Journeying across Egypt, a land that has shaped civilization and built empires, offered the channel Gano Did It a perspective on its staggering complexity, moving from the hurried pace of Cairo to the historically rich southern region known by some as the "black side of Egypt". The expedition began in Cairo, encompassing visits to the pyramids, local markets, the first mosque ever built in Egypt, and traveling west to Siwa Oasis near the Libyan border. The journey culminated in Aswan, Luxor, and the coastal town of Hurghada, offering a comprehensive look at the country. The host of Gano Did It, approaching the country with a mindset shaped by studying the Quran and the stories of Moses and Pharaoh, described Egypt as a place that always "felt larger than life".
Upon arrival in Aswan, the noise and rush of Cairo disappeared, and the atmosphere instantly slowed down, presenting an entirely different Egypt. Aswan, which is in the southern part of Egypt and home to one of the oldest cultures in Africa, is characterized by its immediate and vibrant colors: the bright blue of the Nile, the golden sand dunes, the Nubian houses, and traditional boats. The host took a quiet stroll along the Aswan Corniche to soak in the atmosphere, noting the breeze from the Nile and the boats drifting by.
To fully grasp ancient Egypt, Gano Did It first explored Nubia, considered one of the oldest African civilizations whose story begins right along the Nile River. Nubians were among the first settlers of the Nile Valley, and their culture, language, and traditions shaped the earliest foundations of civilization in the region. Aswan was historically viewed as the "door" between Africa and Egypt, serving as the passage for people carrying gold, ivory, and silver from sub-Saharan Africa into Egypt. After Egypt retreated from Lower Nubia, a new Nubian power, the Kingdom of Kush, emerged. Nubian kings eventually conquered and united the Nile Valley, creating Egypt's 25th dynasty, known as the era of the Black Pharaohs, bringing stability, spirituality, and monumental architecture back to Egypt. Though this golden age ended with the Assyrian invasion, the Nubians withdrew back to Sudan, where they continued their powerful civilization for centuries, building pyramids that still stand today. The host noted that there are more pyramids in Sudan than in Egypt.
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A ride to the Nubian village, documented by Gano Did It, was described as "incredibly scenic," featuring brightly painted houses and unmistakable Nubian architecture. Homes were painted in blues, yellows, and pinks, featuring doorway symbols passed down through generations and domed roofs designed to keep the houses cool in the desert heat. Nubians speak their own language, one of the oldest spoken languages in Africa. The host visited a small but lively market, buying handmade crafts, spices like cinnamon and black cumin, woven baskets, jewelry, and traditional fabrics. The host also learned that the construction of the Aswan High Dam by Egypt caused water levels to rise and cover some Nubian villages, forcing some Nubian populations to relocate.
From Aswan, a four-hour train ride led north to Luxor, the center of ancient Egypt and home to the world's greatest concentration of Pharaonic history. Luxor, known in ancient times as Thebes, was the city of the gods and the capital during the empire's golden age, serving as the center of religion, politics, wealth, and royal power. The host prayed Juma at a mosque in the center of Luxor, noting that the Luxor Temple stood right next to it. The massive Karnak Temple, the largest religious structure ever built by human hands, was expanded over 2,000 years by more than 30 pharaohs. The host was astonished by the size of the pillars, which made him "feel insignificant" and small. Karnak, built for the gods, is connected to Luxor Temple (built for the pharaohs to be crowned and prove their divine right to rule) by a long avenue of sphinxes, where grand festival processions took place.
One of the most magical experiences of the entire trip and a recommended "bucket list activity" was a hot air balloon ride over Luxor at sunrise, which provided the best colors and views of ancient Egypt from above. This ride offered a view of the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of Luxor, described as a "hidden cemetery carved into the desert mountains". Pharaohs stopped building pyramids because they attracted too many grave robbers and instead dug more than 60 royal tombs into the ground, filling them with artwork, sacred texts, treasures, and spiritual maps to guide the king into the afterlife.
The journey concluded with a four-hour bus ride to Hurghada, a beautiful coastal town on the Red Sea. Hurghada is a resort town known for its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, offering a "totally different experience" of Egypt—a place for swimming, relaxing, and diving, far from the pyramids and temples. The host observed that the atmosphere in Hurghada is laid-back, taking things slowly, and noted a European influence, with many Russians and Germans having businesses there. The Red Sea has some of the richest marine life in the entire world. Gano Did It went scuba diving, a first-time experience, and described seeing the magnificent colors and fish moving in harmony as "just magical". The feeling underwater was peaceful, where the only sound heard was the diver's own breath.
