The first morning I woke in Giza, I pulled back the curtain and there they were — the Pyramids of Egypt, rising not from the ground, but descending like rays of light from the heavens themselves. My guide, a wise and elegant soul, had told me that the ancients built them to mirror sunlight touching the earth, and in that moment, I believed it. The sight stole my breath. I'm serious, it was hard for me to breathe like when you saw that bicycle at Christmas. My chest just refused to expand for several minutes.

Knowing that tomorrow is my birthday and I wanted to time it out to be at the Sphinx the morning of. Lifelong dream, check...so, I was picked up at my hotel and met my guide/mentor/teacher/psychologist/bodyguard Dalia Dod for the very first time. We had spoken and connected quite well on line so I was tickled to be able to see her in person. After a quick drive we stepped into the ancient heart of Cairo, wandering through Coptic churches and mosques "older than memory itself, their stones whispering prayers in languages time has nearly forgotten," Dalia whispered to me. I had the luck to have my notes app open. We spent time in the "Cave of the Holy Family" where Jesus, Mary and Joseph stayed for many weeks of their almost 3 1/2 year protective exile in Egypt. Not deeply religious myself, but my heart skipped thinking I was in the same place.

In the bustling labyrinth of Khan el-Khalili, I bartered and laughed alongside my guide, surrounded by scents of spice and gold and life. No fear, no disrespect, maybe it is because I look so damn white. Foreign privilege? I am sure. My social awareness meter is on overload. I planned ahead and splurged the $85 on a beautiful silver cartouche with my name in hieroglyphs. I watched these amazing artists create it in their small shop. 

As the sun fell, Dalia had arranged a special welcome to Egypt night...I soon found my lucky self drifting along the Nile under a violet sky, because that's what it was, violet. Sharing dinner and song with Egyptian and Nubian performers who had all of us dancing whether we got up or not!

Goodnight to my driver (who WAITED in the lot for my entire 3 hour dinner cruise to redock!) then up to my hotel, I sat at the window and watched the pyramids glow beneath the stars, unable to look away — knowing that tomorrow, I would finally see them closely. Look ma, I must be in the FRONT ROW!!!

Tomorrow: Stealing the nose of the Sphinx and my first ugly cry of the trip. 

Please share the link to my blog!! I am trying to build my presence and share my passion for all things Ancient Egypt!!

https://ricklongart.com/blog/october-26-2025-coming-down-from-the-sky