In a tale as timeless as the land of the pharaohs itself, Rieko Oka, the spouse of Japan’s Ambassador to Egypt, embarked on a journey that wove together childhood dreams and profound cultural exploration.
As she prepares to bid farewell to Egypt and return to Japan, following the end of Ambassador Oka Hiroshi’s tenure, Rieko shares with The Egyptian Gazette her unforgettable experiences and cherished memories of her three-year sojourn in a country steeped in history and splendour.
From the moment of her first encounter with the majestic pyramids, Rieko was captivated.
“Ever since I was small, I always wanted to visit Egypt,” she says. “I never thought I would have this wonderful opportunity to live in this country.”
Rieko’s most unforgettable moment in Egypt came when she stood at the foot of the Great Pyramid of Khufu.
It was a moment that punctuated her understanding of the contrast between ancient wonder and modern life — pyramids nestled against the bustling cityscape of Cairo, far removed from her expectations of a vast desert expanse.
Reflecting on the sun-drenched horizons of Egypt, Rieko muses about the striking beauty of the Egyptian sunset that captures her heart in ways the Land of the Rising Sun has not.
“When I see the sun setting in Egypt, I am mesmerised by its beauty,” she says. “I realise how big the sun is. I can’t remember seeing the sun so big in Japan. Then I realised what an important role the sun has had in Egyptian history, how it was worshipped (and feared) in Pharaonic times.”
The warmth of the Egyptian people shines through her anecdotes, a hospitality that transcends language and cultural barriers.
She describes the Egyptian people as very friendly, cheerful, and outgoing.
“They offer smiles and tea at every shop,” Rieko says. “Their warmth and sincerity have taught me the importance of casual interactions within a community.”
Rieko fondly recounts her walks through Saqqara, losing herself in the vivid world of Pharaonic history, the expressive wall reliefs depicting daily lives of long-gone eras, and the joy of attempting – though often to her amusement failing – to decipher hieroglyphics.
Moments spent soaking in the atmosphere over coffee with her husband next to the iconic Step Pyramid remain etched in her memory, leisurely days that spoke volumes of luxury and reflection.
Her admiration for Egyptian antiquities runs deep, recommending must-visit sites for history enthusiasts and newcomers alike – a tapestry of temples, tombs, and museums unveiling the diverse layers of Egyptian history.
“Egypt is filled with layers of history – I would have a very long list of must-visit places,” she says. “Needless to say, ancient Pharaonic temples and tombs in Luxor and Aswan are must-visit places.”
She recommended Dendera (The Temple of Hathor) and The Temple of Seti I in Abydos for visiting.
Both temples, she said, have beautiful reliefs of beliefs and rituals on the walls with vivid colours still remaining.
Rieko believes that a trip to Cairo should definitely include a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square.
“I loved visiting this museum whenever I had spare time, just like taking a walk in the park,” she says. “No matter how many times I visited, I was never bored.”
She bears witness to the many changes introduced to the museum displays.
“It is like a treasure hunt, searching for old favourites as well as discovering new antiquities,” she says.
The Grand Egyptian Museum, which has recently partially opened, dazzled her.
She says she and her husband were among the first to enter the Main Galleries.
The artefacts and the way they are displayed, she says, are breath-taking.
Amid all this, Rieko’s heart also belongs to the city’s panorama views, with the life-filled outlook from the Ibn Tulun Mosque’s minaret and the sunlit structures of the City of the Dead, providing an intoxicating journey into Cairo’s soul.
“This view gives me a special feeling, taking me into a dreamlike state,” Rieko says.
Local flavours became a staple of her Egyptian experience, with dishes like Koshary, Molokhia, Feteer and Moussaka seducing her palate, while four Egyptian baladi cats, named Shams, Amar, Najma, and Lulu, have found their forever home with her family in Japan.
“They are living proof of the wonderful time we have had in Egypt,” she notes.
As her days in Egypt draw to a close, Rieko reflects on the friendships, the warmth of Egyptian hospitality, and the dreams fulfilled, encapsulated by the fiery sun setting majestically over the serene Nile.
“I will definitely miss the big smile, warmth, and hospitality of my friends and the people of Egypt,” she says with a sigh.“And of course, Shams (the Sun) that I am used to seeing, setting on the river Nile!”
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