If you want to feel young, go to Egypt!
I used to shun Road Scholar when it was called Elder Hostel because I did not consider myself an “elder” nor would I ever stay in a hostel. Hats off to whomever did the rebranding! Once it became Road Scholar, I was willing to consider the program.
My husband and I went on our first organized tour this year Road Scholar Beyond the Pharoahs: Egypt Past and Present.
In my group the average age was 71. But don’t call us Road Scholars Old Scholars. We are people with vast life experience and an endless thirst for knowledge. The program included six lectures by Egyptian experts. Even though the talks were at 6 p.m. after an exhausting day of sightseeing, there was nearly 100 percent attendance.
There are two great features of Egypt for boomers.
First is the ridiculous antiquity of everything. How can you feel old when you learn that Ramses II was born in 1300 BC, and that the Temple of Luxor is 3423 years old? You get younger every day in Egypt.
Second-the Egyptians believed you can take it with you. So, if you are wrestling with what to do with your stuff, start building an underground tomb today. The Egyptians not only took their gold and jewels, but they also included a servant or two to help them in the afterlife, and their favorite cats to keep them company.
We saw The Great Pyramid, the only surviving of Seven Wonders of the World, the Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum of Art which holds the treasures of King Tut, and that was the first day. Egypt has so many wonders that you feel like you are adding a new scoop of ice cream to a cone every day. Just when you think you won’t see anything more amazing than the Temple of Karnak, you’ll be beyond amazed at the Valley of the Kings.
For those of you who don’t plan to take it with you, Egypt is the place to be spendy. Fifty Turkish pounds are the equivalent of just under one dollar. Credit card use is ill advised at bazaars, but you’ll have no trouble throwing cash around.
Don’t be afraid to throw Egypt into your Boomer Bucket List. You will be fully protected. You will feel amazement. And you may even feel young.
Margo Warren lives in Bethesda, MD MargoOnthego.blogspot.com
