Greece and Egypt Tested Us

Photos by @michaelgirman

Photos by @michaelgirman

Michael and I just came back from a three-week trip that brought us to Greece for the nth time, and to Egypt for the first. It was our first ever cruise aboard the World Navigator of Atlas Ocean Voyages on its maiden voyage from Athens to Cairo. 

We had six COVID tests throughout this trip: one before flying to Greece, another before boarding the boat, three during the cruise, and the last before flying home. Both of us tested negative throughout.

Unfortunately, one passenger on board the Navigator tested positive en route to Cairo. We were two among many passengers who had been exposed to this guest (on the same shore excursion bus, dinner table, etc.), and we were asked to isolate in our cabins. Our ship returned to Crete where the passenger and family disembarked. He was quarantined in a COVID hotel for eight days while his family members stayed in a separate hotel and explored Crete until he tested negative and was cleared to fly back to the US.

The rest of us were flown in two private charter flights from Crete to Cairo, put up at the Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton, and treated to a private dinner and show at the Giza pyramids. Today I received a $250 per person check as recompense and a $500 future cruise credit. Despite the initial confusion and uncertainty, Atlas Ocean Voyages did everything they could to make the trip worthwhile for the passengers. I wholeheartedly support suppliers who stand behind their products, promises, and clients.

photos by @michaelgirman

photos by @michaelgirman

Egypt took my breath away, and not just because it was the height of summer (107°F 42°C). The scope, expanse, and enormity of their/our ancient history is too great and important to squeeze in a box. We explored Cairo, entered an active archeological site in Saqqara, flew to Luxor and visited Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings, cruised up the Nile River (biblical scenery), stopping at Edfu and Aswan, and on our last day drove south to Abu Simbel (40km from Sudan). We also visited a carpet school, alabaster factory, essential oils shop, markets in Old Cairo, and a Nubian village. All throughout we were privately guided by Aziz, an Egyptologist and now friend and business partner. We rode in our private minivan/camel/horse carriage/motor boat/felucca. We felt secure throughout our trip. When there were unavoidable crowds, we masked up, sanitized, and maintained a safe distance. 

When you are ready to breathe in Egypt, allow me to plan your trip for you.

Do you choose the familiar or unfamiliar?

Michael and I just came back from a week-long stay at Martha’s Vineyard, MA. It wasn’t our first time but it’s been nine years since we last visited our friends who have a home there. We flew out of JFK and in an hour arrived at the island. In Massachusetts, masks are optional for fully vaccinated people except in certain locations.

We had a bounty of fresh seafood, local produce, and were spoiled by the culinary prowess of my friends. We explored several beaches, fairs, and markets. We also met some of their friends who are local, summer renters, and even my neighbor from NYC.

Usually, I like the novelty of the unfamiliar when traveling. But in this instance, it was an absolute pleasure to be in the familiar embrace and company of friends we love. This visit even had some of the elements I look for while traveling: great food, local artisans, and hidden gems.

Discovery is at the core of why I travel and this trip was full of delights and surprises.

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Next week, I’ll be in unfamiliar territory. Michael and I are taking our first ever cruise aboard the World Navigator of Atlas Ocean Voyages on their maiden voyage from Athens to Cairo. It’ll also be our first time in Egypt. We’re spending nine days post-cruise to explore Cairo and sail on the Nile River from Luxor to Aswan. There is WiFi on board so please follow our adventure on @travelswithtesa.

At the end of August, I’ll be in Hilton Head, SC (also a first) at the Sea Pines Resort for my second in-person T+L Board Meeting. Judging from our last meeting at Montage Healdsburg & Pendry West Hollywood, this promises to be as productive, informative, inspiring, and fun.

I hope you’re having a wonderful summer. Stay safe and healthy.

I hit a wall in Namibia

We were touring on the Skeleton Coast, named for the wooden ships that once ran aground here. In this spectacular part of southern Africa, driving an all-terrain vehicle on the towering dunes is one of the highlights for travelers.

Our guide Shiimi assured us the ride would be smooth and easy. It was my friend Teresa’s first time driving any kind of motorized vehicle. But I watched her just GO. She climbed on her ATV and drove fearlessly behind Shiimi for two hours.

Me, not so much. It was my first time driving an ATV (my excuse) and I drove like an old Asian lady (I’m pretty sure I’m allowed to say that because I fit the description sometimes). My husband Michael literally drove circles around me, entreating me to shift out of first gear so I’d go a little faster.

Suddenly, in the distance, I saw Teresa and Shiimi at the base of what appeared a very high wall, of Game of Thrones proportions. Had I forgotten to tell Shiimi about my fear of heights? If I followed them to the top, would I have the nerve to go down?

Again, I watched Teresa just GO. If she could do it, so could I.

I decided not to look too far ahead and to just focus on what was directly in front of me. I drove like this until I reached the top. And then I stopped to look around.

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BREATHTAKING, right?

And so WORTH IT.

I’d like to share a few takeaways from this experience with you: Be present. Trust your guide. Open yourself to new experiences (why we travel). Travel with people who can set the pace, lead the way and be by your side. I hope your travels result in equally breathtaking moments.

On the road from Namibia

On the road from Namibia

Michael and I, together with two friends, have been in Africa since May 6. We started our trip in Cape Town for 11 days and flew to Windhoek on May 17 for our 23-day self-drive journey in Namibia.

The seed of this trip sprouted three years ago when I started my business and one of my first clients asked me to help her plan a Namibia self-drive. Often, it is the wanderlust of my clients that inspires me.