Mummies, Dust, and a whole lot of Hustle: Cairo's Charm vs. Its Chicanery

Cairo, Egypt

Visiting Cairo in December 2024 was like stepping into a living postcard—one that’s frayed around the edges, layered with history, and slightly chaotic in the best (and worst) ways. I went for the pyramids, of course. Who wouldn’t? It’s one of those “bucket list” places that feels more myth than reality until you’re standing in the sand, craning your neck to take in the jagged geometry of the Giza Plateau.

Let’s start there: the Pyramids. Seeing them in person? Surreal. Walking up to these 4,000-year-old monuments, I kept thinking: these shouldn’t still be standing. But they are—stoic, monumental, and buzzing with tourists and camels. I even went inside one of them, a steep, narrow climb that’s not for the claustrophobic. It’s hot, and very crowded…(at least when I was there) , and somehow exhilarating. Knowing that you’re actually inside an ancient pyramid, one that you’ve seen movies about, read about in school, etc, is kind of mind-blowing. You emerge breathless—not just from the climb, but from the weight of time pressing down around you.

Then there’s Cairo’s souk—the famous Khan El-Khalili. It’s vibrant, loud, and filled with spices, lamps, jewelry, leather, and voices calling you to just take a look. I wandered through it for a while, haggled (badly), drank mint tea, and tried to not to get lost. Immersing myself in Egypt was easy. The culture is rich, the people are warm, and I actually found a vegan restaurant!

In these souk streets…..

Another interesting spot was the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, particularly the Royal Mummy Hall. It’s quiet, dimly lit, and honestly a little eerie—in the best way. Seeing the actual mummies of pharaohs you’ve read about in history class is both fascinating and humbling. These were real people—rulers, priests, queens—preserved for thousands of years and now resting behind glass, with names like Ramses II and Hatshepsut etched into the display. It’s not flashy, but it is powerful.

I see dead people……..lol.

But—and it’s a big but—you have to be ready for the scams.

From the hotel lobby to the camel rides, tour guides, and even a couple of Uber drivers, scammers reigned supreme. Some are charming, some aggressive, but almost all of them are persistent. I’m guessing a lot of this is rooted in economic hardship, and it’s tough not to feel for people trying to make a living in a system that seems stacked against them. Still, when you’ve been promised one price and charged another for the fifth time in a day, or simply not got what you paid for, ……..it starts to wear on you.

That said, I’d still recommend Cairo to anyone with an adventurous spirit. Just go in with your eyes open. Set clear boundaries, bargain hard, and when in doubt, walk away. But go. The Pyramids alone are worth every ounce of hassle.

Just don’t waste your money on the Giza light show. It’s underwhelming, hard to hear, and oddly dated. Watch a YouTube video of it later if you’re curious.

As Shakespeare once wrote in All’s Well That Ends Well:

“The web of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and ill together.”

Cairo is just that—a mingled yarn. Ancient and modern, beautiful and broken, frustrating and unforgettable. And I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything……but seriously, skip the light show.

The web of our life is a mingled yarn, good and ill together.

-All´s Well That Ends Well

This is NOT a replica. The entire museum was built around this particular statue.

Escape room escapades!

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Imagine embarking on a mind-bending journey that will challenge your wits, teamwork, your relationships, and possibly your sanity. Get ready to escape reality and dive headfirst into a world of riddles, mysteries, and if you’re lucky a few hints and a whole lot of laughter. This, my fellow swagsters, is exactly what happened to yours truly.

The SETTING: The lobby (in particular, the escape hotel I visited) was filled with eager adventurers, all ready to tackle the mind-boggling challenges that await. The employees, from the moment you step foot into the hotel, are fully immersed into their character, leaving no room for doubt that you're about to embark on an extraordinary adventure. Our particular concierge greeted his guests with a theatrical flair, speaking in riddles and cryptic clues, setting the stage for the mind-bending challenges that lie ahead.

The TASK: You're spoiled for choice with a variety of themed rooms that will test your critical thinking and your problem-solving skills. Pro-tip:  If you are no good at either, choose your partner wisely (smile). From ancient Egyptian tombs complete with mummies and ill-gotten treasure to be had, to antiquated elevators that should have been put out of commission eons ago, each room offers a one of a kind escape experience. Another Pro-tip: Read the waiver you have to sign carefully just so you know what you’re signing up for.

TICK TOCK:  Time is your worst enemy in an escape room, and the pressure is on! As the minutes tick away, you'll find yourself frantically searching for clues, deciphering cryptic messages and occasionally arguing with your teammates over who pulled the wrong lever. You'll quickly ascertain who the natural-born leaders are, who gets easily distracted by shiny objects, and who has a knack for finding hidden compartments. Just remember, it's all part of the fun, and the more chaotic, the better. 

