Egypt

Author: Michelle Hager
Translated by: Liu Jian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-06-01
Features: Egypt, like China, is one of the four ancient civilizations. Over a history of 5,000 years, the Nile River has flowed endlessly, and the hardworking people on its banks have given Egypt an aura of eternity. Although waves of foreigners—Persians, Greeks, Arabs, Turks, and British—have come and gone like flocks ofbirds circling above a canyon, none have fundamentally changed Egypt. Egypt remains as ancient and mysterious as ever, and its people are always warm, friendly, and generous.
Author's Introduction: Although Egyptians are intelligent and religious, with a deep sense of pride, they are outgoing and open-hearted. However, their emotions often swing like a pendulum, so visitors who arrive for the first time may sometimes feel overwhelmed. If you take the time to get to know them, Egyptians will turn 180 degrees, revealing their vibrant vitality and making your trip enjoyable and filled with fun.
Detailed Introduction: This book is divided into five parts, each marked with a different color symbol:
- Background Introduction: Provides an overview of Egypt's history, geography, politics, and culture.
- Arriving in Egypt: Offers practical guides for transportation, accommodation, and language for newly arrived visitors.
- Sightseeing: Details tourist attractions in alphabetical order, interspersed with walking tours.
- Escape from the Bustle: Highlights hidden gems away from the main tourist spots.
- Practical Guide: Offers detailed information on shopping, entertainment, children's services, sports, and business matters. Additionally, the book includes numerous color pages showcasing Egypt's unique features.
Excerpt:
Arriving in Egypt
First Impressions
Arriving in Egypt is like stepping into a bustling market—overwhelmed by colors, noise, smells, and enthusiasm. Everything moves quickly and chaotically, leaving you disoriented as if everything is pressing on you. Yes, Egypt can be like a market, depending on how you react to what you experience. At first, you may feel lost and overwhelmed, but you can gradually adapt—no one cares how long it takes to get used to everything.
Arabic
The official language of Egypt is Arabic, written from right to left and consisting of 29 letters. The pronunciation of Arabic letters does not correspond to those of Western languages. Egyptian place names also lack a standardized Latinization, so Faiyum (Fayyyum), Saqqara (Sakkara), and Dendera (Dendarah) are written differently. If a letter's spelling varies, it can cause further confusion, such as Edfu (Idfu) or Qena (Kena). Therefore, do not rely solely on spelling. When looking for place names on maps, signs, or in this guide, consider pronunciation. For convenience, this guide uses "El" (or el) instead of "Al," such as El Azhar instead of Al Azhar. Arabic terms for streets (sharia) and squares (midan) are retained in spelling, like Sharia Ramses and Midan el Tahrir.
Tipping
The word "baksheesh" literally means "to share wealth." All services require payment, or the service will be slow or refused. Generosity is a core Islamic principle, and Egyptians rarely hesitate to accept gifts. Even if they decline your baksheesh, they assume you have offered it. Baksheesh can be used to tip porters, reward tomb guards to allow entry after closing, or help a station porter find your train compartment. It can also be given as a token of appreciation after showing kindness. However, baksheesh can also be a disaster—children may stop you on the street demanding baksheesh, and you might end up paying more. The basic rule for tipping is to exchange services for payment, and do not pay until the service is completed. Firmly refuse any threats.
Cold
When people think of Egypt, they think of sunshine and heat, naturally leading to the idea of wearing light clothing, sunglasses, hats, and scarves to protect against the sun. But that's not all. Temperature changes must also be considered. Egypt has a wide range of temperature differences. The desert is scorching during the day, but it quickly becomes chilly once the sun sets, and it can even feel freezing in spring, autumn, and winter. Even watching a dance performance near the Giza Pyramids in the desert can be uncomfortable due to the cold, dampening the enjoyment. The Sinai Mountains and the Red Sea coast are the same—watching the sunrise from the top of the Sinai can leave your face turning blue with cold. Even when camping in the desert or mountains in the summer, you must bring a jacket.