A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY: FROM THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA TO ROME AND GREECE

A Family Adventure

In December 2023, we embarked on a remarkable journey through Egypt, Italy, and Greece, an adventure we will cherish forever.

The Welcome in Cairo

When we landed at Cairo International Airport from Mwalimu Nyerere International airport Tanzania, a 5-hour flight, we were greeted by cool weather that felt like Europe, which was a nice change from the usual heat. A quick 6-minute drive, just 1.9 kilometers, took us to La Passage Hotel, where our Egyptian adventure started.

Exploring the Pyramids of Giza

Our adventure started with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza. The drive from La Passage Hotel in Cairo to the Giza Pyramids typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The distance is approximately 20 to 25 kilometers. While leaving our hotel, we saw the City of the Dead, a burial site where numerous graves and monumental structures are located. It often consists of above ground tombs and buildings/structures designed to house the remains of deceased individuals, reflecting the importance and reverence of the deceased in that historical or cultural context. I was amazed by the Egyptian culture and their reverence for burying their own, a tradition that has been carried on for thousands of years.

On our way to the pyramids, we passed by the River Nile, one of the longest rivers in the world. It was beautiful to see the water flowing through the land.

Now at GIZA! YAY! Our first bus stop was where food was lol, mambo yangu mimi! At the famous restaurant, the place close to the pyramids before starting our tour around them. The food was plentiful, there were many people, and everything was delicious. Observing these ancient structures up close was an amazing experience. They are so big and have been standing for thousands of years. We also saw the Sphinx, a giant statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, originally standing at 146.6 meters (481 feet) high, was constructed with precise alignment and immense skill. It consists of an estimated 2.3 million blocks of stone, each weighing between 2.5 and 15 tons.

We had a 7-year-old in our travel group, who was resilient and engaged the whole time.

Tumaini and Judith go to school and worship together. You should watch their YouTube episodes, these girls are amazing and are going to go far

The pyramids and their associated structures were designed to reflect the religious beliefs of ancient Egypt, including the worship of the sun god Ra. The shape of the pyramids, with their triangular form, was thought to symbolize the rays of the sun and was intended to help the Pharaoh ascend to the heavens.

These giant structures of Giza have influenced various aspects of culture and architecture throughout history. They have inspired countless artists, architects, and historians and they continue to be a symbol of ancient Egyptian civilization and ingenuity.

After visiting the pyramids, we went to a perfume factory, where we enjoyed the delightful scents and learned about the art of perfume making. We also had the chance to buy some of the lovely fragrances.

Later, we explored the place where the first paper in the whole world, was invented, discovering how ancient Egyptians created this crucial innovation. The material used to make the first papers in Egypt is called papyrus. Papyrus is a plant that grows along the Nile River, and the ancient Egyptians processed it to create a paper-like material for writing. The word "paper" itself is derived from "papyrus."

Yes, the first paper was invented in Egypt, and Africa has made so many important contributions to the world. From ancient inventions to rich cultures, Africa has achieved incredible things. There is truly nothing Africa cannot do!

Afterward, we returned to our hotel, ready for our flight to Rome, Italy, the following day.

In Egypt, I learned that the legacies of ancient people, whether positive or negative, have shaped history and culture In Egypt. Kama kawa, we ate at La Passage.

In Egypt, I learned that the construction of the pyramids was a massive and complex undertaking that required coordinated efforts from various skilled and unskilled individuals, hence as my life project manager; I am learning to leverage on the right skills and coordination to execute life projects.

I realized that my visualization of being in Egypt had become a reality. I learned that when you truly visualize and desire something, it can indeed come true. I was thrilled to make this dream come true in front of my daughter, my firstborn, whom I strive to be a role model for. I hope she believes in herself, trusts God, and uses visualization and hard work to achieve her goals in life. I am grateful to GOD for making it possible for me to visit one of my top dream destinations.

