Egypt

Enchanting Egypt

Egypt has always been a popular tourist destination in Africa, because of its history of civilisation, flowing Nile River and a landscape of the alluring desert. Somehow through the harshness of the desert, Egypt has prevailed as to create and sustain life all around it.

http://people-dont-have-to-be-anything-else.wikia.com/wiki/Alexandria,_Egypt – Image 01 (Alexandria)

If you’re visiting Egypt during November, plan a trip to Alexandria. The Alexandria International Film Festival takes place annually, drawing filmmakers, cast members and media to this busy city. With Mediterranean waters lapping at the shoreline and a beautiful city to explore in between screenings, do ensure it’s on your to-do list. Film-makers show off their work to audiences, discuss their art with the rest of the world and promote their efforts. It’s an inspiring art expedition and adds a different aspect to Egypt. Usually, only known for its ancient archaeological sites, this brings into a light a buzzing industry of film, theatre and art.

http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/valley.htm – Image 02 (Valley of the Kings)

Seven hours away from Cairo lies Luxor – home to the Valley of the Kings. With sixty-three royal tombs, encasing past Pharaohs, this site will transport you to ancient Egypt. And though much has been lost to natural floods, expeditions and sadly tourism, it still is a sight to behold. There are different tickets, allowing you to see a few of the tombs. While hot and humid onsite, there are vendors outside offering cool drinks and snacks. There is also a functioning visitors centre on site that has a model of the entire valley as well as shows a movie about the discovery of Tutankhamun. An electric train takes you from the centre to the valley, so sit back and get ready to explore.

http://www.planetware.com/karnak/great-temple-of-amun-egy-qena-gta.htm – Image 03 (Amun Temple)

While in Luxor, take a taxi to the Amun Temple Enclosure. The temple is a representation and an ode to Amun-Ra a God of Karnak in Ancient Egypt. The temple owned cities, ships, land and herds of cattle. Though an empty now, scavenged by the Persians, it is still breath-taking. You’ll find hieroglyphics etched onto these ancient walls, obelisks built to touch the skies and colossal statues of the Gods Amun and Amaunet. The Temple had courts, a great hall and chapels built making it the epicentre of Karnak. It’s advisable to go with a guided group as guides will provide a historical tour of the site.

http://www.egyptwanderer.com/types-of-egyptian-meals-culinary-arts-of-egypt/ – Image 04 (Egyptian Food)

Abou Tarek in Cairo offers such authentic Egyptian cuisine that there are no other branches in the country. The koshari is a famous dish that has locals and tourists alike, flocking for. This popular dish is well-known in Egypt as a staple, koshari is a mixture of lentils, pasta and rice. Look out for delicacies such as baba ghanoush (eggplant condiment), kebab and sweetened couscous at Abou Tarek.  Your stay in Luxor should include the Sofra Restaurant and Café. This quaint spot is in a house from the 1930’s. From mezze platters, mahshi hamam (stuffed pigeons) and tehina salads (tahini salads) – you will be spoilt for choice with the tastes of Egypt.

http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/bedouins.htm – Image 05 (Bedouin dressed man)

This prevalent Islamic nation is conservatively dressed. And with influences from the Ottoman, Turk and European eras, have contributed to Egyptian traditional attire. Muslim women wear a burqa (face veil) or hijab (head wrap) over long dresses. Modern women wear kaftans, referred to as yeleks over loose fitting trousers. Men wear a long tunic, called a gallibaya with trousers sometimes underneath. Men also wear turbans or a tight skullcap.  The Bedouin people in the dessert wear long robes made from cotton to withstand the heat. While the Nubian people of South Egypt wear wraps. Nubian women wear their dresses tied almost like an Indian saree while men wear turbans.

Egypt tells the story of men and Gods, with the Nile river gushing through. It shows you an African civilisation that was far ahead than many European civilisations. Marvel at the manmade structures that will inspire, captivate and enchant you.