In this blog post, I’ll explore how talking about travel can soften the atmosphere and create opportunities to open up to one another in conversations with strangers, drawing on my experience traveling in Egypt.
Conversations with Strangers and the Role of Travel Stories
Conversations with strangers can be difficult. Since we don’t know each other’s interests or preferences, we often struggle to find a topic to steer the conversation toward, and we worry that what we say might offend the other person. In such situations, sharing stories about your own travel experiences helps thaw the frozen atmosphere. Travel offers a break from daily life and brings new experiences and emotions, and most people feel a sense of excitement and anticipation just hearing the word “travel.”
Sometimes, amidst the monotony of daily life, I would find myself longing for a special, once-in-a-lifetime experience. While there were many options—such as reading a book, spending time with family, enjoying some alone time, or going out with friends—I chose to travel. Specifically, I chose to travel to Egypt. The reason for my choice was simple: Egypt was a country I had never visited before, and at that time, this trip felt less like a choice and more like a necessity.
Among the various destinations I considered, Egypt was an attractive travel destination in many ways. It was an unfamiliar region, and it had the advantage of being relatively affordable compared to Korea. Since Arabic and English are both official languages, there were no major communication issues. Above all, I wanted to see the ruins of ancient civilizations in Egypt with my own eyes and feel their grandeur.
Arrival in Cairo and First Impressions
It was 1:00 PM when I arrived in Cairo, Egypt, after leaving Korea and transiting through Rome, Italy. I arrived half a day before my friend. The moment I stepped out of the airport, the hot, dry weather made me realize I had truly arrived in Africa. However, I had no time to dwell on the moment; my top priority was to quickly leave the airport and head to my booked accommodation. The signs were all covered in unrecognizable symbols, but fortunately, I managed to find the accommodation by following the small English signs. That moment was the most nerve-wracking experience.
The Magnificence I Felt at the Pyramids of Giza
Early the next morning, my friend arrived, and our real journey through Egypt began. Our first destination was the Pyramids of Giza, the symbol of Egypt. Giza was located about a 40-minute bus ride from Cairo. As we hurriedly boarded the bus early in the morning, the majestic silhouette of the pyramids came into view in the distance. I couldn’t believe the pyramids were right before my eyes; the sight was simply amazing.
After paying the entrance fee and getting closer, I could see that the stones were arranged in a regular pattern on each level, and I could tell they had been stacked in a stepped structure by bringing the stones inward. Up there, people from various countries were taking photos and enjoying the moment. Seeing merchants offering camel rides for money and locals approaching to offer to take photos—just like back home—made me smile.
To enter the interior of the pyramid, we had to pay a separate fee. I felt I would regret it if I came all the way to Egypt and didn’t go inside, so my friend and I went in. From the entrance to the center, we had to crawl through a narrow, low passageway, and at the end was the spot where King Khufu’s body had been laid to rest, along with his sarcophagus.
The Mystery of the Pyramids and Construction Theories
Pyramids possess unique characteristics both externally and internally. The apex of a pyramid points precisely to the four cardinal directions, and the lengths of its base and sloping sides are said to form the golden ratio. Since the pyramid’s location also aligns with the positions of the three stars in the constellation Orion, some have even claimed that aliens built the pyramids. How, then, was this massive structure actually constructed?
Experts offer various theories. The most common theory is that the pyramids were built using inclined ramps. Since cranes did not exist at the time, the only way to build them to such heights was to use these ramps. It is believed that these ramps were arranged in straight or spiral patterns around the pyramids. Another theory suggests that the pyramids were constructed by building inclined ramps inside the structure. The ancient Greek historian Diodorus Siculus also proposed this method.
Other experts argue that equipment similar to cranes existed even back then and was used to build the pyramids. Although cranes are known to have first appeared in Greece in the late 6th century BCE, they believe that wooden devices existed during the Egyptian era as well. The ancient Greek historian Herodotus testified that these were used to transport stones. Another theory suggests that sleds were used to pull stones up the slopes.
While various theories clash, there is universal agreement that the construction of the pyramids required an immense investment of manpower and resources. The scale of the pyramids symbolizes the authority of King Khufu, and the labor and technical expertise required during their construction are a marvel in themselves. The precise calculations and geometry—which would be difficult to achieve even with today’s technology—are the reason the pyramids remain mysterious.
Experiences at Other Attractions and Resorts
In addition to the pyramids, Egypt boasts many other architectural marvels, such as the Abu Simbel Temples, the Luxor Temple, and the Aswan Dam. These structures showcase the technical prowess and creativity of the Egyptian people. Furthermore, the resort town of Hurghada on the Red Sea coast in southern Egypt is famous for scuba diving; we spent several days there learning to dive and enjoying the beautiful waters and coral reefs of the Red Sea.
Our three-week trip—short yet felt long—left us with unforgettable memories. On the flight home, I looked through photos and reminisced about the moments from our journey. I didn’t want to leave, fearing that once I returned to my daily routine, I would once again fall into a monotonous life. The connections I made, the experiences I had, and the emotions I felt during the trip will remain in my memory for a long time to come.