Discovering Rome

Next, we traveled to Italy and arrived in Rome after a 3-hour flight. At the airport, we met Katerina Nardangeli, a wonderful young woman who became our tour guide and host throughout our stay in Rome. I highly recommend her to anyone traveling to Europe for tourism. She guided us around the city, taking us to see famous landmarks like the Colosseum, where ancient Romans held gladiator fights and the stunning Basilicas. We also visited St. Peter's Cathedral, one of the most important churches in the world and explored the Cathedral Library, where we marveled at the extensive collection of religious and historical texts.

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Vatican library

We could see a lot of old books and drawings on the walls. The artwork tells stories, but I had trouble understanding what many of the drawings meant. Even though the library was so elegant, the details were too complex for me to grasp. It was clear there was a lot to learn, but it was also challenging to make sense of everything.

The four major basilicas in Rome are:

St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)-Located in Vatican City, it is one of the holiest sites in Christianity, traditionally believed to be the burial site of Saint Peter, one of Jesus's apostles and the first Pope. It is the largest church in the world and a central pilgrimage site.

St. John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano)- The Cathedral of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope. It is the oldest of the four major basilicas and is considered the mother church of all churches in the Catholic faith.

St. Paul Outside the Walls (San Paolo fuori le Mura)-Situated outside the ancient walls of Rome, this basilica is traditionally believed to be the burial place of Saint Paul the Apostle. It is one of the largest and most significant churches in Rome.

St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore)-Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it is the largest church in Rome dedicated to her. This basilica is known for its stunning mosaics and is one of the oldest churches in the city.

We visited three of the above.

Colosseum

It is a large, ancient arena where people watched events like gladiator fights and animal hunts. It was built a long time ago and could hold thousands of spectators. The Colosseum is made of strong materials with many arches. Even though it’s partly ruined now, it remains a famous symbol of ancient Rome.

Ever since I heard about this magnificent structure and saw pictures of its grandeur, I have been captivated by its history and significance. But also learning about it in church as a Master Guide and Senior Youth Leader, only deepened my fascination as I connected its past with the broader context of history and faith. Standing before this ancient marvel, I could not help but feel a profound sense of awe and gratitude

Mamertine Prison

Saint Paul was imprisoned in Rome in a place known as the Mamertine Prison. This ancient prison was located near the Roman Forum and is one of the oldest and most famous prisons in Rome. It is said that Paul was held here for a period before his trial and eventual execution. The prison consists of a series of underground cells, including a lower chamber where prisoners were kept in harsh conditions. Today, the Mamertine Prison is a historical site that visitors can explore to learn about its role in ancient Rome and its connection to early Christian history.

When I visited the Mamertine Prison in Rome, I felt uncomfortable because it was dark and the air was heavy. The conditions down there were harsh and unpleasant. I noticed coins on the ground, left by visitors as a sign of respect or to make a wish. I did not toss mine, though.

Visiting Catacombs

The catacombs in Rome are ancient underground tunnels used for burying people and early Christian worship. They are carved into the rock and have narrow passageways with shelves for graves and small chapels. These catacombs offer a look into how early Christians lived and honored their dead. Some of them are open to visitors today, letting people explore these historic sites.

Entering the catacombs, I felt very afraid due to the darkness and the lack of enough fresh air.

The following day, we packed our bags and headed off to Rome Fiumicino Airport. As I left behind the memories of my visit to Rome, the excitement of exploring her sister cities; Milan, Venice, Florence etc took the lead.

For those who know me, it is no surprise that I could not leave Rome without exploring some trails, even though it was quite cold. It was actually my hubby who suggested we go for a run and I said why not.

Hold on, hold on! Did I really just say we left Italy just like that? No way! We definitely had some authentic Italian pizza first yay! How could anyone leave Italy without tasting their pizza? After all, they are the pioneers of pizza worldwide! The pizza tasted so authentic, and it was such an amazing experience to be in Rome for the first time ever!

A Greek Adventure

Thessaloniki

After Rome, we flew to Athens, Greece, and then took a comfortable seven-hour bus ride to Thessaloniki. The journey was relaxing, and we enjoyed the beautiful views along the way. As I took in the scenery, I felt a deep connection with the natural beauty around me, which brought a sense of peace and relaxation. By focusing on the journey rather than just the destination, I was able to practice mindfulness, staying present and truly appreciating each moment. I learned that we do not need to wait for our destination to find happiness, it can be found along the way.

