About this episode
In this episode, Andrew sits down with Danika Duarte Smith, a dancer, educator, and travel writer, to talk about her unforgettable first trip to Egypt during Eid. While living and teaching in Iraqi Kurdistan, Danika took a week off to explore Cairo, including a chaotic and crowded day at the Giza pyramid complex. From refusing overpriced horse carriage rides to navigating mayhem at the ticket booth, Danika shares how a random act of kindness and a stroke of luck got her and her travel companions through the chaos—and into one of the most iconic ancient sites on Earth.Guest: Danika Duarte SmithAuthor of One Year and a One Way Ticket, a debut travel memoirFounder of danikaduartesmith.comFormer ballet teacher and language instructorSpent three years living and working in Kurdistan, IraqTopics Covered:Introduction to Danika and her travel backgroundLiving and working in KurdistanFirst impressions of Egypt during EidNavigating scams and chaos at the Giza pyramid complexFinding help from a stranger in an overwhelming crowdQuiet moments of awe behind the Great PyramidA side trip to Luxor and reflections on ancient civilizationsTeaching ballet and surviving earthquakes in northern IraqThe story behind Danika’s first book—and what’s nextResources and Links:Danika’s website: danikaduartesmith.comHer debut travel memoir: One Year and a One Way Ticket (Find it here)Call to Action:Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share your favorite travel stories with us on social media using #OneOffTravelStories.
