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Showing posts from February 5, 2012

Ramadan in Egypt

Ramadan in Cairo is an experience if you want to get closer to the local culture and see how the people live their lives. Changes that happen start with opening hours of sites and attractions that are shortened. You have to take into account the major traffic jam the cripples the city almost everyday between 2 and 5 pm as people are racing to catch breakfast at their homes. Many restaurants serve food during the day, especially up-market and hotel ones. Some Fast food outlets work during the day. If you will eat out during breakfast time at sunset, try to make a reservation in advance even in places that don’t require reservations in regular times. Egyptians like to have Ramadan breakfasts out in groups, so places get crowded. You shouldn’t expect also the best of a restaurant during the breakfast hour. It is impossible for any restaurant to serve all its capacity that wants to start eating at the same moment of time with high quality and always arrive early, at least 45 minutes before

Religion in Egypt

Religion in Egypt Islam is the official religion for 90% of population and it is the most important influence on culture in Egypt. And this applies even for non-adherents like Coptic Christians (10%). Perhaps for this reason, crime is virtually nonexistent. The society is conservative, especially on issues related to women. Women are expected to be modest in dress and manner- no flimsy attire or loud talking and laughing, for example. The men are very happy with their position in this patriarchal society. The people are generally friendly, hospitable and very accommodating especially towards visitors. But visitors need to keep their religion to themselves- proselytizing is illegal here.Muslims pray 5 times daily:at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The exact time is listed in the local newspaper each day. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. Many companies also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday. During the holy month of Ramadan all Mus