Currently on my way home from Cairo to Houston via Istanbul on Turkish Airlines. I know shocking and before y’all freak out yes everything is fine in Cairo and Him & I.
In the last 24hrs I think I may have slept like 4hrs total. I still have over 4hrs to go on this flight. I’m exhausted and even though I’ve been trying I can’t sleep and am going a bit stir crazy. I’ve already watched Steve Jobs, Suffragette, Ivory Tower, Our Brand is Crisis and The Good Dinosaur. Yeah, I have this problem when I am on a flight that has free movies, I feel like I must catch up on movies I haven’t seen and watch as many as I can. For now though I’m taking a break and to keep my mind busy I figured I’d write a blog post because I know everyone has been wanting to know about well…
I’ll start with my return to Cairo.
I arrived out of the blue to Cairo on February 29, exactly 3 years and a day (thanks leap year) from the date I left. He knew I was coming back soon, but I never told him the exact date. After the last goodbye my plan was always to just show up at his door one day. I arrived on a direct 10 hour flight from Bangkok to Cairo on Egypt Air. I was beyond nervous and scared to arrive in Cairo because thought I wouldn’t get the VISA on arrival and was also terrified of seeing him.
—My fourth visit to Egypt.—
I arrived to Cairo and the moment I stepped out of the plane felt that Egyptian heat and the unique Cairo scent. I took a deep breath and a million feelings and memories rushed through my body and mind and it was like a high. I bought my VISA (now $25 not $15) and went through passport control without any problems. I picked up my bags and it was like every time I have arrived in Cairo a million taxi drivers shouting TAXI TAXI TAXI. It was 7am and no traffic at all, but because it’s Cairo my cab driver still drove in the middle of two lanes. Ahh Cairo…
As we made our way through the city I was recognizing so many things and in my head playing what would be coming up next. We then made it to my old neighborhood and was scared I would have forgotten our apartment, but didn’t. Even after 3 years I still remembered every detail of Cairo and my old neighborhood. I arrived and stood outside of the apartment complex and was terrified. I literally felt like throwing up. His apartment is on the 4th floor so I made my way up with all my luggage. I still remembered the large body size mirror near the entrance, the marble steps, the dark green hand rails, the cats one of the neighbors takes care of & our brown door. I made it to the door out of breath and told myself to wait and catch my breath before knocking, but couldn’t. I knocked on the door.
I knocked on the door and nothing. I knocked again and still nothing. I thought maybe I did have the wrong apartment, but then rang the doorbell and heard the birds chirping and knew it was the right apartment. I didn’t have WiFi or cell service so couldn’t get ahold of him. Hell I realized then I didn’t even have his cell number to try calling him from a strangers phone. I knocked and knocked. Thought what if he’s at his parents and our roommate is working? After a while the downstairs neighbor heard me and we hand singled to communicate and she could call our roommate because she had his number. So she did and over 45 minutes later the door finally opened.
—Forbidden Love.—
It wasn’t Him, but our roommate. He didn’t say a word. He looked at me shocked with an expression of confusion and utter disbelief. I said, “Hi” and he said nothing. I then asked if He was here and he said yes that he’d get Him. I said no I’ll knock on the door. I did and heard his voice. My body trembled. He said, “come in” (in Arabic) thinking it was his roommate.
I walked in and He was in bed. He sat up and was in shock too. I asked our roommate to let us be alone. I shut the door as he walked out and He stood up out of bed. We hugged for what felt like eternity and both got tears. He asked if it was a dream and I said, “no I’m back, I’m here”. We kissed and then laid in bed. We just laid there holding each other. It was nice to hold him again. To feel him, his body, his lips, his arms around me. He was still as beautiful as he was the last time I saw him. Even though we laid there not knowing what to say to each other everything felt so right, so safe and so perfect.
We couldn’t believe that after 3 years we were finally together again. It was a day I had been dreaming of since the day I left him.
During my first week back though we had a tough decision to make.
Before going back to Cairo I received an email from my ex-bosses asking if I could come back to help them out for a few months. They offered to pay for round trip airfare and same pay. I was torn and the moment I received it let Him know and knew that it would be a decision we made together. I didn’t want to talk to anyone about it or take anyone’s advice but ours together.
They wanted me back for March, but I let them know the earliest I could go back would be April if I end up saying yes. I didn’t let them know that I already had my ticket to Cairo and wasn’t going to change that for the world, but a month together would allow me to use the full 30day VISA and could save an extension for the next time I come back. Also during that time we could see what we really wanted with us and if the love was still there.
