Egypt Beyond the Postcards & Photos
by Isabella Ji
Egypt has always been on my bucket list. Aside from being one of the [new] 7 World Wonders, its giant pyramids, ancient gods with animal heads, golden tombs, and cultural wealth literally runs through 5,000 years of history. So when I finally made it to Cairo and Alexandria, it felt surreal. I could not recommend this epic and chaotic trip to others more.
First Stop: The Pyramids (Of Course)
It goes without saying that you can’t go to Egypt and skip the pyramids — it’s basically common sense. I headed straight to Giza, just outside of Cairo, and even though I’ve seen a million photos, standing in front of the Great Pyramid is a totally different experience. These structures are massive and to think that they have been around for so long is incredible.
Right next to them is the Sphinx, with its stoic face, part man, part lion, guarding the area for thousands of years. Casual. Yet, timeless. Though it appears that the pyramids have a little wear and tear to them. The Sphinx stands as one of the world’s most iconic statues – and to think that it was buried under sandstorms for a while!
Shopping Like a Local
Forget souvenirs from the airport — there are always merchants walking around, lining the streets, and most recognizably, crowded in Egypt’s famous market, Khan El Khalili. This place buzzed with life and spread the scent of incense and fresh bread through the air.
I didn’t go in with a shopping list, but I walked out with a scarf, some natural perfume oil, and a tiny handmade tea set I absolutely did not need (no regrets). Haggling felt intimidating at first, but once you lean into it, it’s actually part of the fun. Everyone’s got a story, and half the joy is just chatting with the shopkeepers; especially considering that they all speak at least two languages (English & Arabic) and sometimes they would even sneak in Mandarin, Spanish, or others. Even if you don’t buy anything, exploring the souks is an experience in itself.
Gods, Everywhere
As I scrolled through museums and monuments, the Gods followed and set the tone. They’re everywhere. You’ve got Horus, the falcon-headed sky god; Anubis, the jackal guy who watches over the dead as the God of mummification; and Isis, the powerful goddess of magic and motherhood. Murals combining all of these Gods often depicted a story how the Gods collaborated.
What I loved is how these gods weren’t just characters in myths—they were part of daily life. People wore little amulets of them, carved them into their homes, and built entire temples to honor them. You really get a sense of how much spirituality and storytelling shaped the culture.
Real Mummies Are Still Around
At The Egyptian Museum and The Egyptian Museum of Civilization in Cairo, I got to see real mummies identifying long lineages. Some still had hair, jewelry, and even teeth, but at the expense of organs. The whole mummification process was insanely detailed, instructing many organs to be removed, bodies to be dried out with salt, wrapped in linen, and then placed in elaborate coffins. All to prep for the afterlife.
A Unique Blend of Local Food
Egyptian food doesn’t get enough hype for being comforting, flavorful, and full of surprises. The holy grail of Egyptian street food would have to be: Koshari. Heading through local streets or through market spaces, there would be carts serving koshari or even restaurant fronts specialized in this local dish. It’s this wild mix of rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, tomato sauce, and crispy fried onions. Sounds weird, tastes like a glorified pasta dish.
I also tried molokhia, a green soup made from jute leaves — it’s slimy in a good way and similar to a spinach dip — and ful medames, which is basically Egypt’s version of baked beans, usually with diced vegetables. And I had to fight the urge to get the classic, taameya (their version of falafel) with every meal, especially if you get it fresh from a street vendor.
Wash it all down with a mint green tea or spiced tea blend, and you’re satiated beyond compare.
A Quick Escape to Alexandria
Luckily, I was also abe to squeeze a quick day trip to Alexandria for a refreshing change of pace. First stop was the stunning modern Library of Alexandria which was a sleek, light-filled tribute to the legendary ancient one, with its futuristic architecture and massive book collection. From there, I swung by Qaitbay Fort and Pompey’s Pillar, one of the last Roman ruins still standing tall, and then ventured underground into the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, where Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences all collide many miles under ground [(luckily all the bodies had been stolen so I did not had to come fac- to-face with any)..
To wrap it all up, I had some insanely fresh seafood by the harbor — grilled fish, tahini, rice — the kind of meal that’s simple but unforgettable. If you’ve got a spare day while in Cairo, Alexandria is worth the 4-hour car trip.
Final Thoughts
Egypt lives up to the hype. It’s more than just pyramids and mummies — it’s the energy of Cairo’s markets, the quiet mystery of Egyptian ancestors, the warmth of people who’ve been sharing stories for millennia, and yes, the food coma after a plate of koshari.
If you’ve been thinking about going, do it. Just be ready to come back with sand in your shoes, thousands of photos, and a heart full of awe.