Last week, I ventured to Egypt with Global Traveler CEO/publisher Francis X. Gallagher for meetings and some sightseeing prior to our visit to Dubai. We had specific time blocks open, and one excursion I could not miss was the ever-classic and ancient pyramids of Giza.

We had the pleasure of enjoying a personalized tour of the majestic wonders by Walid El Batouty, Egyptologist and counsellor to the Ministry of Tourism. He took us through the entranceway to the pyramids and walked us up to the entrance of what would be an exciting challenge, climbing the inside of the Great Pyramid.

He pre-warned Fran and me of the tight spaces, low ceilings and steep incline. We entered and began our journey. The initial entrance is of average height, permitting one to casually walk inside. Then the walkway’s ceilings become narrow in height and width. Progressing up and inward, we began a climb with metal railings and wooden-boarded walkways up to the top.

Once at the top, it was a dark chamber where a tomb once remained; it was so moving and inspiring to be inside such a worldwide landmark of such an engineering marvel.

We made our way down the way we came and moved on to an outer edge of the compound of pyramids to reveal an open, glorious view. There were vendors selling trinkets and small items to remember Egypt by, and the area was surrounded by camels. This is where I met Mickey Mouse.

No, I was not at Disney; this was my camel’s name! I not-so-gracefully mounted the camel and up I went. What a thrill! When riding a camel, it is easy to feel uneasy, as it seems physics would not be in your favor when it comes to tall legs and small body balancing a human on the back, but he was wonderful.

Looking around at the desert, I paused for a moment and took a deep breath. What an amazing experience to see what I had that day. The mystery of the pyramids makes one wonder, gaze and pause. It is an experience I recommend to everyone. If you have not added this to your bucket list, I recommend doing so!

— Stephanie Makowski, account executive