North Africa, the land stretching from the southern tip of Sudan, up along the Red Sea and across the Southern Mediterranean coast to Morocco, and Western Sahara on the Pacific. It can sometimes be a tumultuous(动乱的) place. So before heading off, check the state department's website for any travel warnings and advisories.

 

Now, that's not to scare you away. Some of the most visited and most amazing tourist destinations in the world are found right here.

 

In a class all its own is Egypt. For nearly 4,000 years, the pyramids of Giza were the largest buildings on earth, and they remain an inspiration to as many as 5,000 visitors every day.

 

Further south along the Nile River（尼罗河）, sprawling ruins serve as reminders of the grandeur of the Pharaohs(法老). And some of the sites at the top of your must-see list-- Luxor, the capital of ancient Egypt and home of the sprawling Karnak temple complex on the Nile's eastern shore, one of the largest examples of religious architecture in the world.

 

And to the west of the river, the Valley of the Kings, where Egypt's Pharaohs were laid to rest for nearly 500 years. Many of their tombs are now open to the public. Each offers a spectacular glimpse into the ritual lives of one of humanity's first great civilizations.

 

Further south nearing Egypt's border with Sudan are the massive ruins at Abu Simbel. Built during the reign of Pharaoh Rameses II, it's thought that the massive structures carved straight into mountainside were built here, at least in part, to impress and to intimidate ancient Egypt’s southern neighbors, the Nubians(努比亚人).

 

When you are ready for more modern sites and sounds, consider a trip to the town centers, markets and bazaars（市场，集市） of North Africa's magical cities, Tunis(首都突尼斯) in Tunisia（突尼斯国）, and Fes and Marrakech in Morocco. Here, you can bargain in the souks(市集) and stores for trinkets（小装饰品，小物件）, handicrafts and carpets. Haggling（讨价还价） is part business transaction, part national sport. Win or lose, you gain a souvenir and a valuable cultural experience. In Marrakech（摩洛哥的马拉喀什）, don't miss a cultural highlight, the Plaza of Djemaa el-Fna（德吉马广场）. It's been show time here every day since the 11th century. With the city square filled with snake charmers, acrobats and storytellers, it's kind of an atmosphere beckons old and young, local and tourists alike.

 

When you need a rest, head for the shore. Coastal areas like Morocco's Essaouira and Tunisia's Djerba Island are prime beach spots. Their relaxed pace and ocean views will get you recharged(重新充满活力) and ready to go.

 

All of North Africa shares one common outstanding feature, the Sahara. The desert stretches over 3,000 miles from coast to coast. It is one of the hottest, driest, windiest places on earth. Despite its desolation, Berber tribes(北非柏柏尔人的部落) have lived here for thousands of years, plying（勤苦经营） the ancient trade routes with caravans(沙漠地带的车马队) and camels. Here, you will find that many towns along the edges of Sahara offer tourists a taste of desert life, a chance to ride across the sands, run along the dunes（沙丘） and sleep under the stars.

 

With blazing hot summers and wet cool winters, the best times to visit North Africa are in the spring and fall. But during Ramadan（伊斯兰教的斋月）, keep in mind many restaurants and stores are closed and schedules are disrupted. Otherwise there are plenty of tourists arriving year round, drawn to some of the most exciting attractions on earth.

 

When traveling in North Africa, be patient and be polite. Keep in mind that most signs are in Arabic. You can probably get by speaking English in most tourist places. French comes in handy in Morocco and Tunisia. But mastering a few phrases in Arabic can make everyday interactions a whole lot easier and a whole lot more fun.

 

Once you do that, the spirit of North Africa will no doubt seduce you with its ancient charms.