10 reasons

why you can’t help falling in love with Egypt.

Egypt is one of those controversial countries. It drives you mad at the same moment it sweeps you off with its many charms. This is not a sentimental patriotic article. Baby we are talking everyday facts.

Here you go:

Novotel Cairo El Borg

1-“7alawet shamsena”  The Sun  in Egypt is just perfectly warm almost all year. It shines on your soul gently and warmly, plus it’s for Free!  you cant find this pleasantly  warm sun any where else not in Europe  , nor the far east  or America nop.

Egyptians celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Cairo, Egypt, Friday, July 17, 2015. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

2- Street festival probably in other countries they have to prepare for it months ahead, and surly it costs a fortune . But, only in Egypt, you can enjoy daily street festival that is spontaneous, reality show like, and for free. Egyptian people are the stars of the show from the concierge to the newspaper guy who doesn’t sell as much but still blocks the pavement.  Leading stars of the show are the valet guy “ el sayes” , beggars , and the micro-bus driver. Our street festival is all about surprises as you can meet everything on your way from a wide range of animals that share the street with you to the most comedy sarcastic incidents.

Hamam mahshy

3-  Come on guys, Egypt is the only exclusive place to eat pigeons “ Hamam “ from  “ Farahat” the famous restaurant, or Koshary  from “ Abu Tarek”. And many other Egyptian  exclusive trademarks.

4-  What about “elgebna el rumy “ i.e. Rumy cheese? It’s an authentic Egyptian innovation that can take the world only if we knew how to market it the right way. Imagine with me melted rumy cheese  in  traditional “ balady” bread coming your  way straight from the toaster to join your precious intimate cup of tea with milk … Phenomenal ” ya basha” !

5- 24/7 ongoing activities. Egypt, especially Cairo is famous for staying up all night. You never run out of various fun activities to do all day and all night. Plus it’s safe. Practically speaking, it is really safe to walk around Cairo streets day and night, and I’m talking out of a young single female personal experience.

6- Best place for moody people. If you are one moment the night life guru and the next moment you are all about museums and history, then it’s your destination.  If you are the opera / classic music type then suddenly switch to traditional markets shopping or enjoying the local crowd scene, you got it. You name it, meditation, casinos, video games cafes, Nile rides you got it all.

7- You can always go swimming in Egypt, any time of the year. If you didn’t know, now you do. If it’s summer time you head towards the north coast and the Mediterranean Sea. In winter time your destination will be the Red sea and the mineral springs in the Egyptians oasis. Baring in mind, that you will always have a variety of options that suits your budget.

8- It’s  not about the money. No matter how much you got in your pockets you will always be able to have fun.  From the international and local five stars restaurants and clubs to a free walk by the charming Nile at night. You can always grab sweet potatoes on the go in winter time or barbecued corn in summer from hawkers and many other delicious options that don’t cost much. Or choose to enjoy a cheap cruise in the Nile for not more than 5 LE ,or  go for a fancy one that costs up to 500 LE. It’s  all about the choices you make to please yourself.

9- Laughter from the heart. Nowhere else on earth you will find people who generate laughter from every single detail of their own lives even sad ones.  Weather it is good or bad times Egyptians are genuine comedy nation and what is great about it, is that you can’t help joining in.

10-  You are never alone in Egypt. Aside from the street crowd Egyptians are intimate people. Where will you ever find your aunt grabbing you by from your checks and calling you “ Hamada,, nanoos khalto” in the middle of the street.  Or, when meeting with your fiancé, every single uncle and auntin the family will make sure to mention how many times you did wet your pants and theirs as well. The bond you have with kiosk next to your house. Even if you are a visitor, Egyptians will embrace you to feel you are really one of them.

The list can go on and on, but the most magical point of all, is that only a country like Egypt can give you hope. With all the nonsense, conflicts, traffic, even poverty going on, you find people who made it. They succeeded with their lives. Most importantly, you will always see people smiling.

“ 7elwa ya balady”