Adventure: Egypt

 

Egypt is fundamentally an adventure country. There's no doubt about it. The home of one of the world's most ancient civilizations can be nothing but an adventure. A traveler may enjoy the pool or beach during an Egyptian vacation, but it's not the reason they came. Without doubt, adventure is what brings you here, thousands of miles from where you started, across oceans or seas. Egypt is an adventure to cross off your bucket list. The articles I write are here to ensure you have good experiences, and inform you on the negatives so that you can avoid them. 

People come here for surprises, exploration, a certain degree of challenge, and discovering hidden gems behind winding alleys, in tiny shops and tiny tombs. Egypt also offers moments of respite, and refuge, like feluccas and street cafes, but those are times to recharge your batteries and ready yourself for your next adventure. 

Whether your late nights in are spent in Cairo's crowded streets, floating down the Nile, or camping under the desert skies, the sense of immersion is something the resorts can't imitate, But how do you find the places and the people to go with? How do you learn what the locals know, and who do you trust to advise you? 

Planning your vacation with the right kind of adventure is a tricky task. Without local connections, it's easy for a trip to go very wrong. Some locals make great guides, while others may be taking advantage of your naivete. 

"Not every leprechaun is leading you to a pot of gold" as the saying I just invented goes. As a foreigner, you'll find that everyone is trying to offer you something. Here in Egypt, it's safe to accept big favors from people you know well, such as friends or colleagues, be wary of elaborate generosity from people who barely know you, as there will likely be a catch (or a proposal). 

In the pages I that follow I'll explain not just what places to check out, but how to get there and what they offer. I will also share some insight on Egyptian psychology and recent history, with the hope of softening the culture shock you may experience. Understanding Egyptian people is essential, since you'll want to meet locals and take their perspectives. The more information you have about our context, the easier it will be to contextualize the stories you hear from a wide variety of Egyptians, of all walks of life.