FINALLY WENT TO MEET MY FAMILY!
The main reason why we went to Egypt was to meet the family. My husband was born and raised in Cairo. His family was eager, or they were very concerned, about who he had married just a short time before.
It was a nervous experience trying to prepare for this trip. I was never religious and they were devout Muslims. I heard plenty of horror stories about parent in-laws within the US culture and I was about to experience a very different culture. ....... Would I be able to talk to any of them? ....... Will I insult them and not know it? .....The plane tickets were very expensive......and the sensationalized news reports about the terrorism happening at the time did not help with my enthusiasm for this trip either. But I knew I had to do it! I had to meet his family (now my family too) at least once. So off we went.
When we finally arrived. I first met his youngest sister at the airport, a beautiful women who spoke English better than my husband at the time.
As soon as we arrived to his mother's apartment they were all there to greet us.
It wasn't long before I could feel relaxed. I found my mother in-law, who could only write her name (due to the lack of an educational opportunity in her childhood,) to be very intelligent, quick witted, observant and very compassionate. She is a true jewel. I am so lucky to be a daughter-law to her.
Abu Simbol
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GENERAL
When visiting Egypt you absolutely must: Visit the City of Luxor.
Fondest memory of Egypt: The city is an interesting city in itself. Of course the venders are more aggressive and sometimes unnerving. I try to have compassion for them, though, being aware of the fact that business was so slow for them, thanks to the terrorism scaring away the tourist that occurred shortly before our visit.
Within the city itself is Luxor Temple and a very easy walk from there is Karnak Temple. Across the Nile you will find the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and the Valley of the Nobles and much more.
GENERAL
When visiting Egypt you absolutely must: Try to go south and check out Aswan
Fondest memory of Egypt: This is a spice capital, a textile capitaland a wedding capital. But what�s more, there is the Temple of Philae, Mausoleum of Agha Khan, Kitchner`s Island, Elephantine Island and our personal favorite, Kalibsha Island.
Aswan is also where to joined a charter trip to Abu Simbal(another must see place). Should you be in the area I highly recommend the places mentioned here.
MUST SEE ACTIVITIES
Activity: Check out the Red Sea
Unique Qualities: The coral reefs in the Red Sea have been said to be among the most beautiful in the world. I do advise against removing any of that coral for the sake of keeping the reefs beautiful. (It is illegal to remove from them anyway.)
Classification: Scuba Diving, Boating/Water Skiing , Site Seeing
WARNINGS OR DANGERS
Warnings or Dangers: Definitely carry drinking water with you.
Beware of the fact that in some standing waters are not considered safe to have skin contact in, because of the parasites that can get into your blood stream if you are in the wrong place. This may not be true at some of the oasis�s and such, but I would take warnings from the locals very seriously in this matter.
CULTURAL TIPS
Cultural Tips: While in Aswan, I overheard a conversation from two European women complaining to a third about a terrible experience they had while visiting another village that had some ruins. They described how their encounters with some locals who were hostile to the point of locals throwing stones at the women.
Finally, I looked in their direction and noticed that they were wearing short & tight bicycle shorts with skimpy midriff tops. (That kind of clothing attire would have easily created a major uproar among my Egyptian in-laws, even if I did have a cute figure.) I can�t really say what really incited that kind of anger from the locals in that village.
I will not defend violent actions like throwing rocks at people, either. (For all we know they could have been just stupid kids.)
I do however, need to say that Egypt is well within the KORAN BELT. I will never advice any women to wear a Burka or veil. But, I will advice people, men and women, to be sensitive to the local culture, so long as you are a guest in their country.
On one hand they need the money, on the other hand some, (but not all,) feel disrespected by the very people they need their income from. If you want to dress in a skimpy manor, there are plenty of places, with a hot climate, outside of the KORAN BELT.