Shopping in Egypt
What besides pyramids, mummies and deserts? comes to mind when you say «Egypt»? Of course - papyrus, cats, Nefertiti and diving.
Before you go shopping, you need to know some subtleties so as not to spoil your mood and vacation. Try not to walk alone, especially for the fair sex. It is not dangerous, but it is fraught with minor troubles. Consider in advance the amount you plan to spend on souvenirs - there are many temptations. You can find a rare thing and it will become an adornment of your collection. You can and should bargain, reducing the price several times. Start with the product that you definitely won't buy, and then, with an impassive expression on your face, go to the thing you like. Do not take or give anything with your left hand. East is a delicate matter.
We go to Luxor for real papyrus. After a tour of the museum, you will be shown the process of making it from A to Z at the Papyrus Institute. There is also a papyrus factory in Cairo. On the coast, an inexpensive imitation with brightly painted rice paper or banana leaves is offered. In Luxor, it is worth buying souvenirs made of alabaster or stone in small shops. Scarabs, carved figurines of gods and sacred cats, panels and candlesticks are unique - the craftsmen try not to copy each other. In the same place - amulets and charms.
In Cairo, a national craft is represented - hand-made glass using a special technology, each product is unique. In addition to vases and ashtrays, tourists are especially fond of jugs with colored sand depicting camels and palm trees. In the same place in Cairo, you can pamper yourself with the purchase of ethnic musical instruments, for example, the naya - the Egyptian flute or the tabyaa - the high drum. Beauty plus exotic.
Connoisseurs will appreciate the quality of Egyptian cotton products - bed linen, towels, bedspreads. Headbands for Arabian dances made of transparent fabrics are available everywhere. You can even order tailoring of traditional Egyptian clothing according to your measurements, for example, galabia - a long shirt.
Small rugs made from felted camel wool or African-motif mats can be purchased anywhere. If you want something more serious, you need to go to Aswan, which is famous for its carpets. Wonderful unique works of art can be found among the Bedouins. Tapestries brought fame to Kirdas and Harrania, but today they are sold everywhere.
Leather goods in the national style are also popular among tourists - from bags and shoes to interior sculptures and even sheepskin coats. Belts, photo albums, key rings, soft oriental shoes - assorted. But watch out for quality.
Gold and silver, natural stones are of high quality and affordable in terms of price. Scarabs, ankhs, cartouches, the Eye of Horus are designed to protect you from disease and the evil eye. The master will be happy to engrave your name in hieroglyphs or Arabic script for you..
Carved wood is also offered in abundance - playing boards, trays inlaid with mother-of-pearl, figurines, masks and wall panels, traditional trellises and screens - are wonderful as a gift and at affordable prices..
Traditional oriental utensils made of copper and brass - jugs, engraved trays, oil lamps, various candlesticks - are the personification of the fabulous East. It is impossible not to mention one more eastern symbol - the hookah. They are offered in a huge variety. But you need to be careful so that your purchase does not turn out to be an imitation.
Aromatic oils and spices for the kitchen are traditional trade items for the East. It is worth stocking up on spices, incense and hibiscus hibiscus tea.
You also need to take into account that it is forbidden to export shells of any caliber, corals, ivory products and stuffed crocodiles from the country.
Practical tourism: Egypt
