I've come to believe there is a fundamental difference between seeing a country as a 'tourist', and seeing it through the eyes of a local, a friend. There are always many spectacular monuments, temples and thousands of other sites to see around the world. It is only when you are lucky enough to meet with the locals, dine with them, experience the culture and life through their eyes, that you have truly travelled.
Vienna is one such city for me. A city of incredible history and spirit, you can lose yourself for weeks in the museums and monuments. Whilst these were wonderful, it was seeing the city through the eyes of one of the most beautiful souls I have met, Clarissa Canete, that will make the experience live forever in my heart and mind.
Dining at the revolving restaurant, high above the city, as the sun sets over the horizon with a special friend... These are the travel experiences that will stay with me.
In Egypt, I felt I was on the verge of having the opposite experience. Within 48 hours of landing in Egypt you will likely hear the phrase, "Egyptian hospitality". Unfortunately, my initial experience was to see this phrase co-opted by the unscrupulous few, where it could be loosely translated to, "Egyptian hustle".
However, I discovered that one experience can truly change your perspective. After stepping onto the wrong overnight train, I eventually discovered that I have five hours to travel before I could switch onto my intended train, and a much needed bed at 3AM in the morning.
The unmitigated kindness of two elderly gentlemen, sharing their seats with me, offering me food and drink and making certain I found my way to the correct train was an act that both surprised and heartened me.
To offer this type of generosity to a clearly frustrated foreign stranger in your country, served to remind me that the greatest power we have still comes from an innate kindness and generosity within us.
My preconception was that my most impressive memory of Egypt would be the incredible Pyramids, or perhaps the greatest archaeological discovery of all time in Tutankamen's tomb. I was wrong. What will remain with me forever will be the kindness of two complete strangers on one lonely train ride to Aswan. :)
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