Inner Alchemy, Treasures and Transformation — Local services in Seattle

I said yes to the sacred journey to Egypt, long before I told Maari I was going. I have known since I was young I was meant to travel to Egypt, but it needed to be more than just from a tourist perspective. I have been working with Maari for almost two years and have come to trust and adore her, and knew this would be the perfect pairing. A way to connect with Egypt and all it has to offer, in a deeper, more meaningful way than just observing "the attractions."

The experience is difficult to explain, because its so deeply personal for every traveler, but for me there are a few things that I'll comment on here, that I think many of the people in our group would probably agree with, and certainly they are incredibly meaningful for me.

The first is relating to group travel. I am very much an independent solo traveler. I was nervous/hesitant about group travel, because I tend to prefer setting my own schedule, deciding how long I want to spend somewhere and moving at my own pace. Not to mention, the anxiety about spending 2 weeks in constant presence of a group. This was always the first question my friends and family asked me when I shared that I was going on a group trip to Egypt. "How are you going to do in a group travel setting?" I will be the first to say that the people who sign up for this trip are looking for a similar experience as me. Something that Maari intentionally creates a container for. My fellow travelers were all incredibly respectful and open, and I know that Maari's process of interviewing interested travelers, creating a container that provides a safe space to be completely open, hosting zoom and in-person meetings ahead of the trip, and even how she thoughtfully pairs you with a roommate (if you're a solo traveler) will leave you feeling like you are free to be yourself, dig deep in your own spiritual journey, and also connect in a meaningful and intentional way with the group. The group as a whole and each individual member of the group added to the experience, and I fully credit Maari for being so intentional with how she constructs and leads this experience. Wow, what a relief that my biggest concern was so incredibly cared for. Thank you!

The second experience I will comment on is how perfectly the trip flowed. With so many moving pieces, and the challenge of conducting a spiritually led experience in places that are typically riddled with unassuming/unaware tourists, you would never know that the sites weren't completely blocked off for us. (Yes there are some private visits, but I'm referring to the visits that are not private visits.) Maari works tirelessly with the host travel company Quest to ensure that our days are timed just perfectly. We arrived to many sites early enough that we were the first group on-site. This allowed us to move in and out of ceremony without distraction. I always felt safe from a physical perspective, which I credit to Quest, but also and just as importantly, I felt safe from an emotional, energetic, and spiritual stand point. This is testament to Maari's awareness of where each of the people in our group was, at any given moment. She met me exactly where I was, allowing me space to grieve, celebrate, laugh, turn inward, or speak up and share. I felt so held. Thank you!! I will also add that there is a perfect mix and flow of activities that intertwined with the ceremonial and spiritual component of this trip. We enjoyed everything from fun restaurants, to live music and entertainment, history and culture lessons, tasting local cuisines, meeting and interacting with locals, racing around on tuk-tuks, and even adventure, like flying in a hot air balloon. There are no shortages of twists, turns, surprises, and excitement on this trip.

If you are looking for a trip that feeds all of your senses, boosts your connection with self and others, and offers immense opportunity for personal growth, this is it. I would recommend it 1000% if you are looking for a deeper connection with Egypt, beyond just "seeing...

Imagine, it’s the 90s and a 4-year-old is running around your house having exhausted the printer ink and paper to print out the Book of the Dead with instructions on how to read hieroglyphics. That was me. I’ve always had a fascination with Egypt ever since I was young. In 2021, I was trying to plan a trip to Egypt with my friend, but I had just moved across the country to West Seattle so I wasn’t sure when or how it would play out. I met Maari shortly after, and we were talking about travel. Egypt happened to come up because of my recent attempts at planning a trip and that was when I learned about her sacred travel offering.

I said yes to the journey in 2024 because I felt it was time to fulfill that childhood dream and visit Egypt! What attracted me most to this trip was the metaphysical ceremonies and private access to the sites throughout Egypt.

If you’ve ever done group travel as a solo traveler, then you're probably prepared for the awkward situations or disagreements that come along with this. I can promise that this type of travel is not that. Maari is excellent at creating community! The pretravel meetings are key to syncing up with your travel companions and forming friendships, and this takes away the stressor of first impressions when travel starts in Egypt. You will make lifelong friends as you take this journey.

I could never have imagined how well this trip would go. We kept being told, “Egypt is not a place, but a feeling”, and I can say this is true. It’s sometimes hard to put into words the experiences you have when you return, but I'll try to tell you about one of my favorite experiences.

