As I was planning my trip to Guinea Bissau, West Africa, I was simultaneously researching and planning my trip to Egypt. I’ve always gravitated towards African culture. In 2004, while living in Las Vegas, and to the surprise of my family and friends, I legally changed my name to Queen D. Michele. The only explanation I could give was that I felt led from withIN to do so. My affinity towards anything African grew even stronger in 2009, when I joined a fraternal organization. I was already an Eastern Star, so the next logical step under the PHA family, is to become a Daughter of Isis. It’s the sister organization to the Masonic Prince Hall Shriners. I was fascinated with the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine (A.E.A.O.N.M.S) of North and South America. I rose in rank within my court to High Priestess and took to that position like a fish to water. I was surprised at the ease with which I fell into the role. In retrospect, being a Daughter of Isis, and a High Priestess in the court was all part of my spiritual journey. I developed a deep desire to visit Africa, specifically Egypt. So much so, that my first tattoo was that of Isis/Auset.
While I solidified the itinerary for Guinea Bissau, I considered the fact that I’d already be in Africa, so how far was Egypt from Guinea Bissau? As I’ve said on many occasions, “the Universe is perfect.” During my quest to answer said question (it’s an 8-hour flight), I came across, Treasures of Egypt Tours, LLC online. I viewed their website and began conversing via email with the stateside coordinator, Michele Baker. Before long I had a custom itinerary in place for my solo visit to Egypt. Once you view the itinerary you’ll completely understand when I say, my trip to Africa, starting with the first leg (Guinea Bissau) and the second leg (Egypt), organically formed My Soul’s Journey Home. The way things aligned; I was fully persuaded that this solo trip was supposed to happen, and it was going to change my life. I didn’t know how but I knew it would be impactful.
I flew international business class throughout my journey. It’s the only way one could really enjoy travel of this magnitude. Due to that business class travel status, and my layover being more than 12 hour, shuttle rides to and from the airport, an overnight hotel stay and a meal voucher were included in my travel package and provided by the airline, Egyptair. Since each country is sovereign on the continent of Africa, each country has their own money, government, laws…etc. Even though I was still in Africa the look of the money changed three different times.
I don’t remember much about the hotel except that it was plush. I had a nice view, took a great shower, ate a decent Caesar salad, and drank a tasty red wine before calling it night. I’d be up fairly early to catch the shuttle back to the airport. The flight to Cairo from Casablanca was five hours, and there was a time change as well, Cairo is one hour ahead of Casablanca.
I corresponded with my personal tour guide, Adel King (mentioned in the itinerary) regularly beginning 2 months prior to my visit. Adel is a soft-spoken businessman who often partners with the stateside coordinator to create wonderful tour experiences. He also runs his own bed and breakfast, www.pyramidsoverlookhotel.com. I decided to stay at his place, since he was going to be my personal tour guide, it just made sense. One of the best decisions I could have made. Adel has such a reassuring and calm Energy. He’s been in the touring business for many years. He answered all my questions, and I knew I would be safe with him as my personal guide. I was excited to finally meet him face to face. He told me, that the driver would be waiting for me outside the airport, to just walk straight out once I landed and obtained my visa. With Visa in hand, I headed towards the exit.
I did not check luggage throughout my entire journey to Africa. I traveled with only a carry-on, and a backpack. Adel told me my driver would ask me, “Where are you going?” and the passcode phrase that I was to respond with was, “Take me to the King.” Sometimes I love the way the Universe plays with me. The ebb and flow of my movements continue to validate alignment. So, there I was, standing outside the airport, a bit surprised about the chill in the air, but nevertheless eager and ready to give the passcode phrase. I leave you this month with the video outside the airport in Cairo, Egypt, notice how the Universe had jokes that evening, I was not a happy camper upon my arrival. Stay tuned …
