Travel: The Faiyum oasis

Al Ahram Weekly (Amira El-Naqeeb)

Good travel article which looks at many of the main features of the Faiyum oasis, from the world's oldest paved road to the lovely site of Dimeh. With photos.

For me Fayoum has always been a destination at arm's reach, and I won't hesitate to drop by for a one-day trip whenever there's a chance. My visits had one of two purposes. I would either make for Wadi Al-Rayyan, a protected area, for quick landscape refreshment, enjoying the little bit of everything the scenery provides, be it the solitude of the desert, the breeze of the greenery or the purity of the water running through the verdant landscape. Or, I would visit the rural part of Fayoum and watch the fishermen spreading their nets in Lake Qaroun, walk in the fields or play with a herd of sheep. I never knew there was a mystical part of Fayoum yet to be discovered. Places where time stood still.

Egypt's largest oasis, Fayoum, is located only 80km from Cairo. My guide and co-adventurer on this trip was desert veteran and the owner of Desert Adventures safari company, Hani Amr, with whom I share a passion for the desert -- which I am sure is my natural habitat. Also accompanying us was Klas Lindberg, a Swedish friend and freelance photographer, and Am Ahmed, a driver and a guide in his own right. Our plan was to explore some long-abandoned relics.