If there is one characteristic that unites the majority of Egyptians, it is their immense pride in simply being Egyptian.  From the professor in Cairo to the shoe-shine boy in Luxor, the locals hearts are firmly rooted in Egypt.  This may be to believe, given the pervasive poverty, high unemployment, housing shortage and low literacy levels, but we often ignore Egypt’s royal history, the pharaohs, priests and scribes and the abundance of knowledge, monuments and wealth on which today’s culture is based.  With such deep-rooted loyalty, the Egyptians unite and it is this ‘togetherness’ that provides hope and soul.  Society today is built on the trust of large extended families and close-knit neighbourhoods, where help and comfort is always close to hand.

Religion also serves to cushion life’s hardship and is the main source of the cultural and intellectual heritage of the Egyptian people.  The Islamic rule is in no way as strict as the authoritarian manner in Saudi Arabia, but it is always there, ;ore low-key and almost unconscious. Ask someone how they are and they will answer ‘Alhamdulallah’ (fine. Praise to God), indicative of their incessant optimism and thanks.  90% of the population is Muslim and pray five times a day, particularly on Friday at midday when they need the mosque official.  The other 10% of Egypt that isn’t Muslim, is Coptic Christian, which was the predominant religion before the arrival of Islam in the 7th century.

Visitors to Egypt are free to attend any Coptic service but non-Muslims may only enter a mosque that has been listed as a site of significant historical or cultural importance.  To do so, you must remove your shoes and women should wear hats and cover up bare arms.

Most Egyptians today have settled in cities to profit from the thriving tourist industry but so;e stil follow the traditional way of life, living in  cool mud-brick homes, painted blue to ward off the evil-eye.  There are still ;any traditional Bedouin (desert dwellers) living in Sinai’s rugged tracts today who due to the harsh living conditions of Sinai, have developed a sophisticated understanding of the environment.

Egyptians are charming, charismatic and the most friendly of hosts.  You will no doubt experience true grace and kindness from the locals during your stay in Egypt, who will do all they can to ensure you have a delightful holiday experience in this promised land.