Egypt, Uganda, Belgium and Germany August

VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/kzh_kEWB6bE?si=rOKpOllxl5O3BMDj

Summary!

Egypt, Gorillas & Europe: A Wild Ride Across Continents

Our recent adventure took us through Egypt, Uganda, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany — a trip packed with history, wildlife, culture, and a few unexpected twists along the way.

Egypt: Ancient Wonders & Organized Chaos

We kicked off the journey in Cairo, Egypt, as part of a Viking cruise. The itinerary included two days on land, followed by a seven-day cruise down the Nile, and then a couple more days back on land.

Cairo is a city that never sleeps — over 20 million people bustling in a space built for about half that. It’s chaotic, noisy, and full of life. Alcohol is scarce due to the predominantly Muslim population, but you’ll see people smoking hookahs everywhere.

We visited the famous pyramids just outside the city — including the largest pyramid in the world — and then flew down to Luxor to explore more temples, ruins, and tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Our guide, Hazem, spoke excellent English and helped bring the ancient history to life.

The cruise itself was a bit dull — mostly older guests, not much energy, but everyone was friendly. My wife leaned more toward solitude, so we played a balancing act between socializing and enjoying quiet time. The boat was small and cozy, with a balcony that we appreciated. The food was decent, and there was a small coffee station in the morning. Entertainment was underwhelming — think piano music in a brightly lit lounge that closed early. Not exactly a party boat.

Shopping stops in local towns were more about the experience than actual purchases — we were warned not to buy anything, as it would invite a swarm of persistent vendors. The novelty wore off quickly. Oh, and it was hot — over 100°F every day, with highs reaching 115°F during a heat wave. After a few days, we were more than ready to move on.

One odd quirk in Egypt: tipping bathroom attendants everywhere — cash only, and the bathrooms weren’t exactly luxurious.

Uganda: Gorillas, Mud, and Magic

After the cruise, we flew to Uganda for a bucket-list experience — gorilla trekking. Getting there was a bit of an ordeal. We missed a connecting flight and ended up waiting at the airport for hours, but they let us hang in the first-class lounge, so we made the most of it.

Eventually, we boarded a small plane (a little sketchy-looking but safe), then hopped in a van for a long, bumpy ride to the gorilla sanctuary. The lodge we stayed at was beautiful — a treehouse-style setup just minutes from the trekking start point.

Each morning started early with coffee and breakfast, followed by a somewhat noisy pre-trek gathering where locals sang (loudly) in hopes of donations. It was a lot before 7 a.m., but good spirits all around.

The treks were incredible. On the first day, it took a few hours to find a gorilla family. You’re escorted by guides with rifles (just in case), and once you reach the gorillas, masks go on. We got fairly close and took tons of photos.

Day two was even better — it rained, making the trek challenging and authentic. We were bushwhacking with machetes through thick jungle. But the reward? An unforgettable encounter: pregnant gorillas, a mating pair, babies, and yes, even one mid-defecation. Nature in all its glory. The group was great, except for one American woman who complained the entire time — “too hard,” “not in the brochure,” etc. There’s always one.

Dinner back at the lodge was excellent, and while the wine wasn’t anything to write home about, it was a nice touch. The next day, we caught a direct overnight flight to Brussels.

Belgium, Luxembourg & Germany: Castles and Cars

We landed in Brussels and immediately drove to Bruges — a beautiful town with a Venice-like charm, friendly people, and rich history. Narrow streets made navigating to our hotel a bit stressful (yes, I scraped the car), but once settled, we loved it. Great restaurants, a fascinating walking tour, and a city we’d absolutely revisit.

Next, we toured the Battle of the Bulge area with a guide named Roby — a highlight for any history buff. Afterward, we spent a night in Luxembourg, explored the city the following day, and continued on to Heidelberg, Germany.

Heidelberg was scenic, with a picturesque castle and quaint riverside setting, but didn’t leave a strong impression. If we were to return to this region, we’d prioritize Bruges and Luxembourg over Heidelberg.

Munich & The BMW Letdown

Our final stop was Munich, where we joined a BMW driving experience — supposedly a big surprise finale to the trip. Unfortunately, it was mostly a sales pitch. They ran out of cars, it rained, and snow in the forecast meant we couldn’t head into the mountains. Instead, we drove in bumper-to-bumper traffic and visited a coffee beanery.

The final dinner was a fancy affair, but again, more pitch than celebration. We did get to tour the main BMW factory, which was interesting. They even showcased a car with a velour exterior — definitely unique. But the event lacked the “wow” factor they promised. By the end, most of us were just eager to catch the first bus back to the hotel.

The next day, we flew out of Munich. Airport staff weren’t exactly warm and welcoming, and overall, Munich didn’t leave us eager to return.

Back in Boston, we grabbed the car and headed home — tired but grateful for the experience.

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