I have lived in Egypt and I do not recommend going there or doing

AdminJanuary 28, 2024

0 93 5 minutes read

When travelers arrive in the country of the Pharaohs, they come into contact with the remains of one of the most astonishing civilizations of antiquity. At the same time he enters the universe of contemporary Egypt, where rules of behavior govern things that often seem strange, unusual or, quite simply, incomprehensible.

Exploring the past involves the challenge of choosing There is something to see among the vast heritage of the Pharaohs, as well as numerous monuments from the Christian and Islamic eras. Making choices is no easy task in an ancient country where history seems to be omnipresent and visible beneath everything one touches.

On the other hand, understanding the present requires patience, empathy, and curiosity about other cultures. With these qualities we can discover one of the most welcoming and happy faces of North Africa. Egypt is an easy country to visit, with friendly, fun people who are curious about foreigners. It will not let us down. now yesIf we avoid doing some things then our journey will become more pleasant.

Don’t settle for what everyone else sees

Tourism was invented in Egypt. The Greeks decided that two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were in Egypt (Pyramid of Cheops and Lighthouse of Alexandria). Since then, travelers of all times and origins have made pilgrimages to the Nile River Country to admire its wonders. With the advent of mass tourism, Travel to Egypt has become a perennial procession to the “holy” places of the past (Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings or Abu Simbel), Apart from all these so-called essential places, there are countless places that will surprise us. And they will reconnect us with the essence of travel. Walking practically alone through the pyramids of Dashur or Meidum, exploring some of the less visited mastabas of Saqqara, or reaching the distant Wadi Hitan – where fossils of ancient cetaceans rest on the sand – take us into an unusual and unknown Egypt. Will let you discover.

Photo: Shutterstock

don’t forget the tip

tip (bakshish in Arabic) is quite an institution. Far from being merely an economic transaction, Through tips the individual shows satisfaction, content or dissatisfaction with the service received. At a restaurant, expressing his gratitude to the man who “selflessly” guided him through the chaotic maze of the streets of Khan Al Khalili in Cairo, or Ghafir (Guardian) who has led us to the darkest secret of a tomb in the Valley of the Kings.

Do not kiss people of the opposite sex in public

Every culture has its own rules and taboos of conduct. Egyptians are very affectionate and sweet. It is common to see two men or two women walking down the street holding hands or kissing while greeting each other. However, Public displays of affection between people of the opposite sex are disliked, Presumably, no one will tell us anything, but if we avoid them, it will be easier for us to connect and empathize with the locals. It is better to shake hands to greet someone of the opposite sex.

Photo: Shutterstock

**avoid making selfie in front of the sphinx**

If globalization brought mass tourism, the advent of social networks globalized it selfies And the so-called “currency”. There are some places in Egypt, such as the Sphinx of Giza, that have become de facto manufacturing factories. selfies, Thus, in front of the ancient and mysterious Pharaonic sculpture, every day crowds of tourists wait and fight with their elbows to get to that image that seems inevitable. The traffic jams at that place are usually several kilometers long and prevent you from admiring one of the most beautiful architectural complexes of the time of the pyramids.

Don’t buy without bargaining

Bargaining is a national sport. Every purchase we make – especially if we are tourists – should be accompanied by a fair bargain, Sometimes it would be an exercise in border wrestling, sometimes it would be a friendly and fun game between seller and buyer, but bargaining would be inevitable on any of our trips to Egypt. If we don’t like to bargain, we should be patient and make purchases without thinking whether we are paying a fair price or not. Although it is difficult for us to understand, many things are precious. You only pay what you’re willing to pay for them.

Photo: Shutterstock

Egypt is not just the Nile Valley

Beyond the Nile River and the ubiquitous Pharaonic heritage, Egypt has places of immense beauty and natural and cultural interest. In the Western Desert we will find unique natural places such as the White Desert or famous oases such as Siwa., Hidden among the mountains of the Sinai Peninsula is the Monastery of St. Catherine, located at the foot of Jebel Moses, the mountain where Moses received the Tables of the Law. On the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the eternal Alexandria will reveal to us Egypt open to the sea that will take us to the poetic universe of Cavafy.

Don’t follow strangers in the markets

In the most tourist markets of the country it is easy for someone to welcome us by chance and in a few minutes provide us with all kinds of information and help in making our purchases. Generally, these are businessmen looking for tips or commission from the establishments. They are usually very heavy and getting rid of them will be a challenge., The most powerful thing is indifference. When faced with an offer we don’t want, it’s best to respond politely sperm (no, thanks).

Don’t expect to see everything

Egypt’s archaeological heritage is so vast that the traveler often enters an almost morbid state from seeing everything, anything, but everything. For example, in the Valley of the Kings, it is common to see queues of visitors entering and leaving the tombs as if they were anthills., It doesn’t matter what they see. He passed by with a cellphone in his hand. Since we are never going to see everything, it is better to be selective and plan our trips to see fewer places, but to savor and understand them better. For example, in the case of the Valley of the Kings, the solution is to purchase a separate ticket to see a tomb that is not included in general admission.

Don’t neglect your diet

Heat, change in water and certain foods usually take their toll on our stomach. It is advised to be careful with raw foods And you should avoid drinking unbottled water. A first aid kit containing a few remedies for a traveler’s illness will never hurt.

Don’t forget to wear appropriate attire at religious places

Egypt has an important heritage from the Coptic Christian and Islamic eras. To enter any mosque we have to cover our feet and hands and take off our shoes. In case of women, they should also cover their heads. We should also dress appropriately in Coptic churches.

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