I donβt normally announce my travel plans prior to a trip. Iβm a person who doesnβt hold her breath until things actually happen. Not only does it save myself disappointment, but also keeps me from having to explain why something didnβt work out as expected. So, when I popped up on Facebook Live on November 22 from Charles de Gaulle Airport to announce the trip to Cairo, it didnβt seem out of character. After all, ten months earlier Iβd revealed my trip to Japan with Chef Cyril Lignac in the same manner. But this visit to Cairo, my first to Egypt and Northern Africa, was much more than a regular press trip. So, this is what I really did during my trip to Cairo.
On Friday, November 4, I received an email from a producer who was working on an advertorial for CNN, commissioned by the Egyptian Tourism Authority {ETA}. The producer wanted to know if I was interested in appearing on video as they explored the rebirth of Downtown Cairo. Filming was to occur November 21-27, only a couple of weeks away. Obviously, I was intrigued, and a Skype call was organized for a few hours later.

I felt really confident after the call, but the producer said that she needed the approval of not only the director, but also the agency representing the ETA. There were several other hurdles to jump, and I tried to manage my excitement. On November 11, I found out that Iβd made the short list. With one more barrier behind me, it became even more difficult to quell my enthusiasm.
On November 16, I received a message requesting a Skype call with the director and producer. I assumed that the director, Adam Woods, wanted to speak with me prior to making his decision. After about five minutes of chatting, Adam said, βDo you fancy a trip to Cairo on Monday?β Ummmmβ¦YES, I’d be happy to work with the #1 news channel in the world. I was to leave for Cairo on November 22.

With an Annecy trip planned from November 18-21, I had exactly one day to prepare for Cairo. Thanks to ElssCollection, I quickly found three clothing looks that worked perfectly with the directorβs vision, and Samuel Rocher cut my hair. Perhaps the hardest part was keeping my mouth shut about what I was really doing in Egypt.
Tuesday, November 23 was spent securing filming permits and scouting locations in Downtown Cairo. Originally designed in the mid-1800s by the famous Parisian city planner, Baron Haussmann, Downtown Cairo is currently being revitalized. The area was the place to be for aristocrats, artists, British officers, and intellectuals in the early 20th century. It was after the Free Officers Revolution in 1952 that Downtown Cairoβs sparkle began to dull. But as I wandered through passageways and buildings, I could see the original beauty–what it was then, and what it can be again.

The next three days were spent filming, a process that fascinated me. The time, energy, and effort required to create a short video is mind boggling. I canβt imagine the process of making a full-length film. We had a crew of 22 people managing the sound, lights, and cameras, as well as those dealing with logistics. Experienced and professional, the crew made it look easy, though I know it certainly wasnβt.
By Saturday, November 26, I was back in Paris. In the subsequent days, I moved flats and left for the USA. Once in Texas, I wrote an article for CNN, as well as recorded the voice over several times. I saw multiple versions of the edit, and loved seeing Adamβs vision come to fruition. From beginning to end, I enjoyed every minute of this new experience. In fact, the presenting bug has bit me. This is something Iβd definitely love to do again on a larger scale. Well, weβll see what opportunities unfold. I never expected this chance with CNN, so who knows what the future holds?

The Egypt Tourism Authority campaign is appearing on CNN International across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Thus, if youβre located in those markets, youβll see my 45-second advertorial across your TV screen multiple times per day, beginning December 26.

There also is a microsite on CNN.com {International Edition} with the advertorial, an article written by me, as well as information about Egyptian tourism and Downtown Cairo {See the microsite here}. The primary markets for the digital campaign include Germany, Italy, the UK, Russia, the Netherlands, Austria, France, and the Czech Republic. Other digital markets include Ukraine, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland, and Scandinavia.

