Through the Crowd: Danika’s Giza Adventure

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 Smith Author of One Year and a One Way Ticket, a debut travel memoir Founder of danikaduartesmith.com Former ballet teacher and language instructor Spent three years living and working in Kurdistan, Iraq Topics Covered: Introduction to Danika and her travel background Living and working in Kurdistan First impressions of Egypt during Eid Navigating scams and chaos at the Giza pyramid complex Finding help from a stranger in an overwhelming crowd Quiet moments of awe behind the Great Pyramid A side trip to Luxor and reflections on ancient civilizations Teaching ballet and surviving earthquakes in northern Iraq The story behind Danika’s first book—and what’s next Resources and Links: Danika’s website: danikaduartesmith.com Her debut travel memoir: One Year and a One Way Ticket (Find it here) Call to Action: Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.com If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share your favorite travel stories with us on social media using #OneOffTravelStories.