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Egypt

By: Mona Sleem

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This ancient land, 97 percent desert with the world's longest river running through it, encompasses more than 6,000 years of history and culture that is both world famous and mysterious, posing questions that even the most learned experts still cannot answer. 

Since the founding of a unified kingdom by King Narmer (also known as Menes) around 3150 BC, Egypt has been the stage upon which a long history of invasion, outward expansion, vast building products and scientific, philological and medical discoveries were made over the course of nine major periods (or kingdoms) sub-divided into more than 20 dynasties, which shaped the people and the land in ways that we still can barely understand.

A complicated but fascinating country with some of the most enduring historical monuments on Earth, Egypt stands as an unforgettable travel destination. It’s had to deal with its fair share of turmoil in recent times, but this North African nation remains proud, welcoming and accessible. And with treasures as timeless as the temples and pyramids of the Nile to shout about, it’s not somewhere that’s going to slip from public consciousness any time soon. A trip here still very much has the potential to thrill.

In many ways, there are two Egypts. The first is the Egypt of Cairo and the Nile, of bustling medieval bazaars, nose less Sphinxes, river cruises and Agatha Christie-era exoticism. The second, and just as integral to many visitors, is the Egypt of the Red Sea, where a spread of large-scale modern resorts caters to sun-seekers and scuba divers. Sharm el Sheikh , with its world-class diving, high-end hotels and desert adventures, is the best known of them.

Most of the country’s ancient treasures were built during the time of the pharaohs. The Pyramids of Giza (the sole survivors of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World); the lotus-columned temples of Luxor and Karnak; the Valley of the Kings; Aswan and the temples of Abu Simbel: strung along the Nile, these monuments have drawn visitors for centuries. They represent a lasting legacy of one of the most fabled periods of human history.

Of course, the country is best understood not so much for its great monuments or its coral reefs, splendid though they are, but through its people. Bartering for a bargain in Cairo’s ancient Khan al-Khalili bazaar, taking tea and falling into long conversation with a local, or simply stopping awhile in a remote village, silent but for the chatter of hooves on tarmac, will give a glimpse of a country full of character, color and fortitude.

Egypt photo Gallery

Luxor & Aswan

Sharm el Sheikh

Cairo & Nile River

North coast

Transportation

Egypt Food and Drink

Egyptian cuisine combines many of the best traditions of African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking, and is both delicious and healthy. Fruit, such as dates and olives, picked from the trees combine with vegetables, meats and fresh fish, aromatic herbs and spices to create colourful and flavoursome dishes.

Two of Egypt’s most popular dishes are ful medames and koshari, which are likely to appear on all menus whether in a top gourmet restaurant or a fast food eateries.

Hello

Good bye

Good Morning

Good Evening

Good Night

Peace be with you
(a frequently occurring greeting)
And upon you be peace
(the standard reply)
How are you?

Fine

My name is .....

What's your name?

Welcome

Standard reply to a male

Standard reply to a female

Yes

No

Thank you

Thank you very much

No. Thank you

Pardon/Excuse me

Sorry

You are welcome

Please

I don't speak Arabic

Do you speak English?

I don't understand

I understand

I mean

Enough/stop

Don't

Thanks god

God willing

Ok/fine

No problem

Again

Not bad

Impossible

Also

Non sense

Exactly

Bit by bit

Connection

Go away
(said to children who are bothering you)

In the taxi or on the street/General Directions

In the Shop