I came across this article in the Wall Street Journal online and have decided this is our next excursion here in Egypt. Its a place called Siwa, its sounds and looks awesome!
We have been to the Western Desert before, but to a place called the Bahariya Oasis. The article describing the Bahariya Oasis is spot on. I laughed as I read it. Especially the dancing in the desert part, we so did that. The bedouins take you into the desert, tents are set up, you eat, drink tea, they sing, play drums and people dance. On that trip it was Super S and I, some German and Japanese tourists, we were probably like 8 altogether. The Japanese lady was amazed at how one the Bedouins was able to shake his hips like he was... she was looking at him, down at his hips to see how he did it. Super S and I still laugh when we remember this... I guess you had to be there.
We actually became friends with one of the bedouin guides. He took us to his house, we ate with him and his family and we kept in touch with him from the USA with him for some years. We've lost touch now, but I bet we will find him easily once we go back, wouldn't that be cool?
I always remember the visit to his house, and still tell the story of it today. It was just my second time visiting Egypt. I was amazed with the culture, people and history of the country. At his house I was introduced to his wife and her sisters. At that time my Arabic was like two words, so it was fun "talking" to them. They kept saying "Am-ree-ca" I just smiled. The roof of their house was palm leaves, and like two rooms. The kitchen was tiny and she had a ring type thing for fire, no stove. So i just stood around and smiled and felt the sincere warmth of my hosts. I swear these ladies were so hospitable and welcoming, just happy to see me, some of the nicest people I have ever met.
Then they brought out this huge tray of food to the other room, we all sat down and ate. I remember saying to Super S later, "I bet they don't eat like that often" and feeling very humbled. They made it a special and a very memorable visit for us.
After Ramadan we always go to our favorite spot Dahab, but am thinking maybe to travel to Siwa to check it out. Maybe we can make some new friends there too.
We have been to the Western Desert before, but to a place called the Bahariya Oasis. The article describing the Bahariya Oasis is spot on. I laughed as I read it. Especially the dancing in the desert part, we so did that. The bedouins take you into the desert, tents are set up, you eat, drink tea, they sing, play drums and people dance. On that trip it was Super S and I, some German and Japanese tourists, we were probably like 8 altogether. The Japanese lady was amazed at how one the Bedouins was able to shake his hips like he was... she was looking at him, down at his hips to see how he did it. Super S and I still laugh when we remember this... I guess you had to be there.
We actually became friends with one of the bedouin guides. He took us to his house, we ate with him and his family and we kept in touch with him from the USA with him for some years. We've lost touch now, but I bet we will find him easily once we go back, wouldn't that be cool?
I always remember the visit to his house, and still tell the story of it today. It was just my second time visiting Egypt. I was amazed with the culture, people and history of the country. At his house I was introduced to his wife and her sisters. At that time my Arabic was like two words, so it was fun "talking" to them. They kept saying "Am-ree-ca" I just smiled. The roof of their house was palm leaves, and like two rooms. The kitchen was tiny and she had a ring type thing for fire, no stove. So i just stood around and smiled and felt the sincere warmth of my hosts. I swear these ladies were so hospitable and welcoming, just happy to see me, some of the nicest people I have ever met.
Then they brought out this huge tray of food to the other room, we all sat down and ate. I remember saying to Super S later, "I bet they don't eat like that often" and feeling very humbled. They made it a special and a very memorable visit for us.
After Ramadan we always go to our favorite spot Dahab, but am thinking maybe to travel to Siwa to check it out. Maybe we can make some new friends there too.
Cairo Time
I want to hear all about it when you do make the trip. Take lots of pictures too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story. I hope you are able to cross paths again!
ReplyDeleteThere is so much more to Egypt than Cairo and Giza, huh? Please post pics so I can tempt my hubby with another trip!
ReplyDelete