Summer Getaways In Egypt: A Fun Time or a Classist Nightmare?
Egypt is known abroad for its gorgeous resorts and its beautiful beaches. So it only makes sense that its citizens take advantage of all that it has to offer whenever they can, which explains why they head to the North Coast, Ain Sokhna, or whatever coastal area within driving distance for their summer getaways.
The three summer months of June, July, and August are known as the North Coast months in Egypt because what feels like the whole country heads there, which is no surprise considering its beaches and the many nighttime activities it offers all age groups.
But its beauty and appeal don’t come cheap. The North Coast is known for its high prices. But even those who can’t afford them save up to give themselves and their families a fun summer vacation.
Over the years, people have caught onto the fact that some can’t afford the beauty the North Coast offers easily, and do not own any properties in the area. In addition, the North Coast experience has been altered to segregate those who see the area as a second home from those who see it as their annual vacation.
Compounds started offering two beaches, one to accommodate owners, and one to accommodate renters, since they are seen as less than and are seen as something that would diminish the owners’ experience.
It’s fascinating that even after saving a few months’ salaries to rent a place somewhere nice, you still have to pay somewhere to get access to the beach. And it doesn’t stop there!
The whole North Coast experience has been altered to accommodate the rich and the rich alone. It’s like the working class do not deserve to have fun or enjoy a summer vacation within the same location.
And it doesn’t stop there either. The North Coast is known for being a place where we feel comfortable and dress or undress how we please. Bikinis and shorts are the unofficial North Coast uniform, but unfortunately, this mindset stops when it comes to women covering up.
A woman in a burkini or in a niqab is met with stares and is seen as someone who doesn’t belong. So what really is a summer vacation if it’s only for those of a certain class, and for those who fit a certain criteria of what’s acceptable and what’s not?
Egypt as a country has a long way to go when it comes to classism, and working on changing that one day at a time is the way to go!
