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Australians And Camels And Pharaohs, Oh My!

My friend, Katie Childress, and I on The Great Pyramid.

Many times I take a trip for the simple excuse of experiencing a change in scenery to escape the monotony of everyday life. Never have I expected to fall for someone along the way, or go on a trip in hopes that I’ll find a romantic fling.

A few years ago I decided to take a trip to Egypt with my roommate. We were young, adventurous and ready for whatever came our way. We had no idea what to expect in a land so foreign to us Americans. After the 20-some hour journey, we arrived in Cairo and were instantly greeted by goats, chickens, stray dogs and armed guards roaming the streets. “Let the adventure begin,” we said to each other.

We checked in, brushed our teeth with our bottles of water, and set off to meet our travel group. There were about 40 of us that congregated from all over the world. We instantly bonded with a group of guys from Australia and I knew once I heard that accent, I was a goner. The entire trip turned into an American/Aussie love affair.

Our first day was spent riding camels throughout the desert while witnessing the 4,600-year-old Pyramids of Giza in all their glory, climbing on the 455 foot tall Great Pyramid, and seeing the Iconic Sphinx. It had always been on my bucket list to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and I could excitedly say it did not disappoint.

That night, our group had the opportunity to wander through the markets and mayhem of Cairo. Our guide informed us that women must be accompanied by a man or the locals will attempt to “buy” them. It was recommended to have the gentlemen say they are married to the women as to not be harassed by the locals.

I attempt to ride a camel through the desert.

My Australian turned to me and asked, “So hey, you wanna be my wife or whatever for the night?”

How could I turn down such a romantic, heartfelt proposal? We exited the bus and began our journey through the night market. Instantly we were attacked by vendors asking to buy their goods and try on their clothes. Within minutes, I was approached by a questionable looking gentleman.

“How much?” he asked.

“How much for what?” I asked.

“How many camel?”

My Australian friend instantly picked up on the man’s absurd attempt and began to laugh. “She’s not for sale, mate. She’s my wife. Not for sale.”

“Two camel. I give you two camel.”

“No, no, man, she’s not for sale.”

This exchange went on for a good five minutes before the man gave his best and final offer.

“Four camel. I pay you, yes? Is good.”

We graciously declined the offer, and went on our way, surprised the whole married thing didn’t turn him away. I hear four camels is a pretty enticing offer, but I still thought I was worth a few more, or at least throw in a goat or chicken for good measure.

After an overnight train ride, we boarded a cruise ship that took us on a three day journey along the Nile River. It was a small vessel with a bar and pool on the top deck, where we spent most of our stay soaking up the sun and trying not to be traumatized by the disturbingly large amount of chubby Germans dancing around in Speedos.

Towards the end of the trip, we took a flight to Abu Simbel. During our wait at the airport, my Australian approached me in front of our travel group, got on one knee and presented a cheap airport gift shop ring asking me to continue to be his “wife” for the rest of our trip. It was cheesy, embarrassing and made me laugh and I happily accepted his fake proposal (and the ring that later stained my finger green from the sweltering heat.)

We then took the short flight to Abu Simbel, where I was in awe of the astonishing beauty that stood before us. Abu Simbel’s Temple of Ramses II consists of two massive rock temples that were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh in the 13th century, as a lasting monument to himself and his favorite wife, Queen Nefertari. I still can’t believe how many wives the men could have back then, but to know the Pharaoh built this incredible structure in honor of his favorite love was impressive, and unheard of.

Fortunately, my “marriage” stayed along the Nile. Sometimes I think romance is just a silly idea and it isn’t for everyone. Maybe if a guy built a giant temple in my honor, it might help sway me. Since my Egypt romance, I have successfully warded off foreigners with alluring accents or strange men trying to buy my affections through animal bartering, and continue to enjoy my love affair with travel. After all, “This heart of mine was made to travel this world.”

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