To sum it all up, escaping the room is just the cherry on top….the icing on the cake, so to speak. Don’t forget to savor the chaos and the madness of it all, because that’s the best part.

Happy escaping!!

PRO TIP #112

Exploring the juxtaposition of the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

“Travelers never did lie, though fools at home condemn them.”

-The Tempest

Welcome, fellow swagsters, to a captivating journey through the vibrant city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I know my title was a tad bit cheesy, but stay with me. ;-)

Often overshadowed and overlooked because of stereotypes about what this country might be like, Jeddah is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. I actually made an Instagram reel that juxtaposes the two sides of this city. Join me as I recount my unforgettable visit to this city, where ancient history meets contemporary charm.

A tapestry of Culture and Tradition

Jeddah is a city that embraces its cultural heritage with open arms. Visiting the old, historical district will transport you back in time. The old buildings with their ornately carved shutters and wooden balconies tell a tale of this city’s past.

I found myself lost in the labyrinthine streets, discovering hidden gems like the Nasseef House, a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion that now serves as a museum, and also in the bustling atmosphere of Souq Al Alawi, a traditional market where shopkeepers enticed me with their colorful displays of spices, textiles, and traditional handicrafts. I actually bought some beautiful traditional Saudi shoes from a shopkeeper who inherited the shoe shop from his father.

A Gastronomic Delight:

No visit to Jeddah is complete without indulging in its expansive selection of cuisine.

Now, you can choose from traditional Saudi Arabian dishes like Kabsa (spiced rice with meat) and Mandi (slow-cooked meat and rice) to international flavors. Let me tell you, Jeddah's culinary scene is a true melting pot. I was SHOCKED to see a bevy of American restaurants there. It ranged from the Cheesecake Factory, to IHOP, to the Olive Garden, to P.F. Changs! To say I was flabbergasted, is an understatement. I actually even saw multiple Krispy Kreme doughnut stands!. Now, the above mentioned restaurants were just the tip of the iceberg. There were also the usual suspects ranging from McDonalds, Subway, KFC, and even Arby’s. Yes, you read that correctly! Arby’s. And many, many more! Now, I must say, that as a vegan, my pickings were slim. When I mentioned vegan dishes, I was often met with a lot of blank stares, flat out “NOs” with looks of confusion, and I even got offered chicken twice when I mentioned vegan. So, it was a bit of a struggle for me. However, if you aren’t vegan, then you’ll be in food paradise.

Really, Jeddah?

I found some vegan food at Paul’s Restaurant at the Red Sea Mall. The lentil soup was delicious.

A Shopper's Paradise.

No one is surprised when I say Jeddah is renowned for its vibrant souks, but when you type in “What to see and do in Jeddah” in your preferred search engine, various shopping malls appear. Since it was extremely hot during the day when I was there (temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius), people often only ventured out beginning at around 4:00 pm. (If I didn’t mention it earlier, I will mention it now, Jeddah comes alive at night. )Ok, back to the malls. For a more contemporary shopping experience, I explored the upscale malls like Red Sea Mall and Mall of Arabia, where international brands coexist with local boutiques. You can also by exclusive Saudi perfume and oils which will have you smelling aromatically unique.

CAUTION: If you choose to drive to the mall in the evening, be prepared to NOT find a parking spot. Also be prepared to wait for a VERY LONG time and possibly still not get a spot. Parking in malls in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia takes patience and more patience. (Sidebar: Driving, in general, in Jeddah may be dangerous for your health. I’ll leave it at that.)

Conclusion

My visit to Jeddah left me with unforgettable memories, as I discovered a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. From the Red Sea to the Red Sea Mall, Jeddah offers a unique experience that is sure to captivate everyone. So, don’t hesitate to pack your bags and book your flight to go on your own adventure to experience the juxtaposition awaiting you Jeddah.

Thank you so much for your time. Join me on all my socials to see more. XOXO

My Summer trip to Rhodes, Greece!

In July, I took a long overdue vacation to Greece. I’ve been to several places/islands in Greece, and this time I chose Rhodes. Several people had stated to me how fabulous Rhodes is, and they were all right on the button.

After the plan landed, I got my bags and got in the taxi that was waiting to take me to my resort. I stayed at the Lindos Grand Resort Spa which is actually located in Lindos, which is an hour away from the airport in Rhodes.

The resort was brand new and beautiful. The staff was also very friendly and helpful. Covid protocols were also strictly adhered to. I had a room with a private pool, which I HIGHLY recommend. I spent more time at my own pool than at the main pool and at the beach.

Lindos, Greece

The town of Lindos is about a 10 minute taxi ride, which costs between 10-12 Euros. There, you can walk around the picturesque town, which is full of shops, restaurants, and they also have an acropolis. You can walk up to the top or take a donkey ride for €8. But those poor donkeys looked so hot, tired, and overworked, if you can walk, then do that.

