Nice Extras during trip to Egypt!

I was fortunate enough to visit Egypt on a two week vacation! I expected tours of the temples to view the hieroglyphics and visits to the museums. However,there were a few extra added bonuses during my tours which I did not expect. They made for a very nice experience and amazing memories! I will take you back on my journey in the following sentences.

One adventure that really stands out among the rest is my visit to the Grand Pyramids of Giza! Of course, you expect to see the Sphinx and nearby the three Grand Pyramids. Travelers are aware of the fact that you may ride a camel around the pyramids. However, what most people are unaware of is that for approximately $5 US, you can go inside one of the pyramids and walk to its center! Tour guides recommend that anyone with heart conditions, allergies, asthma, or claustrophobia do not do so. It is also very low and narrow, so tall people are not encouraged to go in as they would need to bend as they walk through the lengthy passageways. As I completed my walk down the dark, narrow, unlit passageway, I arrived at the end where a possible king's tomb had been years ago.It was an exciting adventure to realize that I had walked inside one of the Grand Pyramids!

Another great side trip is a visit to a rug-making factory. Our tour guide surprised us with this. The teenage weavers become apprentices to eventually do this as a career. They weave at incredibly fast paces. You can actually volunteer to help with the fast-paced yarn spinning for one of the rugs. The next stop was an essence factory. The guide showed us how the essences are made from various flowers and plants. They pass some of them around so that you can inhale for various illness such as sinus problems or sample some which are perfumes. Visitors can buy some fragrances as well as perfume bottles here.

Another must-do side trip is a visit to a spice market. Our local guide informed us that she enjoys a particular spice shop and makes frequent purchases there for her dinner preparation. I purchased 15 or so various herbs and spices from all over Africa! The cities of Luxor and Cairo are known for their spice markets.

Finally, be sure to watch and partake in local dance lessons. This can be done on cruise ships and at many restaurants throughout the region. You not only do the "Walk Like an Egyptian" dance, but learn many traditional group and individual dance steps from throughout the region. You will have so much fun!