Water, water, waaater, WATER. This is a frequent thought during tourism in Egypt — except in the high season of Winter.
Few people know that drinking water is not the sole concern on hot days. There’s a special water that men and women should spray over the skin, and it can save the day. It’s an effect that — with a touch of drama — I call “miraculous.”
Thermal water
What is it?
Thermal water differs from the tap water or mineral water we drink daily.
In a regular water source, water flows towards the surface of the Earth, dissolving minerals and absorbing them while it passes through underground rocks.
The thermal water comes from a natural hot water source. The water rising from the Earth’s crust produces heat, and heated water can hold more dissolved solids than cold water. Therefore, hot springs have higher mineral content. Here we find all the claimed benefits for therapeutic and aesthetic purposes.
Oh, I don’t know, Damas, I’m not yet convinced. Maybe it would be easier and cheaper to buy a small bottle of mineral water in Egypt to cool my skin on hot days, or use just tap water!
If there weren’t so many differences, do you think I would insist on thermal water, making you spend for nothing? There’s no hidden interest here. I don’t use promotional links for this product. 😉
Because of this blog and my travel agency focused on Egypt, I recommend thermal water to many people, and all of them — men and women — thank me later. Before my suggestion, most people had never heard of this water.
Thermal water in Egypt
The heat in Egypt can be overwhelming. Many visits happen in wide-open areas and even in deserts, to make matters worse. You, not used to the weather, are more likely to be uncomfortable or ill. I call your attention particularly to children and the elderly.
In more challenging moments, when we feel bad due to very high temperatures and dryness, thermal water comes as a “holy savior.” I sprinkle it into my arms, chest, neck, face, and scalp. If you don’t mind sprinkling on the scalp (usually easier for men), the effect will be much better.
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Good. But I insist, Damas. Wouldn’t it be the same if I use mineral or tap water?
No. Frankly, I don’t know how to explain thermal water’s effect on us. It is much more intense than any other water. There is an immediate sensation of freshness, relief, hydration, and it lasts much longer. I pull myself together and gain energy to continue.
Examples
I show you now three examples from a recent trip in Summer.
It was terribly hot the day I entered the Pyramid of Cheops again. I repeat: to enter the pyramid. Imagine the high temperature and the muffled air!
In the middle of the complex path inside the pyramid, towards the tomb, I was not feeling good. Hot weather is not for me. Winter is my friend, and for this reason, some people call me Penguin.
I was in doubt about completing the visit. It was necessary to rest, leaning on a huge rock that was part of the wall. After deep breathing, I sprayed thermal water all over my face, arms, neck, chest, scalp (from a small bottle that I was carrying in my pants pocket). I was ready to continue in less than two minutes, feeling confident again.
That Summer, a similar problem happened when I visited the Temple of Edfu and the Temples of Abu Simbel (real feel of 60°C / 140°F). I don’t think I would have finished the visits without thermal water.
How to bring thermal water to Egypt
Be practical. Ideally, buy small bottles of thermal water. You will easily carry them in your purse or pocket during the tours.
Don’t expect to buy thermal water in Egypt. Buy it before the trip.
Also, remember not to carry the bottles in your carry-on luggage. Airport security agents would confiscate them.
Recommended brands
Keep an eye on France’s famous thermal waters. There are plenty of great brands to choose from. I particularly recommend La Roche-Posay, Vichy, Uriage, Avène.
With or without thermal water (but preferably with this water if it’s not Winter), I wish you live amazing days in fabulous Egypt. 🇪🇬❤🤍🖤
G. DAMAS
» I live in Germany, after several years in Portugal (Algarve).
» My first fiction books, for young adults, were published in the early 2000s in Portuguese. I also wrote books and guides about travel and technology. Screenplays are my greatest passion.
» This blog is the English version of my G. DAMAS (Portuguese language, online since 2008). || English is not my native language.
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