In Thessaloniki, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Hotel, one of the best hotels in the city. It was a great place to rest and enjoy our time.

Thessaloniki was founded by Cassander, a Macedonian general and one of Alexander the Great's successors, in 315 BC. He named the city after his wife, Thessaloniki, who was the half-sister of Alexander the Great and the daughter of King Philip II of Macedon. It is the second-largest city in Greece after Athens.

A significant landmark in Thessaloniki is the White Tower, a monument and museum located on the city's waterfront. The White Tower is a symbol of Thessaloniki and a popular tourist attraction, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea from its top. Unfortunately, we could not explore it, shame!

We stayed in Holiday in Thessaloniki, one of the best hotels in Thessaloniki. Centrally located in Thessaloniki, the hotel offers easy access to major attractions such as the White Tower, Aristotelous Square, and the vibrant Ladadika District. It is conveniently positioned near public transport and is within walking distance of many restaurants, shops, and cultural landmarks.

While in Thessaloniki, we explored places where Apostle Paul did his evangelism and we also visited one of the oldest churches in the city. We walked through the Agora, an ancient marketplace that was once the heart of the city's life.

Philippi

After Thessaloniki, we visited Philippi, where we saw the prison where Paul and Silas were locked up, and the places where Paul preached. This was a deeply moving experience as we connected with the history of early Christianity. When you are in Philippi, make sure you watch out the following sites:

Paul and Silas were put in prison in Philippi after being accused of causing trouble. This happened after they cast out a spirit from a slave girl. They were beaten and placed in the inner cell with their feet locked in stocks.

That night, Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns. Suddenly, an earthquake shook the prison, opening the doors and freeing the prisoners' chains. The jailer, thinking the prisoners had escaped, was about to kill himself but was stopped by Paul. Paul and Silas then shared their faith with the jailer, who along with his family was baptized.

The amphitheatre at Philippi was constructed during the Roman period, around the 1st century AD. It was used for various public spectacles, including gladiatorial games, theatrical performances, and other entertainment events common in Roman culture.

The Baptistery of Lydia traditionally is associated with Lydia’s baptism in Philippi, Greece. This location has become an important pilgrimage and historical site. It is an early Christian site where it is believed that Lydia was baptized. The site includes a well-preserved baptismal pool or font, reflecting the early Christian practice of baptism

Just 12 km away from the city of Kavala?next to the ancient, archaeological site of Philippi?located the place where the Apostle Paul baptized the first Christian woman in Europe - Lydia, and it was here that the first baptismal ceremony was held in Europe. Today here is the Baptistery where the christenings are held today. Lydia’s home became a gathering place for early Christians in Philippi. Her support and hospitality were crucial in the establishment of the Christian community in the city.

According to the narrative of Evangelist Luke, the Apostle Paul arrived in Philippi, the most important city in the region in the winter of the 49 - 50 AD during his first trip to Greece. He visited a place where Jews gathered on Saturdays on the banks of the Zigaktis River. Here for the first time his sermons were listened to by women, among whom was Lydia who was engaged in the sale of porphyry for the coloring of fabrics.

Source: https://kavalatour.com/en/holy-places/baptistery-of-saint-lydia

From St. Lydias Baptistery to Kavala, we took our bus to the beautiful Neaopolis/Kavala, just a few minutes from Philippi, it is almost the same place.

Neaopolis/Kavala

We then traveled to Neapolis/Kavala, notably mentioned in the New Testament. According to the Acts of the Apostles, it was the port where the Apostle Paul and his companions arrived after crossing from Troas (modern day Turkey) during his second missionary journey. From Neapolis, Paul traveled to Philippi, where he established one of the first Christian communities in Europe. The city played a role in the early spread of Christianity, with Christian communities being established and growing in the region

As I immersed myself in the exhilarating beauty of Neapolis, I was reminded of how God has created such stunning places for us to visit and appreciate. This place is truly breathtaking! The most delicious meal I had was in Neapolis, where we also took pictures by an amazing water body that the Apostle Paul arrived at.

