In a world filled with wanderlust and a thirst for adventure, there exists a traveler whose spirit knows no bounds. Accompanied by his bicycle, he embarks on distinct expeditions, traversing El-Mahrousa “Egypt” streets and traveling into foreign lands. His aims to unveil the hidden treasures and remarkable landmarks that carry within them stories rich in historical context. Through his distinguished expeditions, short video clips, and his distinctive style of telling the story, he effortlessly transports his audience to bygone eras. Yet, his narrative prowess extends far beyond that. Utilizing his pen, he documents his captivating escapades, breathing life into the narratives. This remarkable individual is Amr Selim, a 37-year-old engineer whose name has become synonymous with captivating tales of exploration.
Amr Selim talks
about his beginning
The beginning of the story was in 2018, I am a person who has a deep passion for sports, particularly cycling, and I was drawn to the idea of using a bicycle as my mode of transportation due to its environmentally friendly nature and the absence of pollution it may caused. I typically enjoyed rides in areas like Downtown or Mohandissen in Cairo, where I would spend a delightful time, having breakfast and returning home. But I discovered after that these rides were boring because the group I went with walked a short distance not exceeding four kilos.
However, one day while browsing Facebook, something caught my attention: people were embarking on cycling adventures outside of Cairo. It intrigued me because I had become accustomed to shorter rides. “So I started to search and ask how they travel outside Cairo and how they walk all of this distance with the bike” Amr added.
Amr Selim's
initial journey
During the summer, I embarked on my first journey outside Cairo, venturing to Benha Governorate alongside a group of my friends. Selim stated that, ”It was an exhilarating adventure, as we covered a distance of fifty kilometers”. We reached our destination around 10 am and indulged in a breakfast before taking a rest. In the afternoon, we made our way back to Cairo. “While this particular trip was one of the rare occasions where I traveled by bike back and forth” Amr commented. approximately 90% of my other journeys involved biking to the destination and utilizing other means of transportation for the return leg. Additionally, I preferred
The third excursion led me to Ismailia and Port Said governorates. Amr noted that “this time, I wanted to experiment with the idea of sleeping over a night outside my home”, as most of my previous journeys had been just for one day without sleeping outside my home. It's worth noting that all of these trips occurred prior to the outbreak of the Corona epidemic.
Amr shares his initial travel experiences abroad
Furthermore, I couldn't imagine the idea of traveling outside Cairo on a bicycle. The thought of traveling to places like Benha Governorate, Ismailia, Al-Wahat, Hurghada, Morsi Matrouh, Luxor, and Aswan solely by bike seemed unimaginable.
“The significant difference was that this journey would be an international one, offering the opportunity to witness sights that were previously unseen” Amr added.
Two years ago, I had booked a flight ticket to Jordan as the option of traveling by ship wasn't available to tourists. It marked my first-ever bike journey across Egypt's borders. Besides that, the natural terrain in Jordan was challenging, particularly due to the exhausting mountains. Walking a continuous 30-kilometer by bike became difficult, especially considering the scorching heat of June.
Nevertheless, the journey held numerous unique and captivating aspects. Such as El-Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, as well as various shrines dedicated to prophets and companions. Amr said that, ”It was a trip that brought me immense joy, and I decided to document it in my book”.
Additionally, I fulfilled my long-held dream of visiting Mecca and Medina by bike, as I traveled to Saudi Arabia at the end of 2023.
Stepping into History through videos
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and we found ourselves confined to our homes for an extended period, boredom began to take hold. Selim stated that, “During this time an idea sprung to mind: why not embark on bike trips to visit tourist sites and create short videos illustrating their history?”. I shared this idea with a friend of mine, and she embraced it wholeheartedly.
My first step was to film videos showcasing various palaces in Egypt, including Abdin Palace, Al-Menastirly Palace, and the Baron Palace. I also captured videos for mosques such as the Amr Ibn Al-Aus Mosque, the Mosque of Sayyidna Al-Hussein, and the Al-Azhar Mosque, as well as videos highlighting some of various museums.
However, due to the closure of these places due to the pandemic, I could only speak about them from outside their gates. This experience prompted me to become more interested in tourism, and also “motivated me to seek out lesser-known destinations that people typically overlook, such as the Saqqara pyramid” Amr Selim said. I also learned from some individuals about a shrine called Suleiman Pasha in Zahraa Al Maadi and an obelisk in Al-Matareya. From here I started searching and collecting information on every shrine and going to visit it.
His trip within
writing books
At first, the idea of documenting my travels through writing captured my attention. “I recognized the enduring nature of books, unlike videos that might vanish over time” Selim noted that. Additionally, I understood that there is a group of individuals who prefer reading over photos and videos.
As I realized that I had undertaken around 20 trips within Cairo during this period, the notion of compiling these experiences into a book became more compelling. Amr stated that “I saw it as an opportunity to create something memorable and lasting”.
I have already published my first book titled "Rahal Al-Mahrousa." This book delves into Egyptian tourist destinations, encompassing Pharaonic and Islamic sites, mosques, and museums, as well as explorations of Cairo's streets to uncover its history and the origins of their names.
Another book I wrote is called "Cairo Amman." I chose this title for its simplicity and uniqueness, as it represents the journey I undertook from Cairo to Amman. Moreover, the book cover features an image of a bicycle, giving readers a glimpse into my bike travel experience. Additionally, I authored the books "Journey to the South" and "Diary of a Traveler.
Moreover, Travel has had a profound impact on me, instilling a sense of organization and the ability to let go of unnecessary possessions. Furthermore, it has also taught me patience and resilience, reassuring me that I can ultimately achieve my dreams. Also, I believe it is crucial for individuals to confront their fears head-on, rather than being afraid of the unknown.
“I want to say that it is through acquiring knowledge and gaining firsthand experience that we can overcome our fears” Amr Selim pointed out that.