What you need to know about Egypt. 

Egypt's a fun place to be.

Ok so maybe there are donkeys and horses on some of the roads. And yeah, occasionally a cow will dart across the highway. You know what though? Welcome to Egypt, you should expect the unusual :D

After you get over the initial shock of it all, Egypt grows on you-- and you'll sit there with your eyes widened waiting for the next odd thing to happen.

If you're in Cairo and into more traditional fun (ehem no random animals ehem) there's always something interesting going on here. Whether you're into cultural events, music shows or art exhibitions-- know that you will never run out of things to do.
Good places to check out would be the Culture Wheel, or
'El Sawy' and the Cairo Opera House in Zamalek.

If you get the chance, be sure that Sharm El Sheikh is on your list of places to go. Located on the Sinai Peninsula, it's Egypt's very own paradise.
The sun, the beach, the hot foreigners-- I mean hot Italians-- I mean..ahhh!

And if Sharm's a bit too far for you to go (about 6-7 hours by bus but you can take a plane if you want) there's always Ain el Sokhna by the Red Sea which is about an hour and a half drive away from Cairo.

The North Coast and Alexandria are also options-- Unfortunately, I haven't really had the opportunity to explore these places but I'll be sure to update when I do.

Oh right-- and you can do the whole touristy thing too (which I have yet to do...SHAME!!!).

Sharm! 

Ok...so I may be a little bit biased with this one. I've only ever been on vacation once without my parents, and where did I end up? Sharm of course! And what a blast it was :)

I honestly believe that the only people that wouldn't enjoy Sharm would be those that like to get away from really touristy spots. (You know what? Never mind...If they were to go, I think they'd secretly enjoy it too!)

If you're traveling with kids, Aqualand which I'm pretty sure is the same thing as Cleopark , is a water park located in the heart of Sharm. I haven't been myself, but I've heard it's a fun place to go, small in comparison to other water parks, but fun nonetheless.

And if you're with friends?
Sharm is clubbing central, with the consensus being that Pacha is by far the best club to go to.
And if you're not really into that scene, there are loads of amazing restaurants and cafes where you can spend your evenings.

What if you're the outdoorsy/active type?
Sharm's the place for you too! Para sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving are just a few options you've got if you're into water activities. And for those that like to keep their feet on land-- how does a desert safari sound? (It's ammmmmmaaazing haha, but don't take my word for it ;) Try it out yourself!)

And of course, for those that would prefer to lie by the pool or beach all day? You can do that too!

I was only there for 4 days the last time I went, so I highly recommend looking at this list of things to do so as to make the most of your time there.

The many scenes of Egypt! 

I always have my camera on me so these would be some photos I've taken around Egypt.
Most are in Cairo, some are in Ain Sokhna.

Khan El Khalili souvenirs!

Siliness at the Ain Sokhna.

Whirling Dervishes are always fun.

A wall located in downtown Cairo, Egypt.

Omar the Camel :)

Cairo.

At the red sea, Ain el Sokhna.

ibn Tulun Mosque

Fruit Stall outside Ibn Tulun

Ibn Tulun Mosque

General tips you'll love me for... 

*giggle*

1. I know some of you want to indulge yourselves with AUTHENTIC Egyptian food-- just know that with certain places...many trips to the bathroom may result!
2. Do not expect the cars to stop for you when crossing the road. 'Nuff said.
3. Unless you're in a proper store, haggle haggle haggle!!!
4. You will get huge amounts of attention from beggars on the streets, but try not to freak out-- they won't hurt you. You may want to watch out for pickpockets though.
5. If you're visiting during the summer months, bring water with you everywhere. Knowing you'll be desperate for some, vendors will sell you a bottle of water for a ridiculous amount with smiles on their faces.
6. Go to Khan El Khalili, I don't care if you say it's too touristy...GO!
7. Go to Sharm El Sheikh too...I demand it!
8. Go on a fallouka, one of those tiny boats on the Nile, at around sunset. It's a great way to escape all the noise and just chillax.
9. Don't get annoyed when you ask the driver of a black and white taxi to take you somewhere and he says "No" and drives off without you. It's normal.
10. If you know any Arabic, it's good to use it, they'll appreciate the fact that you're trying.
11. Oh and drrr...have fun :)

Etiquette... 

Yeah, yeah...I'm sure you don't want to hear me telling you to behave. Trust me though, these "rules" will keep you from getting in awkward situations...

