Hicks, Hipsters, Hijabs, and Hibachis

We were incredibly lucky to begin Ryan’s sabbatical trip in Cairo, Egypt.  While there we worked at the Children’s Cancer Hospital, marveled the Giza pyramids, and were invited into the lives of new friends.  It was lovely to be a part of such a special culture during such a festive time (the beginning of Ramadan) if only for a short week.  The hospitality and kindness we were given makes me want to visit again and again. A short flight away, flying into Cairo was so exciting because I was able to catch my first glimpse at a handful of ancient pyramids.  There really are so many!  I knew Cairo was a large place but really the city goes on for miles and miles.  It could easily have taken 2 hours to drive from one side to the other and the way Cairo traffic goes, it would have been one crazy adventure.  I think the entire week we were there I only say 2 stoplights.   busy Cairo streets We stayed in the city center which was full ...

Do you love vibrant reef life?   Do you enjoy delicious curries?   Have you always wanted to arrive to tropical paradise via sea plane?   If you answered yes to all of these questions then book your trip to the Maldives now!  We couldn’t have gotten any luckier finding Filitheyo Island Resort amidst the hundreds of small island resorts, which was the most daunting part of the whole trip really.  The house reef was phenomenal, the food delicious, and the atmosphere was perfectly casual.  It was the first time we didn’t want to leave an island vacation and here is why. Just a short flight away from Doha, Qatar (about 4 hours) into the middle of the Indian Ocean we landed on Male island and headed to the seaplane transfer desk.  For once in my life I was not afraid to board a plane since it was equipped for a water landing.  I know I know, it may not be the most sound logic.  After a 40ish minute ride above breathtaking ...