Captain Bret, the Jet and Friends: Now Boarding to Egypt. Ann MD Miller

asked, “What type of food is good in Egypt?”

      Thabit said, “Some popular Egyptian dishes are traditional food like ful (fava beans), falafel called tamiya in Egypt (fried fava bean patties) and shawarma (flat bread with meat). Also, lentils, chickpeas, moki (lima beans), dates and olives are popular. Some of the most popular desserts are basbousa (a small cake covered with syrup) and kunafa (sweet made from thin pastry). If those dishes do not appeal to you, we do have American food! You will see many American restaurants in Egypt.”

      Donny said, “I want to try all of the Egyptian food!”

      Egyptian clothing

      “I see many women wearing scarves on their heads,” said Dianne. “Do I need to wear one?”

      Thabit said, “You can wear your own clothes from your country, but in moderation, of course. Some locations, such as a mosque (a place of worship) may require special garments. If you are not sure, just ask.”

      Thabit added, “Islam is the official religion and practiced by 90% of the population, so you will see many women wearing the abaya (loose black robe), burka (loose robe with a face veil) or a veil covering their head. Men wear loose long, flowing robes like the galabiyya due to the hot climate or even a more formal dishdasha. Some men also wear a keffiyeh/kufiya (head scarf) or shemagh (head scarf with rope circlet called agal used to secure in place).”

      After arriving at the hotel, Thabit said, “Tomorrow morning, Badir, your tour bus, will pick you up here at the hotel.”