In the land of pharaohs

The ancient civilisation of Egypt attracts many a modern-day visitor, says Swati Rai

No visit to Egypt can be complete without a tour of the pyramids
of Giza and the Sphinx Photos by the writer

EGYPT, the cradle of civilisation, is best known for its hieroglyphs, mummies, temples and, of course, its pyramids. Chances are that if you are in Egypt as a tourist, you will probably commence your journey from its capital Cairo.

Beneath the heat and dust, besides traffic jams, squabbling masses and flavourful street food, there is a burgeoning 21st century metropolis, dotted with modern-day high rises, swanky hotels, a few discotheques and world-class eateries. The museums, art galleries and souvenir shops, shopping arcades exist side by side, creating an eclectic mix of the old and the new, the commercial and the natural.

While in Cairo, one must capture in our mind and camera, the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. These majestic witnesses of Egyptian history are a testimony to the Pharaoh’s quest of finding perfection in a universe wrought with chaos.

Another example of the splendid ancient Egyptian architecture is the Citadel of Salah-el-Din, with delicate inlay work on the minarets that stretch up to the sky.

For a taste of modern Cairo, try the streets of Heliopolis, Mohandessin, Maadi or Zamalek, showcasing the present-day Egypt.

Visitors interested in the Islamic architecture and history can visit the El Gamaleya district or Khan El Khalili. The streets there are lined with old-world architectural buildings.

For those wanting to indulge in some shopping, explore the souks (bazaar) but don’t forget to haggle. After a hectic shopping spree, step inside a cafe and into the world of an average Egyptian. There are many budget eating joints as well as the luxury hot spots. Local chains include Cilantro, Grand Cafe, Costa Coffee and many others.

Other places of interest in Egypt are Sharm el-Sheikh — a popular resort town on the Sinai Peninsula that offers the best scuba diving in the world.

There is Luxor, also known as the city of temples. Noteworthy are the Valley of the Kings and the Temples of Abu Simbel. In Aswan, there are more temples, but must see is Geziret El Nabatat (The Island of Plants), an island in the Nile river at Aswan and is home to some rare variety of flora and fauna.

For souvenirs, some of the most popular purchases include antiques, carpets and rugs, inlaid goods, such as chessboards and jewellery. Cartouches, which are elongated oval metal plates, and which can be engraved with your name in hieroglyphics, are another great souvenir.

Another wonderful Egyptian memento would be parchments made of leaves of the papyrus plant. Perfumes are available at most shops but buy only if you are an expert.

Hukkah or sheeshas and spices can be bought at colourful stalls in most Egyptian markets. Most markets are bustling with energy and loud calls. The shopkeepers are seasoned in the bargaining game so carry along an English to Arabic dictionary to make the most of your shopping sojourn.

Egypt is an epicurean’s delight and offers a fantastic Mediterranean dining experience. The food is flavoured with herbs and is not too spicy. It being a seaside country, fish and seafood are a must-try.

Vegetarians should try ful medames, a classic Egyptian dish, made of beans cooked in a copper pot. Another local dish is the falafel (known as Ta’miya in Egypt) made of deep-fried ground fava, and bean balls, believed to be invented by Egyptian Bedouins.

For typical and authentic Egyptian cuisine, eat in one of the many colourfully lit, smoke-filled restaurants by the road. Experience a apple-flavoured hookah with the the meal.

For a more exhaustive tour of Egypt, weeklong cruises are available aboard luxury liners down the Nile from Aswan to Luxor. Felucca (local name of a sail boat) rides are also available down the Nile.

Whatever be your travel preference Egypt has something to cater to everyone’s sense and sensibility.

HOME