As someone who divides their time between the classroom and the national park trails, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for stories—both the ones written in books and the ones carved into rock.
So when I finally made it to Egypt this past October, I felt like I had stepped straight into both a textbook and a time machine.
Spoiler: nothing I’ve taught about ancient civilizations could have prepared me for actually standing in the shadow of the pyramids.
Chapter Trail
Cairo: Controlled Chaos and Unfiltered Wonder
Let’s start with Cairo. It’s noisy, chaotic, and utterly mesmerizing. The city buzzes with life—from honking tuk-tuks to bustling spice markets where the scent of cumin and cardamom clings to your clothes. I stayed near the historic Islamic Cairo district and spent my first few days weaving through narrow alleyways, absorbing centuries of architecture, language, and life.
As a teacher, the Egyptian Museum had me wide-eyed for hours. Tutankhamun’s treasures, ancient papyrus texts, mummified animals—I was basically in history-nerd heaven. My students are going to get such an animated lesson when I get back.
Giza: The Pyramids Are Bigger Than You Think
Photos don’t do them justice. The Great Pyramid of Giza is colossal. As a park ranger, I’ve seen my fair share of geological wonders, but nothing compares to this manmade marvel standing tall for 4,500 years. I arrived early, beating the tour buses, and let the silence sink in.
Yes, I did the camel ride. Yes, it was awkward. And yes, I have the photo to prove it.
At sunset, I walked to a quieter spot near the Sphinx, watching the desert sky shift from gold to pink. That moment—just me, a warm breeze, and the outline of ancient stone—was spiritual, grounding, and something I’ll carry with me forever.
Luxor: Temples, Tombs, and Timelessness
October is the perfect month to visit Luxor—warm but not scorching, and the crowds haven’t peaked yet. I took the sleeper train from Cairo (highly recommend!) and spent the next few days exploring the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple.
Walking through those massive columns, with hieroglyphics still sharp after thousands of years, I couldn’t help but think of my students again. How do I explain that the ancient Egyptians were more advanced than most of us realize? That their engineering, astronomy, and even irrigation systems still leave scientists in awe?
Also, a side note from my inner ranger: Egypt’s natural landscape deserves more credit. The Nile’s green banks cutting through desert is a jaw-dropping sight, especially from a felucca at dusk.
Environmental Reflections
As a park ranger, I paid attention to how Egypt manages its cultural and ecological heritage. Tourism is a lifeline here, but so is preservation. From signs encouraging water conservation in desert lodges to sustainable practices in certain eco-camps along the Nile, I was happy to see efforts being made—though there’s still room to grow.
It made me reflect on how we preserve our national treasures back home. Different geography, same principles: protect the past, respect the land, educate the future.
A Few October Travel Tips
- Bring layers. Mornings are cool, afternoons warm, and temples are usually breezy.
- Hire a local guide. It makes a huge difference to hear the myths, politics, and drama behind each tomb.
- Stay hydrated. Even in October, it’s dry. Electrolytes help.
- Don’t skip the Nile. A short cruise or felucca ride gives you a whole new view of Egypt.
- Be patient. Egypt moves at its own pace—lean into it.
Check out the free family trip itinerary to Egypt from Baboo Travel below:
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