When in Egypt.

"I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world." ~ Socrates

What more fitting way to begin my first travel blog than a quote from my favorite philosopher. I have never been outside of the United States and, like many other people, I have always wanted to travel. My long love for other cultures led me to choose a major in college that would, hopefully, allow me to travel. الحمد لله (thankfully), I was led towards Middle Eastern studies, an interest--I'll admit--that dates back to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Being only in high school at the time, I had very little idea of what was truly going on. A wonderful teacher I had the privelege to have introduced me to Islam and a small introduction to the Middle East.

In college, Middle Eastern studies changed from an interest to a major, and Arabic followed. My determination to excell in the language led me to find a scholarship at my university that would allow me to study abroad.

And here I am. In less than three weeks, I'll be in Egypt--June 4 to July 28. It is my hope to document my travels (and keep in contact with loved ones) through this blog. إن شاء الله (God willing), things will go well. I hope this will not be my last trip.