The Art of a Trip To Egypt
My whole life, since seeing the King Tut exhibit in Los Angeles when I was 12, I have wanted to visit Egypt. I will be going in November 2026. What is it about their history that is so appealing and mystical? My daughters and I memorized the seven wonders of the ancient world when they were in junior high school. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only wonder still standing today; the other six have been lost to time. The list included: The Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, and the Colossus of Rhodes, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria. The fact that the Great Pyramid is still standing is a testament to the ingenuity of Egyptian engineering.
When I think of Egypt, I think of pyramids, camels, the Sphinx, and King Tut. However, I had an art history teacher who romanticized the experience of visiting Egypt. He said to take a boat down the Nile River, close your eyes, listen to the wind through the reeds, and realize this is one of the most ancient sounds.
Ancient Egypt’s art contributions are monumental. Their art focused on symbolism, eternity, and functionality. The massive pyramids, intricate tombs, hieroglyphs, and sculptures all serve as vessels for spirits and balance and order. Also, the divine connection that influenced later cultures. In America, we see echoes of Egyptian influence in the Obelisk in D.C. and in the Art Deco style.
I heard rumors that the Sphinx’s nose was blown off by a cannon when Napoleon was there in 1798, trying to disrupt British trade routes to India, conquer territory, and explore the region’s culture. It was rumored that his troops were bored one day and pointed the cannon at the nose of the Sphinx, and off it went. Or was it the erosion of time? I will find out.
As a Californian, I don’t live with ancient artifacts or buildings older than about 100 years. How amazing it must be for the Egyptians to grow up and live amongst art and artifacts that are over 4600 years old. What a culture, and so looking forward to experiencing the sounds and art of Egypt!