Clothes.
Egypt's hot. I know this, you know this. If you're a woman you shouldn't however, walk around the streets of Cairo in short shorts and a tank top because that *will* get you a lot of verbal harassment. If you're in a massive tour group I think you could maaaaybe get away with it more.

Elevators...
When a woman is alone in an elevator,some men will ask whether it's alright if they can enter before they do. If the woman disagrees, they wait for the next elevator. This doesn't always happen, but still something interesting to know.

Taxis.
Girls should always try and sit in the back of the cab. In general though, when you reach wherever you were headed, get out of the cab and *then* pay. It makes it easier to walk away when the cabbie complains (and they always do) that you didn't pay enough. (Only with the black and white cabs though).

Tipping
You may be surprised to find that ushers at some movie theatres will expect a tip. (Ok, I was actually suprised to find ushers...but...whatever.) Salespeople at smaller stores may also expect tips. Generally LE1 or LE2 will be more than enough..and if they're rude enough to say otherwise, just shake your head and turn away. In general though, tipping here is the same as it is anywhere else.

PDA
Public Display of Affection is a *big* no here. Hold hands, sure, quick hug, maaaybe because you're a foreigner. Anything else though? Definitely save for when you're not in public.

Public Drunkenness...
Well I'm pretty sure that's frowned upon everywhere really :)

What about the language? 

Learn Arabic 

They say the only way to truly learn a language is to immerse yourself with native speakers-- but I think these options are a good way to get a headstart with Arabic. And who knows, maybe you'll learn enough to make some friends here eh? Doesn't sound bad to me :)

^#1

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Alif Baa: Introduction to Arabic Letters and Sounds by Kristen Brustad

I actually use this book in University! It comes w more...0 points

I actually use this book in University! It comes with DVDs and helps you with pronunciation. IMPORTANT: This teaches classical Arabic, which is used when writing anywhere in the Arab world (and for the news), and not Egyptian Arabic.0 points

^#2

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Al-kitaab fii Ta'allum Al-'Arabiyya with DVD's A Textbok For Begining Arabic by Kristen Brustad

I also use this at my university, and it builds up more...0 points

I also use this at my university, and it builds upon everything learned in Alif Baa. It also comes with DVDs. IMPORTANT: This teaches classical Arabic, which is used when writing anywhere in the Arab world (and for the news), and not Egyptian Arabic.0 points

^#3

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Arabic (Egyptian): Learn to Speak and Understand Egyptian Arabic with Pimsleur Language Programs by Pimsleur

I have not tried this yet, but I'm working on Pims more...0 points

I have not tried this yet, but I'm working on Pimselur Italian now and loving it. Recommended for those that want to know how to communicate with natives instead of master the language completely.0 points

^#4

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Kullu Tamam! An Introduction to Egyptian Colloquial Arabic by Manfred Woidich

I bought this for an American friend, and this act more...0 points

I bought this for an American friend, and this actually teaches the Egyptian Spoken Arabic. Great to work on if you're planning on visiting!0 points

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Strange Egyptian Occurrences 

...explained!!!

1. What Happens: A road that should NORMALLY be packed with cars honking their horns is now completely quiet and empty. No people on bicycles even.
   
   Why it happens: All traffic leading onto that road has been halted so that the president or a minister or someone like that can get through. Sometimes people can be stuck in the roads for 3 hours as a result of this.
2. What happens: Cars at a traffic light suddenly all start honking their horns.
   
   Why it happens: When they feel they've been stopped too long,drivers will honk in unison to pressure the traffic cop to change the light.
3. What happens: Someone is trying to sell you a dinosaur. (a friend told me about this, I couldn't stop laughing)
   
   Why it happens: It's actually a lizard/iguana/one of those reptile things that freak me out and the vendor just seriously doesn't know what it's called in English and therefore declares it a...dinosaur!!! *rawr*
4. What Happens: Men are kissing each other on the cheek, linking arms and holding hands everywhere you go.
   
   Why it Happens: Generally...mediterranean cultures allow for men to be much more affectionate (in a straight way) to those of the same sex. So no, they're not all gay. In fact, homosexuality is not something many people would be willing to admit here let alone openly display.
5. What Happens: Hundreds of men are lined up on the road with their back to the street, and if you look carefully, a man on the roof of every building lining the road.
   Why it happens: The president is about to pass through, all of those men are cops in civilian clothes.
6. What Happens: You are awoken early in the morning by what can only be described as a man wailing something that sounds like "beeeeeekya".
   Why it happens: That's the bekya man! I've heard the word comes from the Italian "vecchia" which means old. The bekya man collects your junk and sells it.
7. What Happens: Street people and 8 year olds have nicer cell phones than you do.
   
