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Experience Egypt

Egyptian culture dates back thousands of years to the ancient Pharaohs and has been influenced by numerous invaders throughout history. It’s no wonder that the footprint of this colonialism has fused the country’s rich traditions to define the Egyptian culture we know today. In fact, food-based gatherings are one of the main social pillars of Egyptian culture, with round-table family feasts at the forefront. The local palette is oriented primarily toward beans and rice, onions, garlic, and plenty of spices. There’s nothing better than drinking down delicious national cuisine, including foul, ta’miyah, and koshari, while enjoying the hospitality of the locals, whether in the city or in the Bedouin camps of Aswan. Take a stroll along the Corniche in Zamalek and head out on one of the many Nile River cruises. Enjoy authentic oriental dishes against an unparalleled backdrop of dancing city lights and glittering water, with the breeze blowing. If you’re able to make the trip north to Alexandria, seafood is just what the doctor ordered. Just inches away from the Mediterranean, saltwater fish and crustaceans are a dime a dozen. Choose your fish and your favorite cooking style, and enjoy a seat by the window where you can watch the boats sail in and out of the dock while the sun sets over the Mediterranean in the distance. Egypt is renowned for its mesmerizing entertainment. Belly dancing, or oriental dance as it’s formally known, is a long-standing fixture of Egyptian culture, permeating every aspect of life, from cabarets to the most lavish weddings. These cultural performances extend to the Sufi whirling dervishes and the famous tanoura. Originally a means to attain a higher spiritual consciousness, this dazzling, colorful skirt twirls to the hypnotic pulse of the music, guaranteed to mesmerize. The Egyptians’ love of the performing arts extends even beyond the vaulted halls of the Cairo Opera House and the world of live Arabic concerts at the Sayed Dervish Theatre in Alexandria, where the beat of the tablah or drums reverberates to your deepest core. bones. In keeping with the rhythm of the East, Egyptians speak Arabic, the official language. While Modern Standard Arabic is used on television, in government speeches, and in educational institutions, Egyptian "colloquial" Arabic is the common form that is generally understood, especially throughout the Middle East due to Egypt's prominence in the film industry. Within Egyptian Arabic, there are many different vernaculars that are still fairly discernible, but with a twist. The Bedouins of the Sinai Peninsula have their own dialect, distinct from that of the Western Desert. There are also some minor language groups, such as the Nubians, who speak an Eastern Sudanese dialect, and other minorities, such as Greek and Armenian, which have undoubtedly shrunk over time. Much like the official language, Egyptians across the country share a very similar trait; their friendliness. Egyptians are a very welcoming, sociable people, always ready to strike up a conversation. They will offer you guidance or assistance whether you ask them or not, and will do their best to get you where you need to go. If you are invited to an Egyptian home for anything from a light snack to a six-course meal, don't expect your plate to be easily finished, as the generous host can eat faster than you can. If you really want to experience Egypt, you absolutely must talk to the locals to understand what "home away from home" means. Egypt's culture has a lot to offer both locals and tourists who wish to experience its charm. Whether you are interested in its ancient history or are simply looking for an adventure, this place and its people, will surely captivate you with their presence.

Reading: 547 2024-10-06

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