LocumLife - October 2008 - (Page 28)

DESTINATIONS Passport Insights into travel destinations abroad Cairo, Egypt Step into the sands of time Journey to the land of the pharaohs where you will be treated to awe-inspiring sites that offer a glimpse of an ancient civilization and their way of life. Cathy Drumm Photo: Cathy Drumm, MA, RN visiting certain attractions. And, you should always THE GREAT SPHINX stands traddling the Nile River, ask before taking a picture guard over the Pyramids of Giza. Egypt’s capital city of Cairo because some areas are offbelongs to an ancient civililimits. By respecting these zation that reaches back to cultural and religious valapproximately 3,100 BC. With 90% of ues, you will gain a greater appreciation tea. During the day, quench your thirst the population practicing Muslims, it is of the Egyptian way of life. with an icy karkadey (a sweet hibiscus not surprising to see traditional conserWith approximately 17.8 million drink) or tamr hindi (a sweetly sour vative values deeply interwoven in the people living in the metropolitan area, tamarind drink). Keep in mind that social fabric of the people. Additionally, Cairo is one of the most densely popuopen drinking is frowned upon in the 6% of Egyptians are Christians with lated cities in the world. So do not be city. Nightclubs and hotels, however, do many belonging to the Coptic Church, surprised if you encounter delays while offer alcoholic beverages. which had its roots in the first century. traveling around town. The chaos that The most opportune time to visit surrounds you is just part of the daily Egypt is from November to March, WHEN IN ROME… routine, so be patient and friendly. during the cool season. Situated on the OR CAIRO For Cairenes, breakfast and dindesert’s edge, Cairo experiences heavy If you have done your research, you ner are lighter fares, while lunch is an dust storms from the end of March to will find local customs differ somewhat elaborate spread served from 3:00 p.m. mid-May, hampering traveling. Another from Western traditions. When enterto 4:00 p.m. The afternoon repast usutime you may want to avoid visiting the ing mosques, everyone should remove ally consists of flavorful meat dishes area is during Ramadan. This Muslim their shoes and women are expected to accompanied by fresh vegetables and holiday lasts 28 to 30 days and entails cover their heads. In fact, you will notice rice or noodles. Being predominately fasting from dawn to sunset. During this that most women wear a traditional Muslim, Egyptians do not eat or serve period, shops and tourist destinations headscarf, or hijab, in public. Proper eti- pork. For a satisfying breakfast, order often keep irregular hours, and moving quette strongly suggests that you refrain a ful (fava beans) or ta’miyya (falafel) around the city is sometimes difficult. from wearing shorts and vest tops when sandwich with pickles and a hot cup of STEEPED IN ANCIENT HISTORY GETTING THERE Cairo’s rich history and traditions have Travelers from the United States require a passport as well as a visa made it a popular tourist destination. To to enter Egypt, which can be obtained from the Egyptian consulate. learn more about this ancient culture, visit The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Cairo International Airport is about 19 miles from downtown Cairo. Square before embarking on sightseeing Flying time from New York to Cairo is about 10 hours. excursions. One of Cairo’s most famous British Air (800/247-9297) cultural attractions, the museum houses over 120,000 objects, including artifacts EgyptAir (212/315-0900 in New York; 310/670-8496 in Los Angeles) from the tombs of kings and members of El Al (800/223-6700) the royal families. Of particular interest are the 1,700 objects from Tutankhamun KLM/Northwest (800/361-5073) collection, as well as the royal Mummy Lufthansa (800/645-3880) Room. There is much to see, so take along a guidebook or join a tour. S 28 LocumLife OCTOBER 2008 www.LocumLife.com http://www.LocumLife.com

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LocumLife - October 2008 Insights Editorial Contents From Nalto STAT! The Basics Med Ec-cerpts Last-Minute Luxury Where Do You Stand? Gastroentrerology Career Center Advertiser Index Opportunities Direct Destinations Passport - Cairo, Egypt Contest Rules Anyone's Guess La Vita Locum

LocumLife - October 2008

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