My Trip to Egypt: Seeing the Pyramids for the First Time

Egypt has always been a dream destination for me, and here’s why:

1. Growing up, I constantly saw Egypt in movies like The Mummy Returns, Gods of Egypt, and The Prince of Egypt. Watching those films sparked a fascination with the country and its incredible history.

2. Egypt is a staple in history books. From the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the Nile River, it’s impossible to talk about world history without mentioning Egypt. It’s always been at the center of so many stories and discoveries.

3. Culturally, Egypt stands out as one of the oldest, if not the oldest, civilizations. I’ve always believed that Egypt played a huge role in shaping the world we know today, and there’s so much to learn from it.

4. Religion also ties into Egypt’s significance. Stories from the Bible, like the Exodus, have strong connections to the country’s history. It’s fascinating how intertwined Egypt is with religion and faith.

5. And let’s not forget the scientific discoveries and even conspiracy theories surrounding Egypt! The Pyramids alone are a wonder—how did the ancient Egyptians build them?

It’s no surprise they’re the only Ancient Wonders of the World still standing.

Egypt’s rich history and vibrant culture:

I had the chance to visit the Pyramids of Giza, the Museum of Ancient Civilizations, and the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is the largest archaeological museum in the world! I also caught a glimpse of the Nile River, strolled through Cairo, visited stunning mosques and the Citadel, and even tried the famous koshari. Every moment was filled with discovery and a deeper appreciation for Egypt’s rich history and vibrant culture.

The Pyramids of Giza:

When I first saw the Pyramids of Giza, I felt like I was going to transform into an avatar. It was magical to see them in person. I never thought they would be so massive; even a single stone block is as tall as a person. I was stunned as I looked at them closely. I couldn’t believe I was in Africa, standing in front of the Pyramids that I had only seen in movies and read about in books.

You know that feeling when the cold wind is blowing, adding a dramatic effect to your emotions? It felt surreal. This was my reality now. I went inside the Pyramid after paying for the ticket. For those who don’t know, you can go inside the Pyramids and see the tombs of the Pharaohs. However, be aware that the air inside is very thin, and if you are claustrophobic like I am, I don’t recommend going in. I did decide to enter just to see what was inside, but I didn’t go too far because the passage is so narrow, and I just couldn’t do it.

I took some photos even though it’s not allowed—I wanted to take memories with me, and what better way to do that than with pictures? After that, I visited the other Pyramids, rode a camel, and took more photos. I also went to see the Great Sphinx, a statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human, which is said to guard the Pyramids. It was huge in person and just as magical as the Pyramids. I was elated and so happy to finally be in Egypt.

Egypt is a place filled with ancient history:

I visited the Museum of Ancient Civilization to witness history right before my eyes. There is an impressive variety of artefacts on display, including tools used in daily life, agricultural implements, weapons, and jewelry—all of which are magnificent. You can also see the mummies of former pharaohs and read about their history and governance during their time.

Additionally, I visited the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), where I saw tombs, statues, and countless other ancient relics. It is the largest archaeological museum in the world, showcasing remnants from various civilizations, including those from the Roman Empire when they first settled in Alexandria. For someone who loves history, being in this ancient place can be overwhelming and emotional. This experience truly made my trip to Egypt unforgettable.

Why Egypt is a dream destination:

These are just some of the reasons I’ve been so drawn to Egypt. To me, it’s a land of wonder and discovery, and I always knew I had to experience it for myself. When I finally got the chance to visit, it was everything I’d hoped for and more—it was life-changing.

Sure, Egypt isn’t a perfect country (no country is), but a lot of my misconceptions were cleared up during my trip. Egyptians, like people everywhere, have their own challenges, but they’re incredibly warm and welcoming. My time there taught me so much about life, culture, and human connections.

One thing that really stuck with me is that a country’s richness isn’t just about its infrastructure or how organized it is—it’s about its people, culture, and history. The way people live, interact, and what we can learn from them—those are the things that truly define a place.

Egypt will always hold a special place in my heart, and I feel so lucky to have experienced its beauty and spirit firsthand.

How to Get to Egypt

My flight to Egypt is quite interesting for several reasons. There are many direct flights available to Egypt, but they can be expensive. I prefer to save money, so I opted for a connecting flight with Al Jazeera Airlines. My journey began with a flight from Dubai to Kuwait, and then on to Egypt. The flight to Kuwait is relatively short, taking just about an hour. I had a 2-hour layover in Kuwait before catching my next flight to Cairo. Overall, the flights went smoothly without any major issues.

One of the benefits of choosing a connecting flight is the opportunity to save money. For my trip, I was able to save 500 AED, which I can spend on hotels and other expenses. However, it’s important to select a flight with a reasonable wait time. Personally, I find that a maximum of 4 hours is ideal, as it allows me to explore the airport a bit.

Visa Requirements for Filipinos

Generally, Filipino citizens require a visa to enter Egypt, which can be obtained through an embassy or consulate. The visa is usually issued as a stamp or sticker in the passport, and the specific requirements may vary depending on the type of visa (such as business or tourism). However, as a resident of the UAE, I can enter Egypt via a Visa on Arrival and pay for it upon arrival, which costs around $25. The visa is valid for 30 days so just enough time for your to explore Egypt. Getting the visa is straightforward; you simply need to pay the fee, and they will place a sticker in your passport.

Here are some of my photos from my trip to Egypt.