I first set foot in the Middle East when I moved to Morocco with my family at just 8 years old. From there, I moved to Saudi Arabia and later Egypt, exploring many neighbouring countries on holidays and weekend breaks. Egypt, however, has always particularly stood out to me, so much so that I decided to study Arabic at university and returned to Cairo for my year abroad. It was, without a doubt, one of the best years of my life.
Learning the Egyptian dialect connected me further to the local culture, and I loved wandering the streets of downtown and Islamic Cairo, chatting to people, drinking mint tea and eating sweets like kunafa and basbousa (two staples in every Egyptian's diet). I especially enjoyed meandering through the city at night when people come out to enjoy the cool air and lively atmosphere.
I love the variety of destinations Egypt is home to. A personal favourite of mine is the Red Sea, where I’ve spent a lot of time diving and snorkelling in its crystal-clear waters. The marine life is so diverse, and I've occasionally been lucky enough to swim with dolphins.
Start planning your trip to Egypt with Harriett
-
01993 838 92501993 838 400
- Make an enquiry
Q&A with Harriett
What’s the best local dish you’ve tasted?
My favourite dish in Egypt is ful, a traditional breakfast food of stewed fava beans, usually served with warm bread, ta'meya (falafel), and grilled aubergine. When I studied abroad in Cairo, it was a go-to meal for me, and I found it to be the perfect way to start my day and keep me full until lunch.
What’s the one thing you always pack?
Whenever I travel to Egypt, I always make sure to bring a scarf or a shawl, no matter the time of year. That way, I’ve something to cover my shoulders with, whether it be for an impromptu mosque visit, to avoid too much sun, or even in case it gets a little chilly. It can also be a lovely accessory for an outfit, so overall an all-round win.
Where would you love to travel to next?
Recently, I’ve become captivated by Central Asia, including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. I’d love to trek through their vast landscapes and explore the Silk Road, which I’m especially interested in because of its mixture of Persian and Islamic architecture. Tunisia is another country I’ve always wanted to visit, especially the beautiful Mediterranean coastal town of Sidi Bou Said.