By Billie Blakeney, 3-time traveler, Augusta, New Jersey
I’m not worried about traveling alone. Once I meet my group, connections are easily made and acceptance is widespread. When one finds the companionship of like-minded people, the bonds of relationships begin to take root. This is especially easy to do in OAT’s small groups, which—thanks to their intimate size—allow for these friendships to form within our group of travelers. I’ve come away with a better understanding of living with my fellow travelers—all with a variety of backgrounds, coming from different walks of life, and having unique temperaments.
My trip to Egypt taught me that traveling not only builds bridges between members of my OAT small group, but with the people of another country as well. I shared music, dance, and meals—and I listened to the conversations, putting together my impressions of Egyptians and their culture.
There’s one particular moment I’m always drawn back to that truly showed me how connections can be made across cultures. While my group and I were walking to our ship, we heard music coming from a nearby restaurant. As a retired music teacher, I simply had to stop and listen. But that wasn’t enough for me: I even asked if I could join the musicians on stage to play the drums. I jived along with the band, dressed in a galabeya and headdress. I was, at that moment, one of them.
Billie immerses herself in the Egyptian culture by playing the drums with a local band.
It became clear to me that, as a traveler in a foreign country, it’s incredibly important to be aware of how we represent ourselves, and I’m even more aware of our global society in our own country.
Returning home from Egypt, I was able to see this firsthand: As the organist for my church, we normally have two separate services—one for a congregation of elderly church members, and another for our Hispanic congregants spoken entirely in Spanish. Recently, a combined service was held where dual languages were spoken. It was interesting to see how both congregations blended with each other through shared musical selections. Despite the language and cultural barriers that surround us, it was clear that cultures can become one through a common element—and I was reminded of that special night playing drums alongside my Egyptian neighbors.
Billie’s experiences in Egypt taught her that a common element—like music—could bring cultures and people together.
From this experience, I have found that despite differences in cultures, we can create a bridge to connect each one of us in a positive way … and we can continue to build these relationships throughout our own country—and abroad.
Jive along with the residents of Egypt as you stroll the streets on our Cairo & the Eternal Nile River Small Ship Adventure.