It's important to talk about your expectations
versus your reality when you are visiting somewhere.
And I think Egypt can give off the idea or the notion
that it's oppressive to women, or that there's
all these problems.
And that's not to say there aren't problems, but for me
as a female Egyptian rapper coming up in the scene,
I have so much hope and so much ambition,
and I only see the glass half full.
I think we can work together and through solidarity
and empathy lift each other up to see the future that we
really want to create.
[MUSIC PLAYING - FELUKAH]
It's your girl, Felukah.
I'm a hip hop neo soul artist between Egypt, New York,
and pretty much the rest of the world.
[MUSIC PLAYING - FELUKAH]
Now, you may not know this, but a felukah in Arabic
is actually a sailboat that runs along the Nile River.
Historically has taken people from one land
to another, goods from one side to the other.
And now it's my turn to take you from the North coast
to Alexandria and back to Cairo and show you
what Egypt is really about.
So let's go check it out.
[MUSIC PLAYING - FELUKAH, "ASK THE BIRDS IN CAIRO"]
(SINGING) In Cairo I'm coming home to you.
The kindness of my neighbors, the kindness
of the people on the streets, for sure.
Cairo and all its hustle and bustle is so beautiful.
I just-- I love it here.
I can go to Ratios and pick myself
up a nice little something to drink.
This is where I be.
Also, just a beautiful, scenic experience.
To look out and see Cairo all around you
surrounded by the Nile River.
That's how we float.
Nile city flow, Nile River flow, Nile River flow, Nile River
flow.
Truly so many matriarchs.
Powerful women everywhere.
This has been a theme in Egyptian history.
Yeah.
That's what I aspire to be one day.
A diamond Felukah.
I'll do it again.
Right now I'm in contemporary heart of Cairo.
That is downtown Cairo.
I love coming out here.
Why?
For so many reasons.
I can shop, walk down the street,
and everything just feels so alive.
It feels like the culture is really
breathing right here in Cairo capital, downtown Cairo.
That's my city.
This my city.
That's my city.
Beautiful.
These abayas are very interesting with all
these colors and patterns clashing all together
to create this kind of a beauty and kitsch at the same time.
[ARABIC MUSIC PLAYING]
I am right now at Abo Tarek, one of the best places
to have koshari here in Cairo.
Koshari is our favorite traditional Egyptian cuisine.
It's a combination of chickpeas, pasta that you love, lentils.
Amazing, amazing dressing that everybody
makes in their own way.
And, yeah, one of the best things about this place
is I can have lunch with Abu Tarek himself right here.
[ARABIC] Cairo Water Sports Academy [ARABIC]
stand up paddling.
I've been addicted to rowing for 10 years,
and I'm sure you will as well.
Rowing in the Nile with an Olympic winning rower.
Casual.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Enjoying this peaceful, calm morning
here on the Mediterranean Sea.
One of the most underrated experiences
you can have here in Alexandria is just
getting on a boat like this, watching the sun rise,
the city wake up around you.
We are at the local fish market.
Most fresh fish you can find in all of Alexandria.
These fishermen rise up so early in the morning,
go and get all of this fresh fish, and it's just delicious.
Here.
Take a walk with me.
I'm so happy to bring you here today.
We are at the best spot for coffee
you can find in Alexandria, and that is Brazilian Coffee Store.
It gives me so much joy to bring you here
because this place was founded by none other than my grandpa.
It's in mint condition.
A1 since day one is the style around here.
Runs in the family.
What can I say.
I love reading.
I'm about to head up my favorite second hand thrift
store for books in Alexandria.
So come check it out.
Honestly, a great perk about this street
is there's something for everybody.
[FELUKAH RAP]
Skating is one of my favorite things about Alexandria.
The subculture here speaks volumes.
There's something about the skate scene here in Alexandria
that's unlike anything I've experienced before.
With no conventional state parks around, people in the city
have scooped out these very specific spots
to chill out in and try new tricks at.
There's just an unspoken camaraderie, loyalty,
and an aptitude for fun here that just doesn't
hit the same as anywhere else.
Shout out all the skaters in Alexandria.
Uberbike is one of my favorite ways to get around the city.
In Alexandria, it gets hot.
There's traffic.
This is the best tried method to getting around the city.
And you can enjoy the breeze with the beautiful views!
Enjoy the Kunish El Raml Station.
Everything just as you ride on by.
I've personally found it to be such a fun
way to experience the city, and to encourage everybody
else to get on these Uber Bikes as well
and maybe try something different.
[AUDIENCE CLAPPING AND WHISTLING]
Now I'll be taking you to the North Coast, which
is, in my opinion, some of the most beautiful beaches you
could see around the whole world.
The white sand and the blue waters
just makes for such a dazzling experience.
We all have those days, those nights, those moments in time
where we need to put something nice on and go out
and have fun.
Obviously you can tell them on that vibe tonight.
I'm at Stanley Restaurant And Bar.
It's where you come to bump shoulders with the stars.
And I don't know about you, but I'm up and coming.
The North Coast a.k.a.
Sahel is also the best place to go and party.
If you're looking for a place to go party by the beach,
get glammed up, this is the place.
As a female Egyptian rapper who's
been born and raised here, this place has so many gems
to offer.
The weather is amazing.
The kindness, again, of the people, and just the culture
that is so deeply rooted in history.
There is so much to be thankful for.
And you'll definitely want to be coming back to this country.
Thanks for watching, everybody.
Thanks for watching Lonely Planet.
Make sure you like and subscribe and go check out
the videos they have from all around the world.
This has been your host Felukah from Egypt.
See you.