Perfect weather, a colorful coral reef, and camel rides in the desert

Three months ago, we took our toddlers to Egypt.  This was obviously before the protests, political upheaval, and violence broke out, but Egypt was, and hopefully will be again, a great destination for families.  Here were some of the highlights of our trip:

The Red Sea

The Red Sea boasts of some gorgeous diving and snorkeling opportunities with hundreds of species of fish, many unique to the Red Sea.  Given my children were 2 and 4 at the time of our trip, diving and snorkeling were out, but a glass bottom boat ride was perfection!

The kids were able to see schools of brightly colored fish weaving in and out of the coral reef, all the while seeking their favorite clownfish, Nemo (thank you again, Disney).  We also spent hours on the beach where they could walk in the water and see fish swimming around their feet.

The Nile River

We took a short cruise on the north-flowing Nile River while my daughters asked where exactly Noah’s basket was found. Hmmm…..My husband snapped a photo of our daughters first reaction to the busy Nile River (scroll down to the bottom) before we took a motor boat ride, and it’s one of my favorites from the trip.  While on board, we were able to view Luxor Temple and the famous Winter Palace where Agatha Christie penned her novel ‘Death on the Nile.’  As we rode along my little ones debated where the exact location of Baby Moses’s basket was along the Nile.

Camel Rides and Belly Dancing

Need I say more?  I can’t think of many things sillier or more fun than climbing on a camel named Casanova with a giggling 4-year-old.   I also took an Egyptian belly dancing lesson.  I won’t be providing photographic evidence, but take my word for it: it was hysterical.

Antiquities near Luxor

For my husband and me, Karnak Temple’s massive Hypostyle Hall was jaw-dropping, eye-popping and mind-blowing.  To my daughters, it was just a fun place to run around and look at the ‘funny pictures’ on the walls (a.k.a. hieroglyphics).

I was also a bit star-struck at Valley of the Kings where we were able to actually see King Tut’s mummy in a climate controlled glass box.  My daughter was also impressed, but in a different way when she loudly remarked how wrinkly his toes were.

I’d love to return to Egypt someday—the combination of relaxation, beauty and history it has to offer is absolutely unique.   Of course I would never travel with my children to a country not advised by The US Department of State , but I hope that Egypt can find a way to quickly and peacefully resolve political issues and improve the quality of life for generations of Egyptians to come.

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February 14th, 2011 | by Julie Breitigan 3 comments