Egypt lovers

ABOUT EGYPT





Language : Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated people

Government : Republic

Area : land: 995,450 km2

water: 6,000 km2

total: 1,001,450 km2

Population : 78,887,007(July 2006 est.)

Currency : Egyptian pound (EGP) (LE / £E)

Religion : Muslim (mostly Sunni) 90%, Coptic Christian and other 10%

Time Zone : EET (UTC+2)

Calling Code : 20


HISTORY


Egypt history time line started from 5000 BC when people first settled in the Nile River valley. Egypt was a seat of ancient civilization. Many dynasties ruled Egypt through the different periods of history. Each of the periods has significant influences on the history of Egypt. Archaic period in Egypt continued from 3100 BC to 2650 BC. During 2700-1640 BC, some of the magnificent pyramids were built in Egypt.

The Old Kingdom in Egypt continued from 2650 to 2134 BC. This period was very prosperous as trade and commerce flourished during this time. Worship of Sun God or Ra became very popular in the country. Some of the important pyramids were built under the rule of Pharaohs. The downfall of the Sixth Dynasty in Egypt marked the end of the Old Kingdom. The First Intermediate Period, which lasted up to the Middle Kingdom period, started in 2040 BC.

In 1640 BC, the Middle Kingdom in Egypt came to an end and the Second Intermediate Period started right after that. This period came to an end when the New Kingdom began in Egypt from 1550 BC. Many significant temples were built in Egypt during this period. Tutankhamon was a very important ruler of this era. With the fall of New Kingdom in 1070 BC, the Third Intermediate Period began. 712-332 BC is considered as the late period in Egypt. Egypt history time line saw the invasion of Alexander the Great during this time.


From May until October, the temperatures are fairly high, especially in Luxor and the southern parts of the country, yet summer offers a time to see Egypt in relative peace and quite. It is a huge advantage being able to see the tourist sites without hassle from school children, or from the crowds of tourists.

Another very good time to visit Egypt is during the springtime. During spring the weather is fairly moderate.

WHERE TO GO



LUXOR   Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, The Colossi of Memnon, Valley of Kings, Valley of Queens, The Temple of Deir El-Bahri, The Temple of Dendara, Temple of Esna

ASWAN The Temple of Kom Ombo, The Temple of Edfu , The Temple of Philae, The Unfinished Obelisk, The High Dam, Elephantine Island, The Botanical Island, Abu Simbel Temples

ALEXANDRIA The Castle of Quitbay, The Pompeii Pillar, The Royal Cemetery of Kom El-shouqafa, The Montazah Palace Gardens

SINAI   St. Catherina Monastery





The visa can also be obtained from Egyptian Diplomatic and Consular Missions abroad.

The visa is simply a stamp (like a mail or postage stamp) that you buy from the visa office, which you arrive at, just before the immigration booth. The visa costs around $20 and after buying it; you just stick in any empty page on your passport. Once you have bought your visa you then stand in line to get your passport stamped by the immigration officer.

Visitors entering Egypt at the overland border post at Taba, to visit the Gulf of Aqaba coast and St. Catherine’s, can be exempt from requiring a visa and be granted a free residence permit, valid for fourteen days, to visit the area.

Citizens of the following countries should have a pre-arrival visa:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Chechnya, Croatia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Lebanon, Macao, Macedonia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, The Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Sri-Lanka, Tadzhikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and All African countries except South Africa.

USEFUL INFORMATION


Climate and Clothing in Egypt
 
Winter is high season and the most comfortable time to travel to Egypt. Temperatures vary from the milder, slightly damper Mediterranean climate of the Delta (About 70 degrees Fahrenheit daytime winter temperatures) to the dry Upper Nile (80s in winter). Summers can be unbearably hot, and even Egyptians flee to the coast. No matter what the season, bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

Clothing
Coverage is important for cultural reasons and comfort. Mornings and evenings are chilly. For a sunrise felucca sail or hot air balloon ride, take a sweater or jacket.

Food, Health, Sanitary, and Safety Concerns in Egypt

In tourist and hotel restaurants, food is generally safe to eat, although those with sensitive stomachs should avoid raw fruits and vegetables.


Drink bottled water.

Malaria is not an issue in Egypt. Talk to a doctor about standard immunizations being up to date, as well as typhoid and Hepatitis C. In heavily traveled tourist areas, these are not usually a problem.

Toilets at tourist sites are generally western-style (for women; men’s toilets can be either western-style or holes in the ground). Attendants clean toilets in tourist areas and provide toilet paper; a tip (one Egyptian pound; about 20 American cents) is expected. Carry toilet paper in case none is available (or in case you have no small currency).

Most hotels have metal detectors and X-ray machines at the entrance. Tour buses are escorted by armed security guards.


 
Motorist Rules
 
Cameras: There is no such thing as having too many memory cards or too many batteries.


At museums and tombs where photography is prohibited, cameras may have to be checked. Check guidebooks; if photography is prohibited, consider leaving cameras at the hotel. Photography (but not tripods) is generally permitted outdoors.

Expect to bargain for souvenirs, and don’t be afraid to make a low offer. Vendors' initial prices are often multiples higher than the "real" price. Engage in the process with good humor. Egyptian vendors enjoy bargaining; with practice, visitors can, too.

Beads, scarves, and knock-off souvenirs are imported from China for sale to unsuspecting tourists. Goods made on site, such as in carpet and alabaster “factories” are probably local in origin; ask the guides.

Baksheesh is a part of Egyptian life. Most commonly, it means giving small tips. Bring a stash of single American dollar bills. (Coins can’t be changed in Egyptian banks). It can be difficult to find small Egyptian banknotes at tourist hotels, even at banks that change money. American dollars can be used until smaller Egyptian currency is found.

Egyptians are extremely friendly to visitors. By following these tips, travelers can maximize their enjoyment of this fascinating country and its people.

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