I chose to arrive a day early in Cairo mainly to relax and acclimate to the time difference, but there were some in our group who planned an outing to Coptic Cairo located in Old Cairo. I wanted to experience as much as I could, so I immediately said yes when I learned the invite was open. This first day in Cairo had many culture shock moments, but I think the biggest thing that struck me was that everywhere we went we met Egyptians, who were ecstatic to see and welcome us. We were greeted with such big smiles and excitement that it was slightly jarring compared to what you’re used to in America.

This warm welcoming feeling was true for the rest of the trip. Everywhere we went, we were welcomed as though it was our home. It is very heartwarming and makes you feel comfortable as you travel in Egypt.

Also, a large part of this trip is spent focusing on intentions, ceremonies, and creating sacred space. Maari has a knack for facilitating and creating that sacred space no matter your surroundings. This could mean forming up a tight circle at a certain area when you don’t have private time or allowing you to get comfortable as you take in all the energy at the different sites. This experience starts from the moment of the first Zoom call through to the end of your trip. Don’t be afraid to do what you need to do to be comfortable and open for these sacred circles and ceremonies. I promise this will allow you to receive the full benefits of doing sacred work with Maari, and you can always ask if you’re unsure.

For accommodations, every location we stayed at was amazing! My personal favorite was the private dahabiya where you stay for 5 days on the Nile. The boat is so intimate, yet you can find private time at any moment you need it, plus the food is amazing. Make sure you ask for Koshari, the national Egyptian dish, it is so delicious. You’ll also get to experience some great desserts like Balah el Sham. You’re going to love the food :)

I recommend this journey to anyone who has felt a call towards Egypt, no matter how small. Traveling in a sacred way, you’ll find that your conscious intentions will be met but more importantly, Egypt gives us what we need. There were many sites we visited where I was surprised by the energy or what I received while there. The important thing is to be open, don’t force it, and talk to Maari as she can always lend a guiding hand...

I just got back from the 2024 trip to Egypt led by Maari Falsetto of Inner Alchemy Treasures and Transformation. It is hard to put words to how magical and monumental this trip was, but I will try!

First, I want to say that Maari is an incredible leader and ceremonialist, which had a profound impact on the group dynamic and overall experience. Her knowledge, intention, integrity, authenticity, and kindness shine through in every moment. So much thought goes into a trip like this, and one of the most beautiful things about it is the container that Maari sets for the group in order to foster community that offers a safe space for each of us to be ourselves while we share and support one another through this incredible journey (and this starts pre-trip with several Zoom calls so you know each other well by the time you meet in Cairo). This created a beautiful foundation for navigating mind blowing experiences, sacred ceremony, deep healing and loads of exceptionally fun moments.

I also want to note that as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I felt safe and welcome throughout the trip.

I met Maari in 2022 after reading the words, "Sacred Travel to Egypt" on her website. My mind was blown at the concept of sacred travel, which was new to me. I have been drawn to Egypt since I was a kid. I knew right then and there that I would be going on one of her trips. It felt like a deep undeniable calling, and it was a wonderful thing to embrace and trust, despite not fully grasping the why (or even the how at that time).

Absolutely everything is taken care of for you on this trip. You don't have to lift a finger, the food is phenomenal (dietary restrictions are accommodated with ease), the lodging was fantastic and our visits to all of the temples and sites were easy. The Afandina boat is beautiful and the staff was lovely. Our Egyptologist was fantastic and so insightful. The Egyptian people are so warm and welcoming.

It is absolutely jaw dropping to experience these ancient sites. What is phenomenal about the trip is that we get to access these sites in a unique and special way. This included arriving early before they got crowded, gaining private time in certain areas to do meditation and ceremony, and in many instances gaining access to areas that are not made available to the general public. Having the time and space to connect in ceremony at these sacred places created opportunity for some really deep and beautiful insights and healing that go beyond what I could have ever imagined. Nothing like Mother Egypt and the gods and goddesses to really bring up and show you what needs healing then to meet you with all the love and support you could imagine to facilitate that healing.

Did I mention the trip was a TOTAL BLAST? Dancing, singing, laughing, silliness, playfulness, creativity, group sharing, authenticity, splashing in the Nile, Dervish dancers, drums, music, smiles and so much more. Along with moments of exquisite self-care, rest and reflection.

It was fun to witness Maari selecting and purchasing authentic items to hand carry back to sell in her shop in West Seattle. Beautiful statues of all materials, jewelry, traditionally made papyrus, sound instruments, handmade items from locals, and more. I have the pleasure of working at Inner Alchemy Treasures and Transformation, and it's so exciting to have these authentic pieces available to share with the local community.

If you are at all called to Egypt, I encourage you to be open and learn more via one of the informational Zoom calls. Lean in and be curious!

This was the most amazing trip and I am forever changed in a good way. Thank you, Maari, for your courage to follow your path, which is why this incredible trip exists!

As above, so below!

With so much...