What a way to wrap up the biggest writing project of the Cairo semester! On Wednesday, we met Ariel at the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square, where everyone gave a 10-minute presentation on their chosen artifact. From the stela with Roman, Egyptian, and Nubian elements to decorated leather dog collars, from an inlaid wooden Anubis mask to delicate ivory magic wands, each student shared their detective-style findings, the result of weeks of research in libraries and partner institutes across Cairo. We dove into a wide range of Egyptological topics, discovered surprising connections, and sparked fresh questions and ideas for future projects. By the time we finished presenting, the group had literally made its way in a full circle around the museum. That was not a surprise at all, since this space will continue to inspire our curiosity and fuel our academic journeys long after this semester.

In the evening, the group came together once more for a special Ramadan night celebration and iftar walk, immersing ourselves in local traditions while exploring some of the most iconic sights of Old Cairo. The streets were alive with lantern decorations and the buzz of families and friends gathering to break the fast. At dinner, we were greeted by a delightful surprise: our names had been handwritten in beautiful Arabic calligraphy and placed on different tables. What an unexpected test of our beginner Arabic skills! There was a brief moment of confusion as everyone tried to match the elegant script to their own names, but it quickly turned into a fun challenge. Drawing on what we had learned in class with our tutor, Khawla, and with a bit of help from the Arabic-speaking students from NVIC, everyone eventually found their seats.

The evening became a lively space for cross-cultural exchange. We, the Egyptian archaeology students, had the chance to get to know the other bright and curious NVIC students, share reflections on our time in Egypt, and compare experiences inside and outside the classroom. Between conversations, laughter, and generous servings of local dishes, the Iftar offered not only a taste of Egyptian cuisine, but also a meaningful moment of connection and community. At night, we were invited to a sensory feast: the plucking of strings and the beat of drums filled the air as local musicians treated us to a mesmerizing performance of historic music and timeless Egyptian songs.

As all good things must come to an end, we gathered on the NVIC rooftop the following evening for a farewell party. The wind was picking up, but spirits were high as we surprised Ariel with a farewell gift: a framed photograph from the very first field trip to Giza, our signatures filling the back of the frame like a mosaic of memories. Our director, Marleen, also joined the celebration, and the rooftop soon filled with laughter as we launched into a playful quiz that revisited the entire Cairo Semester with its experiences, stories, and running jokes. When the question “How much time did we spend petting animals?” flashed onto the screen, we didn’t hesitate for a second. The answer came in a joyful chorus: “No number of pets is enough!” We will surely leave Cairo missing the lively animals that seem to appear at every corner of the city, but even more than that, we will miss the intense past weeks spent side by side learning, growing, leaning on one another, and immersing ourselves in the rich and complex cultural fabric of Egypt. Everyone took a moment to share their favourite sites from the past two months. The conversation flowed on and on, stubbornly defying the growing chill of the night air, as if no one wanted to be the first to admit that this chapter was closing. 

We wish our students fair winds and bright horizons as they carry Cairo with them into whatever comes next. May the friendships forged, the questions asked, and the wonders witnessed here continue to shape their journeys long after we have left this chapter behind.

Freya Ziyan Lu