By Marianne Berrett, first-time traveler, Mendon, Utah
For several years, this old gal has been traveling on her own. Most of my single friends don’t especially like to tour extensively and, being a widow, I decided I could either travel, or not travel. The answer became relatively simple: I could and should go adventuring.
The Johnsons, a married couple I know, travel several times a year with OAT—and as they often and enthusiastically praise their past experiences, I didn’t hesitate to give OAT a try. OAT’s Small Ship Adventure along the Nile looked exceptionally attractive as I’ve been teaching ancient literature and mythology in the classroom for 36 years. The Cairo & the Eternal Nile River Small Ship Adventure seemed the perfect choice for my first OAT experience: I would finally be able to see several of the astonishing places I’ve been instructing for so long. Very quickly, I was signed up. This adventure not only met my expectations, it exceeded them.
Marianne practices her Egyptian dance moves.
How vividly picturesque was the cruise along the Nile! And the Temple of Ramses … the Pyramids of Giza … the Valley of the Kings … Aswan … Luxor … and visiting Egypt’s myriad other historic sites and monuments? With the assistance of our personable and well-informed Trip Leader, Samy Fouad, Egypt unfolded as an incredibly astonishing experience. The ancient energies of the land sang to me in blissful and magical delight.
In retrospect, the climactic event of the Nile cruise had to be our excursion into the village and school of Bearat near Luxor. This is the day I grasped onto the thought that my “grand adventure” was not merely a trip—it was a profound journey into the heart.
The charming schoolchildren of Bearat were appealingly enthusiastic and delightfully responsive to our group—a near-overwhelming personal experience. Many of us sat with the boys and girls, singing and reading with them. The younger students enchantingly sang their version of the ABCs and other nursery tunes. Absolutely captivating!
Marianne’s visit to the school sponsored by Grand Circle Foundation in Bearat proved to be a truly moving experience.
One young student demonstrated she was able to write beautifully … and her materials? A sheet of metal as paper and a palm leaf as her rudimentary pen. This single moment had me thinking: Could I bring my experiences in Egypt home and somehow use them to guide myself and my high school students into taking a peek into the adult world they are about to enter? Is it possible for them to think beyond themselves and grasp the concept of the “power of one” as they consider their peers a half a world away?
My immediate hope is to work with parents, our school administration, and above all, with the students on both sides of the ocean, in tandem with the Grand Circle Foundation, to create and document a humanitarian project integrating the wonderful children in the tiny village of Bearat. Wish us luck!
A female student displays her writing skills with a sheet of metal and palm leaf.
For those considering traveling, OAT orchestrates an amazing itinerary of engaging and informed guides, spectacular vistas, one-on-one stays with local citizens, and I happened to be lucky enough to journey with friendly and affable companions.
And, if anyone, by chance, wishes an English teacher in a tiny village in Egypt, I’ll be there in a heartbeat. No wages required, just a gift from the heart.
Cruise along Egypt’s ancient Nile River—and meet the country’s welcoming residents—on our Cairo & the Eternal Nile River Small Ship Adventure.