We, Egyptians, love to add our special touch to EVERYTHING. We can easily spot each other in a blink of an eye when we travel. Here’s a sneak peak at some of our unique behaviour patterns abroad:
1) It’s Packing time!
Even if we’re only traveling for a couple of days, we will still pack our entire wardrobe, just in case. Oh! And let’s not forget about our favourite Lamabada biscuit packs and Juhayna juice boxes; we don’t want to starve over there.
2) “Would you marry me grandma?”
If you ever come across a 23 years old man flirting or holding hands with an 85 years old woman, make no mistake about it; he is Egyptian. Marrying into another nationality to acquire citizenship is his ulterior motive.
3) “Ana mesh men sharm”
There are two types of Egyptians abroad:
Those who are always lost, and trying to follow the map while holding it upside down. And the “Ftayaeen,” who think they know it all, and start misguiding the whole group into the wrong direction, ending up being lost for hours.
4) Hiding Ninjas
The fear of losing the passport drives some people crazy. Don’t be surprised if you find someone sleeping with their passport under the pillow; they are probably Egyptians following their parents’ golden advice. “Never trust the hotel safe,” they said.
5) “Moshawra” Language experts
When we travel somewhere where we do not speak the language, we never give up! We still speak Arabic while using our best weapon, our gestures, aka “Loghet el moshawra”, to communicate. Surprisingly, it works like magic.
6) Bargaining is in our genes
Egyptians are well known for their superb bargaining skills. If you see someone bargaining in a shop or market, he is most probably Egyptian. “No walahi, I saw it elsewhere for only 2$”
7) “Te3mel kam y3ni bel geneh el masry?”
No matter where we are or for how long we are staying, we will always calculate the difference in currency when buying anything. We are just too attached to our dear Egyptian pound.
8) Let’s take a selfie!
This one applies to all the “zayateen” girls and boys (the show offs). They take a selfie with every stranger out there, just to appear as the cool dudes who have many European/American friends. JUST STOP IT!
9) “What Red light?”
If you find someone moving like crazy between cars while crossing the street, be sure that he is Egyptian. “Rules are made to be broken; let’s have some fun!” That’s what he will most likely tell you if you advise him to follow the country’s pedestrian rules.
10) “No, I don’t eat pork. It’s haram.”
Finally, it’s not okay to eat pork during the day, but it’s perfectly fine to have a beer while partying at night. “They are totally different things man!”
Our actions never fail to shock the world..
