Minarets, Monarchs, and the Museum That Calls Us Back

Feeling wonderfully settled into our 5 Star hotel overlooking the Nile—yes, the Nile. Seeing it for the first time felt surreal. A line of silver water holding the memory of pharaohs, priests, merchants, children who never knew they were part of history.

This morning, after a delicious breakfast overlooking the Nile ( pales in comparison to eating the rustic breakky overlooking the Pyramids!), we met the Uniworld group for a welcome meeting before heading out on our first guided excursion.

Saladin’s Citadel

We began with Saladin’s Citadel, rising above Cairo on its hill. The views stretch wide -buildings unfolding in every direction, a city that feels infinite. From here, Cairo looks like a tapestry of rooftops, minarets, and that hazy desert horizon.

Saladin built this to defend the city from Richard the Lionheart and the Third Crusdade (who never got this far).

Mohammed Ali Mosque

Inside the Alabaster Mosque, the light filters in softly, and the sound changes. Cities have sound – layered noise and rhythm – but sacred spaces like churches and mosques have atmosphere. Space. Reverence, even when people are moving through.

Back to the GEM

From there, we made our way to the Grand Egyptian Museum. This time with our Egyptologist guide, Adel.

It was still spectacular. And Adel added so much more to our understanding of Ancient Egyptian traditions by explaining some fascinating details.

The beard means it’s the living image of the king and made while he was still alive. Without beard or with crossed arms, it means he’s in the afterlife

And of course we got to see beautiful Tutankhamun again. Adel believes that there is no Egypt without him. But I think people would have been fascinated and come anyway.

Josh and I didn’t get to the Graeco Roman (the Ptolemy period – think Cleopatra who was Greek) gallery, so we headed there on our own.

Afterwards, we returned to the hotel, let the day settle, and watched the light shift across the city. The air in Cairo turns golden in late afternoon – soft, almost hazy.

Josh wanted to use the pool so we headed there for a quick dip – he only got 3 mins because it closed at sunset 🤣 So we had a bite to eat and a beer with Enrico (Michelle’s hubby) then back to pack again for an early flight.