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Carpets, incense and handicrafts
in Sharm El-Sheikh
By Daniel Lanier
An article about buying souvenirs in Sharm
El-Sheikh, many cynics argue, should necessarily lead to only one
advice: Never buy souvenirs in Sharm El-Sheikh! That seems a
little bit exaggerated, of course, but like all exaggerations, it
bears a little truth. Souvenirs in Sharm El-Sheikh are
extraordinarily expensive.
If you travel through Cairo during your trip to
Sharm El-Sheikh, you should consider buying souvenirs there. They
are much cheaper and you’ll find a similar selection. But, of
course, there are shops in Sharm El-Sheikh, too, which are it
worth exploring. »Baraka Carpets« and »Aladin« are two of
them. Both I found recommended by foreign expatriats living in
Sharm, after I asked them to where would they take private guests,
relatives, friends for a shopping tour.
»Baraka Carpets« has an overwhelming selection
of different carpets, in number as well as in style. When I
entered the shop a few weeks ago, it was full of of people,
foreign as well as Egyptian tourists, apparently because they
enjoyed the hassle-free shopping. Mourad Mahfouz, the shop owner,
wants his customers to feel comfortable, therefore he watches them
quietly from the background, always ready to assist, of course, or
to even invite them for a glass of tea or a cup of coffee.
»Baraka Carpets« offers all kind of carpets,
little ones and big ones, from wool or silk, Bedouin-style or
modern, cheap or expensive, and patchwork as well as other
handicrafts. He produces in his own workshops as well as
collecting products from all over Egypt.
»Aladin«, the second recommendable place for
buying souvenirs in Sharm El-Sheikh, is a very special gift shop.
From incense to glass products, from earthenware to necklaces,
from woodwork to woven goods – a little room full of thousands
of marvelous little somethings invites you to enjoy the fun of
discovering the ultimate souvenir.
»Baraka Carpets« – Naama Bay, Sharm
El-Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt. In front of the Sanafir Hotel. Open
daily from 10:30 am till 1:00 am, occasionally closed in the
afternoon.
Telephone: +20–12–21 81 597 or +20–12–2272363.
»Aladin« – Falcon El-Diar Hotel, shop
outside to Sharm’s pedestrian boulevard, Naama Bay, Sharm
El-Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt. Open daily 11:00 am to 1:00 pm,
7:00 pm to 11:30 pm.
Telephone: +20–69–600828.
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