Dr. Rabia - Resident Guide
Dr. Rabia is a resident of both Cairo and the Sinai and has been leading pilgrimages within Egypt and into the desert for over three decades. He was trained as a medical physician but soon realized his passion is the desert and guiding friends through his homeland. He developed Abanoub Travel and has been a managing director since 1983. Dr. Rabia lives in Cairo with his wife, Heba, and their 2 adult children. His gift is creating seamless travel experiences by booking wonderful accommodations, engaging various forms of transportation, reserving special site-seeing opportunities, and ensuring smooth transitions, all with a calm and patient presence. His wish for us is to have an outstanding and authentic time in Egypt.
Regina Roman - Program Guide
Regina Roman has been leading pilgrimages and designing travel/study programs since she was 18. She is a certified spiritual director through the Shalem Institute, received a lay-person degree from Virginia Theological Seminary, author of published articles on pilgrimage and spirituality, and an icon writer. She also has studied with various shamans and native American medicine women on the ancient healing traditions. Her ability to create a value-oriented journey comes from her years as a corporate banker to smaller companies and through developing Sapira - Journey with Purpose in 2001. Regina’s gift is in creating a meaningful study program and travel adventure. Her wish for us is to sense the experience, feel the wonder, and ponder the threads that bind us together to create our own alchemy.
Mary Millerd- Hospitality Guide (2026 Guide)
Mary Millerd is a spiritual director, counsellor (RPC), energy worker, and teacher. She also officiates at weddings and celebrations of life. She has studied Trauma therapy with Merete Brantbjerg of Denmark and has studied Shamanism with Bhola Banstola from Nepal. She is a co-author of the book “Spirituality of Sex” and sang in a rock band for 20 years. Mary is an avid gardener of both vegetables and flowers. She is active in her local Anglican Church, and is a mother of 4 daughters and a “hands on” grandmother to 5. Her wish for us is to be fully present in our experience of life.
TERESA O’RIORDAN - Hospitality Guide (2025 GUIDE)
Teresa O’Riordan held a leadership position in an organization that pioneered the development of medical, legal, and community resources to address issues related to prenatal alcohol exposure. Teresa understands the importance of creating a healthy community as mother to 10 adult children, grandmother to 18 and great-grandmother to 3. She also served as a foster parent providing a stable and safe environment for over 150 foster children. Teresa’s gift is hospitality and ensuring each person can experience the alchemy of Egypt. Her wish is for each participant to find inspiration, connections and wisdom during our time together in Egypt
Handing out sweets, pencils, and crayons to the local Bedouin children
The Traveler
We are entering a culture that is ancient. It has grown and developed over time. When we remember that civilization has existed in Egypt for much longer than in North America, thousands of years longer, we open ourselves to see the many changes of a people, of a culture. Because of this, it is helpful to practice the following:
Be open, curious and respectful of the land, the people, and the stories. Often you will be pleasantly surprised
Manage your expectations. Recognize when you need something and ask for it. Adaptability and patience helps
Practice good manners and kindness. It makes the journey more enjoyable for everyone
Hold judgement in check and look deeper. Often what may look like poverty is a happy home for a family and community
Imagine having a greater intuitive sense, like the ancient Egyptians, to see the interconnection of all
Most of all, be aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Being aware of your entire self grounds you in the moment to enjoy the entire journey
Dr. Rabia and Regina have been guiding pilgrimages through Egypt together for over 20 years
and know how to make each journey special for you!