We talked and both agreed that this was a very good opportunity. An opportunity I couldn’t pass up. This would be a chance for me to see my family and friends and also make some much needed money becase after 15 months of nonstop travel I’m running low on cash. We both know that in a few months working at home I’ll make more than I would make working a year in Cairo. Plus they were willing to pay for a round trip ticket and that alone saved me a lot of money.
The last 30 days back in Egypt with him have been amazing. Of course we have had our ups and downs and know that’s expected, especially after 3 years apart. The hours turned into days and days into weeks and before I knew it I was leaving.
—Our footprints in the sand.—
We did so much together during our time there and even took a week mini-vacation to Luxor and Aswan. Ahhh it was all great. During our time together we realized we still want to be together and love each other, but know it’s a forbidden love and will have many hurdles to overcome. Hurdles we have known about since the day we met and that we have been avoiding since then. We agreed to continue avoiding them for now and enjoy the month I was gonna be back. We figured let’s just let things be and when I come back in 5 months really try and figure things out. The best part is that we know we do wanna be together so we will try even if we have a mountain ahead of us to climb.
I know it’s not gonna be easy and even though I’ve never lost hope know things may not work out. I mean honestly we don’t know and both don’t want to get our hopes up. So for now just going to keep enjoying it and when I get back we will try and see where we can take this next. If anywhere.
My 30 days in Cairo came and went and if you’re following me on Instagram know it’s been pretty awesome. Now I’m a few hours away from being home. My 15 months of nonstop travel are coming to an end. Just thinking of that makes me want to vomit because this wasn’t part of the plan at all, but when life hands you a crazy opportunity you take it.
As I write this I am laying in my bedroom floor and can’t believe exactly a week ago today at this hour I arrived in Houston. I was home, but not yet clear. As usual I was detained at USA Immigration and Border Control for the second time. It happened after my first trip around the world and now my second. Both times for coming home from Egypt (an Arab country… scary) and traveling too much. Was quite the ordeal, but will write about it later.
So I have been home a week now and honestly can’t believe it. Feels like just yesterday I was backpacking the world with no clue what I would do each day or living my life in Cairo and going to sleep with him by my side. Now I am home back in a routine and going to sleep in an empty bed.
Surprisingly even though I had stomach issues the first 4 days back, this week hasn’t been so bad. I know the reality of returning home after traveling the world and know post travel depression will hit me and hard in a few weeks, but for now enjoying the high. This actually means that my second trip around the world is officially over.
I started working a day after I arrived and now I have worked 4 full days and what scares me the most is how easily I have fallen into the routine of having an office job. It’s not a bad thing, but it’s just a bit scary. The best part though is that I do love my job and everyone I work with so that makes it great and I know it’s only going to be for 4 months. So I wake up every morning with a smile and say this is only temporary and that I am doing this for us.
While I am home I plan on doing a few things. I plan on working for 4 months and then spending a month in Mexico helping my mom with things she needs help down there. I also plan on going through everything I own again and getting rid of more things I don’t need. I would also like to read a small pile of books I have that I have never read and write some of the many blog post I never wrote. Above all though I just want to spend time with my family and friends while I can because next time I leave I may only be coming back for a friends wedding and who knows after that.
The story from the start:
I have been dying to see how this turned out. I am so happy to read this post! Five months knowing you are coming back is nothing compared to three years without knowing.
I cannot believe you surprised him. Reading this got me so scared “WHAT IF HE DOESN’T LIVE THERE ANYMORE” but he did and now it all worked out! I am so happy for you. You have this life because you made this life. You did what you needed to do before settling down. You might have regretted it if you styaed last time, knowing your plans were to continue seeing the world.
Congrats on being happy! <3
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Exactly Jennifer, these 5 months will hopefully feel like a breeze, compared to 3 years of not knowing. Thanks for telling me I have this life because I made it. That’s good to hear and be reminded of. I know for sure I would have regretted skipping my whole trip to go back. This way I did it and I am ready now to settle down. We shall see how things go.
Good for you, Jaime!
I can relate in a lot of ways. I met a guy in Ho Chi Minh City nearly a year ago. Strong connection and we’ve stayed in touch (kind of online dating). Our feelings have developed and I’m now moving to SE Asia to be closer to him. We won’t be in the same city (I’ll be in Yangon, he’ll stay in HCM) but it’s only two hours and he doesn’t need a visa. I’m scared and excited all at the same time.
