3c in Egypt 2024
When we arrived in Cairo, we were immediately hit by a massive wave of heat that knocked us back – a stark contrast to the Danish autumn. Although the temperature was almost unbearable at first, we quickly got used to it, and it helped that everyone we met was friendly and hospitable.
The host families welcomed us with open arms and instantly made us a part of their daily lives, which consisted of very long days, often from morning until midnight. Everywhere we went, we were greeted with smiles, lingering looks, and small talk from the locals.
It wasn’t just the heat that was intense – the culture we encountered was also overwhelming, wild, and at times exhausting. At the school, we were received like rock stars, allowed to participate in classes and talk with other Egyptian students. We quickly discovered that there was a deep respect for knowledge and history in Egyptian society, and they were curious about us and Denmark. We were invited to visit some of the most impressive historical sites, such as the pyramids of Giza and the mighty Sphinx. We even rode camels in the desert, perhaps the highlight of the trip.
In Alexandria, a city that practically breathes history, we were on our own, and we met with Ali, who told us about being young in Egypt and about the opportunities and limitations when trying to break the social structures in a tradition-bound society.
Although the trip was filled with both cultural and historical highlights, it was the people we met who made the journey truly special.