I’ve always been enchanted by Egypt. Always. I feel that among the arid sands, the blazing sun and the ancient pyramids, lies romance. This is entirely different from romance in Europe, of course. Instead of rose gardens, marble floors and royal issues, Egypt has pharaohs, Anubis and hieroglyphics. But these are all relics of the past and Egypt now is a lot different than what has been depicted in movies. Of course, the pyramids are still there. Museums provide excellent windows to the past and the culture is still alive.
Perhaps what excites me most, apart from visiting the pyramids and the ancient ruins and the museums, is the prospect of finding treasures in bazaars. I love bazaars and in such an exotic land as Egypt, you never know what you’ll find. From authentic belly dancing clothes to handmade perfume bottles, there will surely be something to delight your senses.
Egypt also boasts of beautiful, unpopulated beaches. These tranquil areas can be found all along the coast from Alexandria to Mersa Matrouh, including the resort of Sidi Abdel Rahman, a secluded bay with clear waters and a selection of villas and hotels. It’s a contrasting image of the Egypt we have in our heads.
However, a few more modern establishments have been added since the last pharaoh walked the Earth.
For one, there are golf courses all around. As one travel site describes it, “Walk into any real golf enthusiasts home or office and one is likely to see beautiful landscapes in Scotland or England, or even the US. But no where else in the world can one play golf in the shadows of the Great Pyramids, or play 18 holes in the morning, and then visit the mountain where Moses passed down the ten commandments in the afternoon.”
Night clubs are also a common sight these days. In Cairo alone, there are more than 30 to choose from. Health clubs, book shops, cinemas, restaurants, casinos… All of these are now part of modern Egypt. Still, Egypt is neither short of art galleries, museums and cultural centers.