So in Arabic, sahara means desert. So in English when we say the Sahara Desert, we’re actually saying the Desert Desert. Funny, huh? That’s not unlike how we treat many other Arabic words in English. And we don’t even realize that many of our words actually derive from Arabic. Take algebra, for example, which kinda means “the algebra” or alcohol, which means “the alcohol.” … [Read more...] about The Desert Desert
Egypt Travel Blog posts about CITIES AND REGIONS
Abu Simbel, Ramses the Great’s Greatest Monument to Himself
Ramses II was one of ancient Egypt’s greatest Pharaohs. Not only did he manage to live into his 90s in an era devoid of modern medicine and build an empire over which he ruled for 66 years, but he is thought by some to be the Pharaoh featured in the Bible during the Exodus. (This isn’t likely, but it didn’t stop him from being immortalized in this role by Hollywood in The Ten … [Read more...] about Abu Simbel, Ramses the Great’s Greatest Monument to Himself
Cairo’s Chaotic Traffic
Visitors to Egypt have told me that they’ve seen equally chaotic traffic in places like India and China, but I’ve yet to witness an equivalent level of vehicular insanity anywhere else in the world myself. Most, however, are like me in swearing that Cairo’s traffic is the worst they’ve ever seen. But what’s so funny and strange about it all, though, is that there’s still a sort … [Read more...] about Cairo’s Chaotic Traffic
Taking the Right Type of Taxi in Cairo
Cairo is one of the easiest cities in the world in which to hail a cab, as its crowded and chaotic streets are literally flooded with taxis. But there are two types of taxis always buzzing around, and tourists should always try to find the type that will reduce the likelihood of getting ripped off in Cairo yet again… and again… and again. Yes, it’s part of the experience of … [Read more...] about Taking the Right Type of Taxi in Cairo