Egypt. The country that won me over. I headed to Egypt with the excitement of seeing the pyramids, the Sphinx, the Nile, the bazaar, the history, the desert, Cairo, the amazing city of Alexandria, Mediterranean Sea, the crazy drivers, street food, food, the people, night life activities to stay away from the heat, and not being able to speak the whole time there!
I loved Egypt. So lively and always full of energy. Once you get past all the security measures you have to go through to get anywhere in Egypt, the vibe is just different than most countries. Places to go. People to see. Food to eat. Everyone is pretty much out at night and not much action during the day to avoid the heat when possible. In the city of Alexandria, you're right on the Mediterranean so the temperature wasn't too bad. I think it was hotter here in California at the time than it was there. Cairo, a whole different story. Hot hot hot! High humidity. Amazon status minus not messing up my hair as much!
I am so glad I made it there over the summer. I highly recommend it. I know it may not be so 'American friendly' now, but if you can go with someone who speaks Arabic ~me, not so well, if that, that would be the best or you're kind of stuck doing more tourist-directed activities, which still isn't even bad in Egypt because it is just plain worth it. It's a bonus to know someone because you can really get a feel of the culture and step into their norm.
Egypt really surprised me and completely changed my outlook on it through my previous unsure thoughts. It's just like going anywhere else in this world. Same old cat calls if you're light-haired, color-eyed like myself. Bargaining for everything. Friendly and hardworking everyday people. Expert drivers. People who love to go out at night and have a good time. Despite everything going on now, they really are happy people just trying to live a wonderful life like everyone else.
For now, I'm going to get into the Egyptian food I ate there. Honestly, I wasn't sure what I would think of the food. More curious about the spices they use there and how strong they are but I'm always openminded. I try almost everything at least once. My thoughts on the food... Way better than I had originally thought. I was happy with everything. I wanted to try it all. My eyes, my heart, and my stomach were eating everything in site! I really wasn't there long enough. I have to go back.
Homestyle Meals
LOOK at that shrimp!
Got to try a Saudi Arabian dish too. Pretty tasty!
Fruits and Veggies
Street CORN! Love love love.
Prickly pear/Cactus fruit - So sweet and so needed on the hot days in Egypt. I peel them now just like the guys over there!
Watermelon everywhere
I did not partake in this, mainly because I didn't know what it was but they are all over the place. Drinks in different colors.
Street food and Munchies
Nuts and beans
You will find these color coordinated boxes filled with chips all over the place
Street meat and sides
Must have condiments
Foul mudammas
Falafel! Really fluffy and made to perfection.
Corn dogs
KFC delivers. Yup, in Egypt. They also have delivery McD's bikers all over the place.
Desserts
Zalabiah with a white chocolate sauce. LOVE Zalabiah. And I'll definitely take it with white chocolate over the usual simple syrup or honey that's normally served.
Baklava and other delights
Not pictured..
• Zalabiah food carts all over the place being served with honey and/or simple syrup
• Baklava food carts around, as well
Restaurants and Drinks
Shwarma - Time for a refill!
Beef and Lamb Shwarma
Falafel, Hummus, Tabbouleh, Cucumbers, Condiment, and Pita Bread. Last meal. I preferred the previous falafel sandwich over this one.
Soda! Only when I travel I crave soda. I would love to be without this craving!
Mint tea. A must when you are in Egypt.
Okay, now I'm really hungry!
