Back in November 2009, I set off on my very first travel agent trip — an exciting journey to Egypt with Estravel, my dream job of being a travel consultant with the Estonian biggest and most well-known travel agency. The goal of the trip was simple but thrilling: explore the resorts and hotels of Hurghada so we could better advise our clients dreaming of Red Sea holidays. But, as often happens with travel, the trip turned into so much more than just research.
Hurghada welcomed us with warm desert air, vivid blue sea, and that unmistakable mix of chaos and charm that only Egypt can offer. Each day was filled with resort visits — walking through grand hotel lobbies, checking out pools that seemed to blend right into the sea, and seeing rows of sunbeds just waiting for Northern European travelers escaping winter. Between the scheduled visits, we managed to soak in some real Red Sea magic: turquoise water, coral reefs shimmering under the sun, and the golden light that makes even the desert feel alive.
But the absolute highlight — the memory that still gives me goosebumps — was our day trip to Luxor. Standing among the colossal statues of the pharaohs felt like stepping straight into a history book.
The Valley of the Kings, the ancient temples, and most memorably, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari — it all felt surreal. The scale, the silence, the thousands of years of history surrounding us — it truly was the visit of a lifetime.
The Temple of Hatshepsut especially left a lasting impression. Its perfect symmetry rising from the desert against the stark limestone cliffs felt almost otherworldly. I remember the stillness in the air and the way the sun reflected off the pale stone, giving the whole scene a golden glow. Learning that this magnificent temple was built for one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs — a woman who ruled with vision and strength thousands of years ago — made it even more powerful. It felt like standing in the presence of something timeless, both majestic and deeply human.
This journey was special in so many ways. It wasn’t only my first work trip as a travel agent — it was also my first time setting foot on the African continent, and so far, the only one. There was something powerful about realizing I was standing in Africa, surrounded by ancient wonders I had only ever seen in books and documentaries.
Another unforgettable experience was taking a short cruise along the Nile River with my fellow travel agents. Gliding over the calm waters as the sun began to set, we watched palm trees and small villages drift by, the life of Egypt unfolding quietly along the riverbanks. Fishermen waved, children played by the shore, and the desert faded into a soft pink horizon. Sharing that peaceful moment on one of the world’s most legendary rivers — with friends who shared the same love of travel — felt magical. It was one of those rare times when work, friendship, and pure wonder all blended together.
We travel agents were hard at work — clipboards in hand, cameras ready, and notebooks quickly filling with details about room categories, beach quality, restaurant options, and guest impressions. It was “work,” yes, but of the best kind — done in the most sublime sunshine, surrounded by palm trees and the sound of gentle waves. We compared notes on which resorts felt cozy, which ones felt luxurious, and which ones we’d personally recommend to families or couples. It was hands-on learning at its finest, and there was something satisfying about knowing that each observation would later help someone plan their dream holiday.
Looking back now, Hurghada 2009 wasn’t just a professional milestone — it was the spark that deepened my love for travel itself. It taught me that every destination has layers: the hotels and brochures show one side, but the heart of a place reveals itself only when you wander a little further.
And now, sixteen years later, I’m manifesting a return to Egypt. This time, not for hotel inspections or note-taking — but to stand in awe before the pyramids of Giza, and to finally explore the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to treasures that have waited millennia to be seen. I can already picture it: the golden light over the desert, the timeless calm of the Nile, and me — once again, wandering in wonder through the land of pharaohs.
Hurghada and Luxor will always hold a special place in my memory — the first glimpse of Africa, and the beginning of a lifelong curiosity for the world.
