First Journey Day 17: Golden Hour Guardians

Date: September 10, 2023
Location: Cairo, Egypt

In Cairo, Egypt’s river-born metropolis on the Nile, the day opened to clear skies and a desert shimmer. On the storied Egyptian sands of Giza, the pyramids kept their timeless watch while the city’s pulse hovered at the edge of the horizon.

Riding the Giza Plateau

Today was a day of profound connection with the vast Egyptian landscape. I found myself atop a camel, gently swaying as we traversed the Giza plateau. The vastness of the desert stretched endlessly before me, its golden sands shimmering under the sun's relentless gaze. The iconic pyramids stood tall, their ancient stones telling tales of pharaohs, gods, and a civilization that once was.

Desert Silence, City Hum

The gentle hum of the city in the distance was a stark contrast to the serene silence of the desert. As the camel's hooves softly padded on the sand, I felt a deep sense of connection to the land and its rich history. The desert, with its endless horizons, made me reflect on the journey of life, the vastness of experiences, and the fleeting nature of time.

Sunset with the Pyramids

Later, as I sat on a dune, watching the sun set behind the pyramids, the sky painted in hues of orange and purple, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the journey, for the experiences, and for the opportunity to witness the beauty of this ancient land.

Cairo in the Mind’s Eye

Cairo, with its bustling streets and rich history, has been a revelation. But today, it was the quiet moments in the desert, the connection with nature, and the reflection on the sands of time that made the day truly special. Another day, another memory etched in the canvas of this artistic journey.

Sketching the Golden Hour

Golden Hour Guardians tries to hold that slow-falling light—the triangles of shadow, the patient geometry, and the hush that gathers as the sun slips behind stone.

Travel Notes

• Weather: Clear skies; high 34 °C, low 22 °C. Dry heat over the plateau, a faint breeze carrying warm dust and sun-baked stone.
• Scents: Sun-warmed sand, a trace of leather from the saddle, and the sweet lift of mint tea from a nearby stall.
• Sounds: Soft camel steps, distant city hum, and the evening call to prayer threading the air like a reminder of rhythm and time.
• Reflection: The pyramids absorb the day’s noise and hand back silence; gratitude settles in like light along an edge.

Continue the Journey

You may also enjoy yesterday’s quiet watch at Abu Simbel in “Guardians of Time”, or drift north to the coast with Alexandria’s tides in “Scrolls of the Sea.”