Like I stated before, the resort is brand new, so there were some minor things that weren’t fully completed. For instance, there were two light bulbs missing on my terrace. It was minor, and it didn’t bother me at all.

The beach is about a 3 minute walk from the resort. There is a direct path where you can walk, and they also offer a shuttle bus, as well. The beach has food and drink service, and lounge chairs specifically for the resort, which is cool. There are also water sports available.

I literally had a different swimsuit for each day I was there! :-)

The floor to ceiling windows were fabulous. It was very hot, but also a nice breeze. When you opened the doors, the air-conditioning automatically shut off, which was cool.

So, if you’re thinking about a planning a trip to Greece for relaxation and great weather, I would highly suggest the island of Rhodes and Lindos Grand Resort Spa.

The resort had fantastic views, and the aesthetics were great.

Let me know if you’ve ever been to Rhodes, Lindos, and/or Lindos Grand Resort Spa.

Thanks for stopping by. I really appreciate it! XOXO

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My Amalfi coast SUMMER Highlights

Since all of my vacation plans for 2020 were derailed because of the global pandemic a.k.a. Covid 19, I was estactic when I got the opportunity to go on a quick trip to the Amalfi coast. The Amalfi Coast was on my travel list anyway, so when this opportunity arose, I seized it.
Here are a few of the highlights and tidbits from my trip.

Seeing as flying has been a bit tricky these days, we actually drove from Switzerland to the Amalfi Coast. Yes, the ride was very long! Twelve hours to be exact! However, after being cooped up at home, that didn’t bother me. I was actually looking forward to it.
A little warning…once you get towards the coast…there are winding roads that you’ll have to drive through. The roads are small and have very tight turns. Couple that with tons of people on scooters!! There are several chances to take a beautiful scenic photo, but it might be a bit tricky trying to pull over to the side.

WEATHER

It was extremely hot when I arrived, around 32 degrees Celsus, and remained so the entire time. So it is highly advisable to take a sun hat with you. This hat you see in the pic was fabulous because it doubled as wind protection on the ferries to various destinations and/or islands.

ACCOMMODATION

There are plenty of places to stay while visiting the Amalfi Coast. Just keep in mind that in places like Positano you will pay much higher prices than staying in Sorrento or some place on the outskirts like that. That’s because Positano is a very touristy place, and people flock there for the beach and to take instagrammable photos. If you don’t want to pay exorbitant prices, simply stay in a nearby area, and then take the local bus to Positano. The bus is very cheap, and you must wear a mask. (By the way, masks are required on public transportaion, including ferries, all stores and restaurants, etc.)

I stayed in an area called Scala, at Palazzo Pascal , which is near Ravello. It was high in the mountains, which meant the views were outstanding. I was considering staying in Positano, however, the prices at Palazzo Pascal were half of what they were charging in Positano.

ATTIRE

Besides being extremely hot in the summer, there are thousands of steps that you will be climbing. I actually brought four pair of shoes. A pair of Valentino sandals, which I mainly wore to the pool. A pair of Alexandre Birman wedges which NEVER saw the light of day. Another pair of beautiful gold flat sandals, which I honestly forgot about…lol. And lastly, some Gucci Ace sneakers which I wore with everything. These shoes were my life savers because of all the walking that I did. So, I’d advise you to bring some comfy but stylish shoes if you visit this part of Italy.

SIGHTSEEING

Once you get to the Amalfi Coast, the beautiful scenery will blow you away. You can walk around the town of Amalfi, and then take a ferry to other destinations as well. I would highly suggest taking a ferry to Positano and exploring the beach, the town, and the restaurants. Then, you can explore other islands such as Capri by taking a ferry.

Also, if you have a chance, don’t forget Salerno. It has a different vibe than Amalfi and Positano, it’s more of a “big city” vibe, and very much worth it. Also, I just want to add that there are beautiful flowers and trees EVERYWHERE. So, make sure you stop and smell the roses…and hydrangeas…and geraniums…..and……..and…….

DINING

There are tons of restaurants to go to during your visit. I got some good recommendations from the hotel receptionist.. Of course you will find pizza and seafood to your heart’s content. I’m vegan, so I ate the Marinara pizza (make sure they don’t add anchovies), wonderful salads, scrumptious fruit, etc. Also, I had some of the best grilled veggies, and THE best tempura zucchini fries ever. (I’m currently trying to re-create them in my kitchen right now.)

All in all, I highly recommend that you visit this wonderful part of the world. I wish I had a bit longer to explore the other islands. I’ve already decided to go back and do that at a later date. It’s a beautiful place….plain snd simple. Let me know your experiences in the Amalfi Coast, or if it’s on your travel list.

Thanks for stopping by! XOXO