Defining characteristic of the Egyptian

[newcastle]

An Egyptian friend asked me yesterday what was the most defining characteristic of the Egyptians I'd met.

Not entirely in jest, I replied : "Their ability to be late for any appointment, however carefully arranged."

I'm not sure it was the answer he was looking for.

What would you say in answer to the same question?

[Horus]

Their ability to sound sincere while lying through their teeth.

[hatusu]

If there was an Olympic contest for Sleeping, Egyptians would always win gold. They can sleep deeply through any amount of noise, any disturbance. And when they do eventually wake up, they sound as if they are in deep, deep pain.

[carrie]

The inability to understand the word NO first, second, third time around.

[Dusak]

Their unquestionable ability to believe that every single word they speak is the absolute true facts concerning anything.

[DJKeefy]

Their unquestionable ability to believe that every single word they speak is the absolute true facts concerning anything.

That's what I would have said, they are never wrong

I will have to pick another one now

They think they are a qualified and an expert in most types of work

For example if an Egyptian can turn a computer on, he becomes a computer technician
If he can change a bulb on a car or a motorbike he is a mechanic. etc. etc.

[Horus]

If he can swim he is a diving instructor

[newcastle]

Their unquestionable ability to believe that every single word they speak is the absolute true facts concerning anything.

How true!

As has been noted by some it's a character flaw I too have to put my hands up to

It's led to some awkward moments with the locals.

[HEPZIBAH]

The inability to understand :

- That as a woman of a certain age, I do not have, nor ever have had a husband, and am most certainly not looking for an Egyptian one.

- That because I manage to save enough money (from my not exactly huge salary) to visit Luxor I am not rolling in money and cannot splash the cash.

- That I have problems in my life just as much as they do.

[Mad Dilys]

An Egyptian friend asked me yesterday what was the most defining characteristic of the Egyptians I'd met.

Not entirely in jest, I replied : "Their ability to be late for any appointment, however carefully arranged."

I'm not sure it was the answer he was looking for.

What would you say in answer to the same question?

DISCLAIMER the following statements are generalisations.

Hospitality, desire to "help" which is quite genuine, especially in times of illness or bereavement, but for which they are frequently unqualified or prepared and can lead to misunderstanding.

A deep interest in foreigner's private lives. Tourists are still rather exotic to Upper Egyptian families and they find it hard to relate to them. For example, even having a holiday of any sort, let alone going to another country is outside their experience, as is "going out for a meal."

[Major Thom]

Not going to comment I do not think the site will have enough room, but a few of the things I agree with so far. I have started writing down my list when finished will publish it, in DECEMBER 2020.....or about then.

[Dusak]

An Egyptian friend asked me yesterday what was the most defining characteristic of the Egyptians I'd met.

Not entirely in jest, I replied : "Their ability to be late for any appointment, however carefully arranged."

I'm not sure it was the answer he was looking for.

What would you say in answer to the same question?

DISCLAIMER the following statements are generalisations.

Hospitality, desire to "help" which is quite genuine, especially in times of illness or bereavement, but for which they are frequently unqualified or prepared and can lead to misunderstanding.

A deep interest in foreigner's private lives. Tourists are still rather exotic to Upper Egyptian families and they find it hard to relate to them. For example, even having a holiday of any sort, let alone going to another country is outside their experience, as is "going out for a meal."

''...in a foreigners private parts'' Sorry, couldn't resist the temptation.

[newcastle]

More like "an interest in their wallets" D.

Interest in anything else is usually "feigned".

[Dusak]

I have to agree with you there newcastle, the guy behind my bedhead should get an Oscar for his enthusiastic acting. But she probably thinks he's got the right part.

[HEPZIBAH]

The inability to understand :

- That as a woman of a certain age, I do not have, nor ever have had a husband, and am most certainly not looking for an Egyptian one.

- That because I manage to save enough money (from my not exactly huge salary) to visit Luxor I am not rolling in money and cannot splash the cash.

- That I have problems in my life just as much as they do.

On a more positive note...

The ability to:

- Remember who you are, even if you have not encountered them for years.

- Show incredible hospitality, even though they have precious little to share.

[newcastle]

That's true Hepzibah....although it's not unknown to be greeted by :

"Hello my friend ! Welcome back!! How are you?"....

by someone you're pretty damn sure has never encountered you in this, or any previous, life.

They do try, Bless 'em,

[HEPZIBAH]

That's true Hepzibah....although it's not unknown to be greeted by :

"Hello my friend ! Welcome back!! How are you?"....

by someone you're pretty damn sure has never encountered you in this, or any previous, life.

They do try, Bless 'em,

Oh yes, there are plenty of those around too, along with the "Hello madam. Remember me? I am the breakfast chef at your hotel. I cooked your eggs this morning." chaps. Pretty incredible when you've not been to breakfast since you arrived at the hotel, and you don't eat eggs normally anyway! However, this is not just an Egyptian characteristic. I have come across the same lines in Tunisia, Turkey and, to a lesser degree, Morocco.

[hatusu]

That's true Hepzibah....although it's not unknown to be greeted by :

"Hello my friend ! Welcome back!! How are you?"....

by someone you're pretty damn sure has never encountered you in this, or any previous, life.

They do try, Bless 'em,

Oh yes, there are plenty of those around too, along with the "Hello madam. Remember me? I am the breakfast chef at your hotel. I cooked your eggs this morning." chaps. Pretty incredible when you've not been to breakfast since you arrived at the hotel, and you don't eat eggs normally anyway! However, this is not just an Egyptian characteristic. I have come across the same lines in Tunisia, Turkey and, to a lesser degree, Morocco.

Having lived on the West bank for 12 yrs, I still occasionally get this hassle when I cross over to the Dark Side. I love the look on their faces when I ask them in Arabic "Which hotel is that then?"

[Major Thom]

Or just say Busa Al La Teezak it normally works.....

[Horus]

Or just say Busa Al La Teezak it normally works.....

It worked for me I haven't a clue what you just said