I travelled widely in the Middle East from a young age, falling in love with the art, culture and people. This led me to study an Undergraduate degree in Classics, focusing on Roman Syria, followed by a Masters in Islamic Art and Architecture. During both of these degrees I lived for prolonged periods in both Egypt and Tunisia, becoming intimately familiar with the region.
My passion for Egypt has led me to work with Audley, combining my academic knowledge of the region鈥檚 history with my first-person experiences to give our clients an experience tailored to their interests. I'm eager to share my tips and stories from glamorous restaurants in Cairo, to romantic Alexandrian bars steeped in the history of this former literary metropolis, to the most important exhibits to see in the museums around the country.
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Q&A with Gabriel
What's your most vivid travel memory?
While sunbathing on the beautiful Red Sea beaches of the Sinai Peninsula is the usual draw to the area, I convinced my friends to join me in hiking to the peak of Mount Sinai. Ascending under starlight and reaching the peak for the sunrise over the surrounding mountains was breathtaking. We then descended to the Church of St. Catherine鈥檚 to have a private tour of its collections. Regardless of my sleep deprived state after the night of hiking, this was one of the greatest collections I've ever seen.
Where would you love to travel next?
Having visited all the North African countries other than Libya and Algeria, these are two clear omissions to fill. Sadly, the current geopolitical situation makes Libya untenable, and so Algeria is the obvious candidate for my next trip. This geographically and historically diverse country has been brought to life in my imagination through the writings of Albert Camus and Frantz Fanon, inspiring me to explore it for myself.
Which book, film or artwork captures Egypt the most?
I am drawn to the diverse works of the Egyptian artist Mahmoud Sa鈥檌d, encapsulating Egyptian life from landscapes to portraiture. I first came across his work during a 2022 Christie鈥檚 auction, and was captivated by the warm tones and naturalistic forms of his landscapes and portraiture. His landscape Le Nil à Luxor, in particular, sparked countless pleasant memories for me of my Nile cruises and the lush vistas one passes on the banks of the river.