continuing our adventure.

In my previous blog entries, you may have noticed my visits to several wonders of the world. Now, I can proudly say that I have explored two of the seven ancient wonders of the world—namely, the Great Pyramids and the site of the Alexandria Lighthouse. Though the lighthouse no longer stands, a castle erected in the 1400s now graces its place. In the photo, you can spot the castle on the horizon, just slightly off-center.

Surprisingly, Alexandria doesn't seem to be a bustling tourist destination like other cities. There is a notable absence of street hustlers or people aggressively trying to sell you things. Instead, the streets exude a peaceful ambiance, particularly around the port area. Although there aren't as many prominent sights to explore in Alexandria, we did manage to venture below ground to visit the fascinating Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

Today, we find ourselves back in Cairo, bidding farewell to the friends and companions who have been with me for either 22 or 17 days. It has been an incredible adventure, filled with unforgettable experiences. Now, it is time for me to embark on a solo journey once again, savoring the sights of Egypt at my own pace.

As we usher in the New Year, it is a time for celebration.

It’s been a month since I first set foot in Egypt, I have made it all the way to New Years Eve under the pyramids welcoming in 2020.

When you desire something, don't hesitate to pursue it. Your job will still be waiting for you, your finances will recover, and your dreams will endure. However, the precious moments you let slip away can never be recaptured. So, seize those moments and make them count.

Wishing everyone a joyful and fulfilling 2020.