Kavala’s Orthodox churches, including the Church of St. Nicholas, reflect the deep-rooted Christian tradition in the area and offer valuable insights into the religious and cultural history of Greece. The writings of the Church Fathers, many of whom were influenced by Paul’s teachings, are integral to Orthodox theology. Paul’s epistles and teachings significantly shaped early Christian doctrine and practice, which continue to be central to Orthodox Christianity today.

Afterward, we hurried to the International Airport in Thessaloniki, Greece, Thessaloniki Airport "Macedonia”. The airport is named after the historical region of Macedonia and serves as a key gateway to northern Greece. It handles both domestic and international flights and is located approximately 15 kilometers (about 9 miles) from the city center of Thessaloniki. The trip took us 40 minutes only on Air Aegean.

Acropolis in Athens

In Athens, we visited the Acropolis, an ancient citadel with stunning views of the city. We stayed at the Ibis Hotel for some time and enjoyed exploring more of Athens. The Acropolis was dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. The Parthenon, the most famous temple on the Acropolis, was constructed in her honor. The site was a major religious center with temples and altars dedicated to various gods and goddesses, reflecting the importance of religion in ancient Greek life.

The Acropolis is a powerful symbol of ancient Greek civilization and its contributions to democracy, philosophy, art, and architecture. It represents the enduring legacy of Athens and is a source of national pride for Greece.

Corinth

The following day, our one-hour trip from Athens to Corinth was amazing, where we saw the famous Corinth Canal, a narrow waterway that connects two seas. We even saw a spot where people do bungee jumping! Having experienced the gorge swing and zip line at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, It was a reminder to seek out extraordinary adventures wherever I am. Unfortunately, time was not on our side, so I could not take the plunge this time. However, I plan to return to Greece, so I will have another chance to try it!

In Corinth, we explored the ancient city where Paul preached and lived. Corinth is significant for its historical role as a powerful city-state, its religious importance due to its association with the Apostle Paul and early Christianity, and its cultural contributions to Greek mythology and architecture. Today, it remains a site of great interest for historians, archaeologists, and tourists.

We could see the remains of old buildings, including the temple of Apollo and the ancient marketplace.

In Corinth, we bought some olive oil, both for cooking and for skincare, before heading back to Athens. After Corinth, we passed through Cenchrea, which added another layer of historical depth to our journey as Cenchreae is mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. The Apostle Paul visited Cenchreae during his missionary travels. In Acts 18:18, it is noted that Paul left Corinth and sailed from Cenchreae. The port was significant in his journey as he traveled to other parts of the Mediterranean.

Back to Athens

After a day filled with the rich history and culture of Athens, we decided it was time to do a little shopping for the family. We wandered through the bustling streets, passing by shops filled with all sorts of treasures. Our mission was clear, find the perfect presents for our two remaining kids back home and something special for the rest of the family. With cones in hand, we enjoyed the cold, sweet treat as we continued our walk, appreciating not just the ice cream but the simple joy of the moment. It was the perfect way to end a wonderful day in Athens.

Returning Home

The next day, through Athens International Airport we flew back to Egypt for 1 hour and 45 minutes and then returned to Tanzania. Our trip was filled with incredible sights and experiences, from the ancient wonders of Egypt to the historic cities of Rome and Athens. A journey brought our family closer together and gave us memories that will last a lifetime.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to AGMA Biblical Study Tours Company for taking us to all these amazing places. Their service was truly exceptional, and their commitment to providing a God-fearing and enriching experience made our journey unforgettable. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking a meaningful and spiritually uplifting tour. You should meet Pr. Keshi, with whom we traveled, his simplicity and sense of humor are unmatched.

To Pr. Mange, Pr Lema, thank you.

All three countries were fulfilled dreams, but Egypt stood out. This incredible country, with its rich heritage and vibrant culture, continues to inspire the world, reminding us that some places are not just destinations they are journeys through the soul of humanity. My dream had come true, and I will always be grateful.

With gratitude,

Nyakorema Rioba.