Chaos in Cairo
Chaos in Cairo: A Twist of Fate
It’s funny how the universe works. Looking back, if certain events hadn’t unfolded the way they did, I probably wouldn’t be living in New Zealand today. I’m not even sure if I’d be a mother—or at least not the mother of my three boys. Life has a way of throwing us into unexpected currents, doesn’t it?
This story has been 21 years in the making, and even now, it’s not easy to write. But to share it, I have to start at the beginning.
The Start of Something New
In February 2002, I left England to embark on a new chapter in my life. My plan was to work as an ICU nurse in Boston, USA. While waiting for logistics to unfold, my restless spirit took over. I sold my house, my car, and with a bit of spare change in my pocket, decided to travel.
Initially, my dream was to journey across the world, but after the events of September 11, 2001, I had to rethink my Middle Eastern travel plans. I began instead in Southeast Asia, spending five life-changing weeks exploring, making lifelong friends, and experiencing life in a way I never imagined.
From there, my adventures took me across Asia, Europe, Morocco, and eventually the Middle East. It was a whirlwind, an endless stream of breathtaking views and unexpected encounters. But as fate would have it, my journey was about to take a wild turn I could never have anticipated.
A Day in the Heat of Cairo
Dear Diary,
Day 38 in the Middle East, and it was another scorcher. What was I thinking traveling through the Middle East in the height of summer? I woke up late, finally found breakfast, and decided to wander down to the bustling Khan el-Khalili markets. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular—just browsing, soaking in the chaos and charm of Cairo.
I ended up being “adopted” by a would-be tout trying to hustle a commission off me. But after weeks of traveling, I’d developed a knack for spotting these types. Strangely enough, I found myself in a tiny shop getting a henna tattoo on my foot while listening to this man’s life story. And all the while, I could sense his motives went beyond simply selling souvenirs. Needless to say, I made my escape.
Then, I literally bumped into another Egyptian man. Let’s call him “Fate.” He asked me if I was lost (ha, no chance of that, mate!). We ended up walking and chatting, and he asked where I was from. I told him Brighton, which was easier to explain than the small seaside town I grew up in. He said he had a best friend married to an Englishwoman in Brighton and shared quirky anecdotes about the place. Before I knew it, we had a connection.
Off the Beaten Path
What began as a casual chat somehow turned into an impromptu adventure. Soon, we were sharing stories over beers on a terrace, then arranging a camel ride around the Giza pyramids—at night, no less. I found myself chatting with Bedouin keepers, foreign archaeologists, and marveling at the magic of the pyramids under the stars.
And then things got even crazier. I was on a bus to Alexandria with this man I’d known for all of six hours. It was a wild, bumpy ride, full of blaring music and the curious stares of traveling Egyptians. A very English woman and an Egyptian man heading north together—an odd sight, to be sure.
Alexandria was a whirlwind. We spent a few surreal, wonderful days by the sea. It wasn’t love, but there was an undeniable connection—something deeper, almost otherworldly. It felt like meeting someone from a past life.
The Goodbye That Wasn’t
As with all adventures, this one had to end. Or so I thought. On the last day, we took the bus back to Cairo, and he dropped me at the airport for my flight to Nairobi. It was one of those long goodbyes where you feel certain you’ll meet again someday.
But life had other plans. At the airport, I realized I’d missed my flight—it had been scheduled the day before. Panic set in. What now? I walked out of that airport intending to rearrange my travel plans. Instead, I spent the next year living in Cairo, working, and almost marrying the man I had literally bumped into in the streets.
The Lessons in Chaos
The year I spent in Cairo was one of the most profound chapters of my life. It was beautiful, messy, thrilling, and heartbreaking. I learned about survival—what drives people to hustle and scam, and how to see through it. I learned how to trust my instincts, to recognize authenticity in a world full of illusions.
There were hard truths, too. I eventually found out he hadn’t been honest about his name or certain parts of his life. Yet, through all the chaos, I emerged stronger, more aware of who I was and what I wanted. And though it didn’t end as a fairytale, it was a story that shaped the woman I am today.
To Be Continued
This chapter of my life deserves more than a single blog post. Perhaps one day, I’ll write it all down in a book—the good, the bad, and the very ugly. For now, I carry the lessons, the memories, and the gratitude for the twists and turns that brought me here.
Who knows? Without Cairo, I might never have found my way to New Zealand, my three boys, or the life I live today. Sometimes, chaos isn’t just chaos—it’s destiny.
Your Journey Awaits
If you’ve ever felt like life’s chaos has thrown you off course, know this: there’s always a way to find meaning and growth in the mess. Together, we can uncover the lessons hidden in your story and guide you toward the clarity and confidence you deserve.
Let’s connect:
👉 Book a Free Discovery Call
