It’s my birthday today, but who cares because tomorrow I fly out to Egypt.
I was incredibly lucky to be chosen to serve as a Traveler in Residence in a partnership between MatadorU and Adventure Center.
Previous travelers in residence, Keph Senett and Kyle Ellison went to Turkey and Nepal; Coen Wubbels in currently travelling in Panama and Costa Rica, and I will be covering Egypt in a three week tour named Egypt Encompassed, travelling from Cairo through the White Desert, to Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Mt. Sinai and Dahab. Phew
The challenge of tackling a country — that has a 5000-year history; is processing a revolution, and is at present rarely out of the news — in just three weeks is daunting, as is the idea of doing it with an organised tour group, and on a schedule, which is a brand new experience for me. I am, however, hugely excited and, in typical fashion, frantically trying to get organised with little time left to spare.
This is my itinerary:
I would love to hear any suggestions/recommendations/advice/warnings that you may have.
And follow me (Internet access permitting) here and at Twitter.
Karen Gardiner 
I lived and worked in Egypt (prior to the revolution) and fell in love with it. Beware the street harassment of women in Luxor, it seems to be more robust there than anywhere else in the country. Eat basbousa — the syrupy dessert has stolen my heart. Koshary at Abu Tarek near Tahrir Square is also a must. Try staying in the Bob Marley hostel in Luxor… it’s an experience. Dahab is heavenly; go snorkeling in the Blue Hole. Enjoy, and I can’t wait to hear about your trip!
Thank you so much, Roxanne. I have also taken note of your recommendations from an old thread on you Facebook page. Luxor sounds like a challenge, although I believe we only stop there briefly and spend more time in Aswan. I can’t wait for Dahab and mouth is watering in anticipation of basbousa! Many thanks ❤