I’m glad your month together was so good after all that time. I’m sure everything will work out for you guys. Good luck, I’m rooting for you!
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Thanks Ben and OMG how exciting for your story too. That will be interesting to see what happens. Good luck with it all. PS I loved loved LOVED Yangon.
So maybe you will make time to come visit your brother in california.
Seriously Remy? That’s the comment you leave me! Out of everything you could have possibly said? Ahhh I miss you and yeah still don’t know when I will visit you in Cali! Sorry.
Yay– happy to see you’re writing again! I’m glad you had such an awesome time there. You must be damn good at your job if they’re willing to pay to fly you round trip to come back! I may be back in Egypt after the summer in Europe. Hopefully you’ll be back by then!
Thanks so much Nathan!!! Yeah I’m pretty good at this job, it’s easy but know how to do it just right and how they like it. And OMG that would be amazing if you could visit us in Egypt. OMG you would have so much fun and get a real taste of Egypt if you know what I mean jajajajaja!!!
Finally you write again!! I’ve been waiting for your story especially this you and him part 🙂
So what do you feel when you were 3 years apart without communication? have you prepared if you show up in his door and he already had someone else? Wow its like a love story that i used to see in the movie
Jajajajja
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Jaja yes Yulita, finally I do! Ahhhh it was a crazy long time apart, but we did talk during that time and I kinda knew he didn’t have someone else. It wasn’t easy, but glad we are together now. It’s like a crazy love story I know… so damn crazy! Don’t believe in fairy tales… but hope we have a happy ending.
I’m so happy for you Jaime! I know you still have a lot of things to deal with when you get back to Cairo in a few months, but I’m totally rooting for you. Enjoy your time with your family!
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Thank so much Ali for always being so supportive!!!
I’ve been waiting to hear what would happen when you finally went back! So scary. I dont know if I could have just gone straight there and three years have passed, where does time go? 😮
So lovely to hear it went well for you and that you’re happy,
A loyal follower
Sam, thank you so much for being a loyal follower. Oh & I have no clue where time goes, but yes I am happy!
I just found your blog today and it’s super inspiring! Keep writing I love it! I have a lot of reading to catch up on 🙂
These places all look gorgeous! Awesome list you shared with us. fascinating beauty and incredible nature. Thanks for sharing it.
What a great experience you shared it is an travelogues for all of us keep posting things like this .
You’re amazing and inspiring, I hope I can have long term travel, I really agree if we had different expectations in life.
I enjoy a lot your post. hope I will read your next post soon.thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Yeah very interesting to read!! Glad things went well for you.. Wow you sure have seen lots of places! Thanks.
Glad to read this article. This is very interesting and inspiring post. I enjoy to read your post. Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks Jaime for the great post 🙂 very interesting to read.. As an Egyptian and online YouTube Arabic instructor I am very happy to read your positive and inspiring experience in Egypt.. keep posting 🙂
Excellent article and really informative at the same time. It’s great to read something fresh. You take remarkable pictures. Sadly, I have never get the opportunity to visit Egypt but you have motivated me enough, Hope my time will come soon.
I just found this blog and have high hopes for it to continue. Keep up the great work, its hard to find good ones. I have added to my favorites. Thank You.
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Thanks for sharing. I hope it will be helpful for too many people that are searching for this topic. Keep posting and keep this forum a great place to learn things.
Thank you so much for sharing a great information. I appreciate your time and effort in your work. Keep posting..
You’re amazing and inspiring.. Glad to read his post. Thank you so much for sharing a great information!!
In the last 24hrs I think I may have slept like 4hrs total. I still have over 4hrs to go on this flight. I’m exhausted and even though I’ve been trying I can’t sleep and am going a bit stir crazy. I’ve already watched Steve Jobs, Suffragette, Ivory Tower, Our Brand is Crisis and The Good Dinosaur. Yeah, I have this problem when I am on a flight that has free movies, I feel like I must catch up on movies I haven’t seen and watch as many as I can. For now though I’m taking a break and to keep my mind busy I figured I’d write a blog post because I know everyone has been wanting to know about well…
This is totally amazing and quite thought provocative!
I just came across to your website when I am searching for the travel informative website. I think this is the right choice for me. Thanks for sharing this post.
Great Info and wish you will visit Egypt soon again, we can be of help. and thanks for sharing your experience
Egypt is always my dream destination. want to visit the great Pyramids of Giza. want to see the rich cultured Egyptian civilization. The great river of Nile and the classic city of Cairo on the other side would be an amazing and worth seeing sight.
