Week 8: 23–27 February 2025

And just like that, our final week in Cairo had arrived.

After the whirlwind of the Garden X conference, Sunday was a day of well-earned rest for most of us. Some woke up by noon, while others spent the morning darting between Cairo’s many institutes and cafés, frantically working on their upcoming museum presentations and papers.

Monday followed a similar pattern—heads buried in books, laptops open, caffeine levels dangerously high—but the evening brought a welcome change: an engaging lecture by Sameh Iskander at ARCE, offering fresh insights into the ancient landscape of Abydos.

Then came Tuesday—our long-awaited trip to the Fayum! After multiple postponements, our anticipation was sky-high, and let me tell you, it was worth every second of the wait. The adventure began with a battle against a relentless sandstorm—no doubt conjured by Yasi’s good friend, Seth. With sand whipping around us, we climbed towering dunes, feeling like true desert explorers. Eventually, we sought shelter inside a temple, where Yasi masterfully guided us through the history and significance of Karanis.

After dusting ourselves off (to little effect), we set off for our next stop—lunch. And not just any lunch, but a well-deserved feast at the Ibis Restaurant. The view alone was worth the visit, but the food? Absolute perfection. Deciding what to order proved to be a challenge—especially for yours truly—but Marleen made things easier with a simple promise: we could return later for coffee and cake. And oh, what a meal it was! One of the best roasted tomato soups we’d ever tasted, followed by a hearty main course that left us questioning our ability to move. But move we did, as we embarked on our next mission—hunting for the perfect piece of Fayum pottery. One shop led to another, our wallets growing lighter and our bags heavier, until we finally decided we had done enough damage.

With our prized souvenirs in tow, we made good on Marleen’s promise and headed back to Ibis for a much-needed sugar boost. As we settled into the drive back to Cairo, our bodies exhausted but our spirits high, we reflected on the day’s adventures. The sandstorm, the dunes, the history, the feast, the hunt for pottery—every moment had been an experience to remember. And as we finally arrived back, one thing was certain: a hot, long shower had never sounded so appealing

Wednesday was a big day—our long-awaited museum presentation! We proudly showcased the (preliminary) results of our research, covering everything from ancient bread and a silver waterskin to Predynastic artefacts and a delightful faience hippopotamus statuette. With topics as varied as our experiences in Egypt, the presentations were a fantastic way to reflect on everything we’d learnt. Some of us even treated ourselves to a few new books from the bookstore—because when in Cairo, one can never have too many!

The evening was supposed to include a lecture at the IFE, but Mayke, Agnieszka, Lisa, and Riccardo, already halfway there, had to turn back upon discovering that it had been postponed until April—a disappointing twist, but also the perfect excuse to kick off our goodbye party early.

We gathered at the NVIC, embracing our Dutch roots by sitting in a circle, indulging in delicious Egyptian food, and sharing our favourite memories. From the pyramids at Dashur to the Coptic Church at Dendera and the magic of Deir el-Medina, every place held a special meaning for someone. The highlight of the night? A surprise for Marleen—a photo album filled with pictures and personal stories from all her Cairo semesters since 2015. As it turned out, she had a surprise for us too—thoughtful gifts to ensure we’d always carry a piece of Egypt with us.

Thursday marked the first goodbyes, as Lisa and Agnieszka boarded their flights home. For the rest of us, the day was a frantic whirlwind of packing—stuffing suitcases to the brim, sitting on them to force the zips closed, and, for some, making a last-minute dash outside to buy an extra bag just to fit all our souvenirs. Who knew we had bought so many? But no amount of packing could prepare us for the hardest part—saying goodbye. After weeks of unforgettable experiences, countless adventures, and way too much sand in our shoes, parting ways felt unreal. Yet, as we hugged, laughed, and maybe got a little misty-eyed, we knew this wasn’t truly goodbye. Whether in Leiden, Leuven, Cairo, or some unexpected corner of the world, our paths will cross again.

To Marleen, the NVIC, and, of course, Egypt—thank you. For the knowledge, the friendships, the challenges, and the memories that will last a lifetime. Egypt, you will always have a piece of our hearts!

Samantha Grimbergen