   Why it happens: Some people would rather have an expensive cell phone than something more necessary like clothing because it really is a status thing, which is the same reason kids have them.
8. What Happens: You order a 7 pound coke at a cafe and get a 25 pound bill.
   
   Why it happens: A little thing called Minimum Charge! It differs from place to place, but basically- if you sit down then you're paying the places minimum charge. It's annoying as hell!
9. What Happens: Someone wishes you a happy Valentines day...in November.
   
   Why it Happens: There's actually 2 Valentines days in Egypt...a national one, Nov. 4th and the regular Feb. 14'th one.

Amazing Pick-up Lines You'll Hear in Cairo 

...and by amazing I mean baaaaad.

If you're a female and breathing here...you will get hit on.
That in itself is slightly amusing (and disturbing, but lets stick to amusing shall we?), what's even more amusing though...are the excuses some of the men come up with for pick-up lines.

Listed below are the *gems* you can expect to hear.

• "Ya anisa, momken bo'?"
  Translates to-- "Miss, could I have a sip?"
  Used: Whenever you have a beverage in your hand and a pathetic male around.
• "Good News! Good News!"
  Translates to- Um...uhh.."Good news! Good News" ?!?!
  Used: By random guy that heard me speaking English and wanted to impress me with his amazing skills...seriously.
• "Psst psst ya batta"
  Translates to-- "Psst psst you duck".
  Used: By pervy old men on the street *shudders*
• Guy: Where are you from?
  Me: Me? I'm Egyptian.
  Guy: NO! You're not! You're a liar!
  Me: Excuse me?!
  Guy: You are not Egyptian, because you are beautiful.
  Me: What are you trying to say? Egyptian women are ugly?!
  Guy: ...yes.
• "Ya hetit chocolata harbana min La Poire."
  Translates to-- "You piece of chocolate that ran away from La Poire (local dessert chain)".
  Used: To amuse.
• "Hizz ya Wizz!"
  Translates to-- "Shake you goose!"
  Used: I'm guessing when you're um...bootylicious? Haha, I'll ask around.
• "You want strong Egyptian husband?"
  Used: When a guy wants your passport.
• "Nifsy at gowizha"
  Translates to: "I wish I could marry her"
  Used: By random guys that will mutter it under their breath when you walk past. I think that they think that we think it's "aw"...but it's not "aw"...it's actually quite "ew", especially when it's a grandpa saying it.

You're such a...such a...COW! 

• "Ya GAZMA!"
  Translates to: "You SHOE!"
• "Ya GAZMA ADEEMA!"
  Translates to: "You OLD shoe!"
• "Inta ahbal wala shaklak keda?"
  Translates to: "Are you an idiot or do you just look like it?"
• "Bos odamak!"
  Translates to: "Look in front of you!"
• "Dammak Ti'eel"
  Translates to: "Your blood is heavy"
  Used: When you want to tell someone they're really not funny.
• "Danty Nayma!"(to a girl) "Danta Nayim" (to a guy)
  Translates to: You're sleeping!
  Used: When someone is really clumsy

We all heart Amazon! 

Love Egypt? Love randomness?
Check out some of the products Amazon has to offer!

Sweatshirt Woman Black " Love Classic Cairo " Egypt City

Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi Top Custom Unbleached White "Walk Like An Egyptian" Hand Painted

Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)

Sweatshirt Black " Were Not Egyptian " Egypt Country

Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)

Egyptian Mummy Man Adult Costume

Amazon Price: $51.99 (as of 10/12/2008)

Leave a comment! 

...I'll wuv you forever and ever!

It would be nice to get a little feedback on my lens! What did you think of it? What would you like to see? Constructive criticism will always be appreciated.
Thank you for reading!

glacier4 This is a fun lens! My boyfriend is from Egypt and I'm American so I'm trying to learn all I can about Egypt! Thanks for the info. Posted August 04, 2008

lorecap I miss Egypt a lot! Thanks for your lens (and for being a fan of mine!) Posted March 12, 2008

Fran

Shukran awee ya Klr_queen. I've been to Egypt twice and will probably go there again next year. I always look forward to learning new things specially when it comes to etiquette. Loved your comments on the pick-up lines.... been there....

Posted September 27, 2007

The_Bard Very imformative and entertaining lens. Five stars! You're invited to join the Tru-Travel Group www.squidoo.com/groups/trutravel Posted June 29, 2007