So, what was I really doing in Cairo? I was getting a taste of life in front of the camera. Since I couldnβt share as I normally do via social media, I documented the experience and created a behind-the-scenes video of my own. Itβs absolutely amateur compared to Adamβs final version, but c’est la vie!
You may view the final version of the advertorial on my home page.
Jennifer
December 26, 2016This is so exciting! I’ll be on the lookout for your commercial on CNN.
Leah Walker
December 27, 2016Merci beaucoup for all of your support and friendship. It means the world to me.
Rebecca Plotnick
December 26, 2016This is amazing!! so happy for you!! Hard work pays off! I can’t wait to see what you do in 2017! Best wishes to you.
Leah Walker
December 27, 2016Thank you, Rebecca. I can’t wait to see what happens in 2017, because I absolutely have no clue!
Cristina Baker
December 26, 2016If the CNN spot is even half as good as yours, it will be amazing!
Leah Walker
December 27, 2016Oh, you’re too kind. Adam’s spot is so beautiful. He’s such a talented and nice man.
Raymond @ Man On The Lam
December 26, 2016So happy for you Leah! What a wonderful opportunity!! π
Leah Walker
December 27, 2016Thank you, my fabulous friend. Miss you!
Leyla Giray Alyanak
December 26, 2016And I must be the only European who DOESN’T get CNN because I do all my TV watching online… I’ll have to wait for the microsite then. Next time I’m in Paris, un petit autographe, please? π
Leah Walker
December 27, 2016An autograph? Haha! How about a coffee or pastry?
Tanisha
December 26, 2016Super awesome Leah!! Congrats π
Leah Walker
December 27, 2016Merci beaucoup! We’ll toast upon your return to Paris?
noel
December 26, 2016Fantastic opportunity and congrats to you, hope you have fantastic 2017 travel opportunities ahead Leah.
Leah Walker
December 27, 2016Thank you, Noel. And bon voyages to you in 2017 as well.
J Green
December 26, 2016Thanks for sharing a quick look at Cairo. Such beauty and history– hopefully at some point we will be able to see the advertorial. No doubt we will be seeing more of the world with Leah Walker in the future.. Happy New Year!
Leah Walker
December 27, 2016It was a quick look for me, too. I’d love to dive into the city and country more. Thousands and thousands of years of history to discover. I’m sure the spot and my article will be online soon. I’ll be sure and post it.
Laurie
December 26, 2016Happy Christmas on your Mama’s birthday, dear Leah! Don’t you know she is smiling on you and your new life of possibilities today! God be with you.
Leah Walker
December 27, 2016The spot was supposed to begin a few weeks ago. When I got the email saying it would begin on December 26, I smiled and thought of my mother. Bittersweet, indeed.
Kathy Rowe
December 26, 2016You are so perfect for this. I hope this leads to more offers, perhaps seek out an agent and voila, you’ll have your own show.
Leah Walker
December 27, 2016Oh, you make it sound so easy, Miss Hollywood! Thank you for your past, present, and future support.
Savi and Vid
December 27, 2016That is so amazing Leah π Congratulations π
We’ll try and see the video on YouTube. TV filming is so much fun, isn’t it? One doesn’t realise how much filming effort goes in just for a few minutes of footage !!
Much Love
Leah Walker
January 14, 2017I know! I can’t imagine doing an entire series, but would love the opportunity. I’d love to see what you did last year. Any links for that?
Monique
December 27, 2016I’m in Cairo at the moment. I’ll turn on my tv later to see if I can catch the clip. Congratulations.
Leah Walker
January 14, 2017Thank you, Monique. It’s on my home page now in case you didn’t see it.
Suze - Luxury Columnist
December 28, 2016I’m looking forward to seeing the video, it must have been an incredible experience and it’s good to think that it will put Cairo back on the tourist map
Leah Walker
January 14, 2017It really was a lot of fun and something I’d love to do again. The final version is on my home page now.
Lola
December 30, 2016Just saw your commercial on CNN here in Sweden, Leah!!! Major congratulations!!
Leah Walker
January 14, 2017Cool! Thanks so much. π
Stephanie
December 31, 2016What a fantastic opportunity! Congratulations! I’m sure it will lead to more amazing things for you! I’ve always wanted to travel to and explore Egypt, its pyramids, the Nile, Cairo and delve into its history. Hopefully one day!
Leah Walker
January 14, 2017I understand exactly you’re desire for Egypt. I can’t wait to return. Merci π
Kristine
December 31, 2016This is so exciting! Here’s to more adventures ahead for you in the new year! π
Leah Walker
January 14, 2017You’re so kind, Kristine. Thank you!
Shealyn Emery
December 31, 2016This is awesome! I never knew Cairo is so beautiful! Congratulations!
Leah Walker
January 14, 2017There are so many sides of Cairo, and I barely scratched the surface.
Marissa
January 1, 2017What an incredible experience! Congratulations and best wishes for more opportunities in 2017!
Leah Walker
January 14, 2017Oh, yes, indeed. Thank you!
Erin
January 6, 2017So exciting! Congratulations!
Leah Walker
January 14, 2017Thank you, Erin. π
Lisa
February 5, 2017your version (of the video) is 10x better than the CNN version; not only is it more representative of Egypt in general, but of what people will (and should!) actually see.
Karim S
February 23, 2017Hello Leah. The ad brought me to your blog so I guess everyone wins π Good work!
Agness of eTramping
June 20, 2017You had a fabulous time in Cairo, Leah! Thanks or sharing your experience and motivating us!