“Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realise there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” – Lao Tzu

There’s nothing like a good holiday to really recharge one’s batteries. Who wouldn’t love the idea of waking up late and spending lazy afternoons sipping sundowners on the beach? I know I would. But this time around, that fantasy would have to wait. Instead, I got nine days of non-stop flights, trekking through temples, and sailing down the Nile. Instead, I got to discover the magic of Egypt (and the undeniable efficiency of a guided tour).

Egypt is spectacular. Architectural wonders like The Pyramids and the Temple of Karnak prove once and for all that anything is possible and that we as people are so much smarter than we realise. Can you imagine how different life would be if that society had survived and prospered up to now? The modern aspects were equally impressive and somewhat surprising for a city so old. Cairo’s energy was everywhere, from the music to the fashion to the billboards all over town. It was another reminder of just how small the world is and just how connected we all are.

The experience left me feeling so grateful for all the things I have. It’s amazing how often we complain about our lives when they honestly aren’t that bad. Even though many in Egypt don’t have much “stuff”, they’re still so much happier than people back here. Only 2% of Cairo’s 15 million inhabitants live in houses with yards. But instead of letting life in apartments faze them, children come together to play in local parks. I didn’t realise how friendly they are until the trip was over and I missed their happy smiles and eager waves. Perhaps it was all an attempt to milk tourists for baksheesh; then again, they’ve got to start somewhere.

That visceral sense of community is also quite evident in other aspects of Cairo life. Even though people in Egypt drive like absolute maniacs, ignoring the few working traffic lights and constantly making up lanes, they still respect each other. And even though I found crossing the street scarier than the time I went skydiving, I loved it all the same. There’s no such thing as road rage nor does anyone really care about the occasional scratch or bump. Those things are so petty. Nobody yells or screams when they get cut off simply because they know it’ll be their turn a few seconds later. In Egypt, driving fast is about keeping things moving. Back here, it’s about getting to your destination (all of two seconds sooner) with no regard for anyone else.

South Africa has a long way to go if we plan on being ready for the 2010 World Cup. Getting through customs in Cairo was a breeze compared to the Johannesburg queue of easily over 500 people being attended to by less than 8 officials, most of whom were rude and already yawning at 9 AM. One of them even had the audacity to ask for a bribe! On the other hand, people in Egypt have mastered the art of good service and brilliant sales. They know how to make one feel welcome. Instead of sitting around and waiting for handouts, they go out and create opportunities for themselves. Some set up shop at the bazaar while others learn foreign languages just to be better guides. There’s something innately admirable about putting in an honest day of work. It’s the kind of initiative that clearly goes a long way.

(Eugene Yiga is the editor of Varsity Blah and his latest book is available free, exclusively from www.varsityblah.com/about)

So, it’s the last day of 2007. I can’t help but look back on the year with a smile on my face. My number one goal was to set up a blog and publish my book. I’m glad to report that both were achieved and have been far more successful than I ever hoped. What were your plans for 2007 and how did you do?

(Eugene Yiga is the editor of Varsity Blah and his latest book is available free, exclusively from www.varsityblah.com/about)