Monday, September 25, 2006

Discovering Egypt

From the gracious people to its many wonders of ancient civilization, Egypt offers every traveler something unique. Exploring Egypt's antiquities, beaches, deserts, and sporting opportunities as well as cultural exchanges on Nile River cruises are memories that cannot be duplicated anywhere else. We began our visit by arriving at Cairo International Airport after 15 hours flying time from Los Angeles. Having done many trips of this length, we have learned that one of the best ways to avoid jet lag is to rest well on the flight, eat lightly and avoid alcohol (I know that is not much fun for some, but it truly is worth it once you arrive fresh and clear-headed). Please note, you can find alcoholic beverages in Egypt even though many Egyptians do not drink because of their religious beliefs.And while we are on the subject of religious beliefs, many Egyptians are Moslems. So let's get this fact out in the open right away. As an American, I have been force-fed a diet of fear by the mainstream media regarding the Moslem people. We need to realize that by far, the greatest percentages of Moslems are the kindest and most welcoming of people. They adore their families and work extremely hard to provide a life of peace and co-existence with all cultures and religions. The extremists of any religion or political beliefs are, of course, the ones that get the most attention. The journalistic principle of “if it bleeds it leads” is sadly giving many very good people a raw deal when it comes to understanding their cultures.Our hope is that if we can experience the countries of these precious people with open minds and hearts, we will begin to distinguish the differences between a large number of extremely good people and a small handful of people who wish to hurt others in the name of religion.

While in Egypt, I have never felt safer in any country and I do not travel with guards or any sort of extra security just because we are in the tourism industry. We are here as any normal visitors would be, experiencing the wonders of this ancient yet truly vivacious society. I find that perhaps more than any country I have visited, Egypt and its people are truly happy to have guests in their land and the openness of their children toward visitors is an excellent example of this fact. After all, children learn from their elders. The Egyptians exhibit no rudeness or hostility to strangers, but rather a unique charm of awe and admiration for travelers from abroad. You can rest assured that when you are in Egypt, you will feel the love and the welcome that is given to all from the many nations from around the world who visit this fascinating country each year.From spectacular cruises on the Nile to the Valley of the Kings and the temples in Aswan and Luxor, and from the Great Pyramids to the fabulous resorts in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt is a land of many wonders.

Please join me on TravelTalkRADIO.com for more info on Egypt and please leave me your comments, remarks and any questions you may have!

Safe travels,

Sandy

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sandy,
I went to your website and found it so good! A lot of info about travelling. It just makes me dream. I hope I could travel as much as you do! What's next ???

Anonymous said...

Dear Sandy,
I heard that Egypt and Sinai are considered high-risk areas for hepatitis A, do you recommend the vaccination even for those who make short trips? Thanks

Sandy Dhuyvetter said...

Joseph, let me start with you. Thank you for writing! I hope you can travel as much as we do too. It has been an honor and a priveledge for us to represent the industry around the world.
What's next? We are scheduled to be in Holland for the historic Peace4Tourism Conference held by Egypt, Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority. This will be a very important group to watch as they extend their hands in friendship in the name of tourism and cultural exchange. I am very honored to be a part of the delegation. We will be providing programming on the Peace4Tourism conference in the upcoming programs.
Thanks for stopping by!
Sandy

Sandy Dhuyvetter said...

Hi Kelsey,
Great to hear from you and very excited to know you are thinking about going to Egypt.
The Center for Disease control in Atlanta suggests that a hepatitis A shot be one of the preventative measures you take before going into Northern Africa. Of course this includes Western Sahara, Morocco, Maerira Isalnds, Canary Islands, Akgeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt.

Ultimately, you have to decide if you want to get the extra protection. The guidelines are that, just guidelines. To make a better decision, you can get more information on Hepatitis A at
http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=hav.htm

Personally speaking? I had my Hep A shot and in another 6 months got the second and final shot to protect myself for the rest of my life. Not a bad way to go. Just don't forget to go back for the 2nd shot 6 months later.
Let me know what you decide.
and have a wonderful trip.
Sandy
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/destinat.htm

Anonymous said...

We really appreciated Sandy's comments, and agreed with her, about traveling in Egypt and Muslims and safety in the Mid-East. She is so right! People often react out of ignorance about the world around us. How much better the world would be if everyone traveled more. It would open everyone's eyes!!

Anne Jenkins

Anonymous said...

Can someone come to Tanzania and describe it the way Egypt has been praised?.

Ours is a beautiful country with almost everything offered by God: beautiful beaches; animal( game) parks and reserves; mt. Kilimanjaro; kind, welcoming and loving people; peaceful country etc.

Come and enjoy the hospitality of Tanzania.