Egypt is the land of secret and mysterious. It is my dream destination
Thank you a lot, Jaime!
Your post makes me really really really want to travel to Egypt again.
Such a great post <3 Hope that one day I could have a chance to visit here. I`m sure that my experience in there will be one of the most memorable moments in my life. Thank you
It will be a nice experience to visit Egypt for one month !
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Such a great post about egypt. it seems like you have a wonderful time experience at this place. Thanks for sharing it!!
This post so nice and I seen some new information about the travel those types of things so valuable for me
thanks for this type of information for us
This is a great blog. I am pretty much impressed with your good work. You put really very helpful information.
Nice, A great detailed post. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing the nice information… Very usefull
Hello Jaime! I came upon your blog after my trip to Cairo back in 2016. Your story about “him” resonated with me so much, I cried reading all of them. Because yes, I also met a special Egyptian guy.
I was so inspired by your story that I actually thought of moving to Cairo to study or work just so I can be close to him. However, due to life commitments and responsibilities, I can’t and wasn’t able to just pack my bags and leave North America.
We kept in touch and still make a point to flirt. Haha. Then last week, he told me he is getting married… to a guy. I don’t know how and who, because he doesn’t want to give me any details. It was actually quite shocking as he never mentioned anything about this in our convos.
I then remembered you and thought about what had happen to you and “him” after leaving Egypt for the second time. I used to follow you on IG but I deleted my old accounts, so I can’t remember what your name there was. Good thing I remembered I talked to my guy about you. So I dug our old convos and found your blog and IG again. Not meaning to pry or be too nosy, but how are you two now? Have you still kept in touch with him after all these years?
Wow! everything looks so good!
THE PYRAMIDS SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW
https://www.soundandlight.show/
Have you ever wondered how life was thousands of years ago? This question and other similar thoughts inspired creators to accompany you for a short while to the past, by introducing the sound and light show. It is a magnificent show that brings creativity to life the rule of ancient Egyptians. The artists skillfully created a show to present images of all historical eras. For an hour, you enjoy the sound and light show near the pyramids and the Sphinx.The history is re-told by the Sphinx, telling you the most ancient secrets of the world. In the 21st century, you go back in time thousands of years ago to see how they were built and survived! The show manages to convey the great humane spirit and creativity behind their creation.
There you will find the pyramid of Khufu, the Immortal and Sky Grabber, close to its some alters, where the wood-made boats of Khufu are placed, which KING Khufu would use to sail on his journey to immortality. Also, you will find the pyramid built by Khufu’s son Khafre, who made his own smaller and shorter than his father’s pyramid; we can see Khafre’ s face, engraved on a sheet of green diorite stone, so lively as if the artist just finished it. Then, last but not least the pyramid of Menkaure, who was like his father modest and decent enough to make his pyramid smaller than the other two.
ALMAZA TRAVEL
You can enjoy wonderful trips to Egypt, where it is distinguished by its ancient history, wonderful sights. Here are some places you can visit in Egypt:
1. Pyramids and pyramids of Giza: considered one of the wonders of the ancient world, embodying the construction of the ancient Egyptian civilization and its amazing technologies.
2. Luxor and Karnak Temples: represent a collection of temples and monumental buildings reflecting ancient Egyptian civilization and Pharaonic history.
3. Cairo Museum: it houses a huge collection of Pharaonic and historical antiquities and artifacts dating back to different periods of Egypt’s history.
4. The Red Sea: there are many picturesque beaches and great sites for snorkeling and surfing.
5. Aswan and the temple of Philae: Aswan is a beautiful city by the Nile River, famous for the temple of Philae, which dates back to the era of the Pharaohs.
6. Mediterranean: Egypt has many beautiful coastal cities on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, such as Alexandria and Matrouh.
7. Western Sahara: offers great opportunities for exploring deserts, wonderful landscapes and desert safaris.
These are some of the places to visit in Egypt, and there are plenty of other places you can explore and enjoy its diversity of cultures and rich history. Don’t forget to enjoy delicious Egyptian cuisine and wander through the traditional markets and shops to discover the local culture.
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greetings from Canada
Wow, what an incredible journey through Egypt! Your detailed itinerary and personal insights really bring the experience to life. It’s inspiring to see how you immersed yourselves in the culture and history of such a captivating destination. Your tips and recommendations are invaluable for anyone planning a similar adventure. Looking forward to reading more about your travels!