Dispatches
June 2023
Field notes from around the world , created for O . A . T .’ s Sir Edmund Hillary Club members
PUBLISHER Harriet R . Lewis
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Laura Chavanne
CORRESPONDENTS Katina Ahling Madilyn Amico Lane Atteridge John Bregoli Bob Hammerling Megan Mullin John Thomason Ethan Webb Sarah West
MANAGING DESIGNER Marcos Paulo Campos
PHOTO EDITORS Sarah Fitzpatrick Meredith Gausch Madison McConkey
PRODUCTION MANAGER Erin Aitken
PROJECT MANAGER Sarah Amer Melissa Scanlon
Story ideas , manuscripts , photos , artwork , and other contributions are welcomed and should be mailed to
Editor , c / o Dispatches Overseas Adventure Travel 347 Congress Street Boston , MA 02210
or emailed to editordispatches @ oattravel . com
So that we may properly credit you , please include your name , address , phone number , and number of times you have traveled with O . A . T . The magazine regrets that we cannot acknowledge receipt of or assume responsibility for the return of manuscripts , photos , artwork , or other material .
Dispatches is a publication of Overseas Adventure Travel , 347 Congress Street Boston , MA 02210
A Message from Harriet Lewis
Dear Traveler ,
I remember studying ancient Egypt in the fifth grade . My grandmother used to bring me to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston , where I would practice writing hieroglyphics . As a traveler , I cannot think of a single place on Earth that evokes such childlike fascination . Seeing the pyramids for the first time , even at a distance , made my jaw drop — and when I stepped inside of one , I had a visceral reaction , like I was at the center of an ancient mystery .
Of course , the pyramids represent just a fraction of Egypt ’ s allure . Magnificent temples rise from the desert , adorned with massive statues and covered in bas reliefs and hieroglyphics . But at the center of it all is the Nile : literal giver of life and the heartbeat of Egyptian civilization . My childhood self never could have grasped the significance of these waters , which nurture local life today just as they have for millennia . The Nile is also the backdrop for a peaceful journey by boat , especially after experiencing the bustle of Cairo . Although “ bustle ” may be an understatement — at least according to our writer on page 12 .
I would be hard pressed to find a traveler with zero expectations about Egypt . But sometimes , a lack of expectations leaves room for pleasant surprises . On page 24 , we explore the seaside city of Antalya , Turkey — a city that our Editor-in-Chief mistakenly overlooked as a requisite stop between Cappadocia and the Turquoise Coast . The city ended up being a highlight of her trip , with its lovely natural setting , easily navigable old town , and proximity to some of Turkey ’ s most impressive ruins .
When it comes to childhood fascination , I would rank an African safari right up there with ancient Egypt — and the fascination has stayed with me after dozens of visits . Bonnie Mack , a 9-time traveler from Clearwater , Florida , feels the same way . Find out why she is “ hooked on paradise ” on page 32 .
There is plenty more to discover in this edition of Dispatches , including our favorite museums , a flavorful Thai recipe , Moroccan wedding traditions , and much more . If you have a story to share , I hope you will email it to editordispatches @ oattravel . com .
Warm regards ,
Harriet R . Lewis Chair Overseas Adventure Travel
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