It's a little awkward when you experience culture shock in the country you were born in.

Just a couple weeks back, I visited Cairo to see my extended family and it was eye-opening to say the least. Last I visited was in 2007, now nine years later, Egypt is slowly developing into a completely new, almost unrecognizable place.

Here are eight observations I had while visiting the homeland:

1. Peace in the Middle East

Despite the busyness, I managed to find this little nook at St. Philopateer's Monastery. And just like in true Alexandrian fashion, architects created a breathtaking landscape that begs for silence and reflection.

2. Icon not explain it

Egyptian Christians, or Copts, often take pilgrimages to sites that were once occupied by saints or devout believers. Their identity foremost is Christian and they are unabashed in claiming their religious citizenship with the majority of Copts fashioning a cross tattoo on their right hand or wrist.

Side Note: Contrary to common media rhetoric, nowadays Egyptian Christians and Muslims live harmoniously.

3. Wild, Wild West

The location we vacationed at was very left-leaning for a predominantly conservative country. From the apparel to the musical choices, it was not lost on me how much Egypt has embraced western culture; not to mention that it was not uncommon to overhear conversations where every other word was said in English by native-Arabic speakers.

4. Cause to Cairo about

There is a known correlation between warmer climates and proximity wherein the hotter the location the closer people tend to stick together; that couldn't be more true in Cairo as it is noticeably overpopulated. For a claustrophobe like myself this wasn't always ideal.

5. Souq de jour

Those statues you see on the left? All hand carved. I can't even carve a turkey, let alone into stone. There's just something about ancient Egypt that is captivating, even with the natives. I may have been born there, but it still continues to impress me.

Travel Tip: if you're at Khan el-Khalili, be sure to visit Hanaan's shop (as seen here)

6. I pita the foul

On the left is one of Cairo's many boulangeries and the epitome of everything right with the world. Every morning, my grandma would purchase fresh loaves and breadsticks that I would use with her homemade fig jam or dip in my shay bil laban (milky tea). The food is always fresh and local. It doesn't get any better than that. And on the right is sugar cane juice in a bag. Enough said.

7. Mighty rushin' wind

The spirit at night is always lit. It could be 3am and places will still be buzzing with customers so don't expect to tuck in early. The night life is the best way to view Egypt and the weather is just right (around 75°F or 23°C) - the lowest it'll get in the summertime. Did I mention their weekend starts on Friday?

Travel Tip: visit Tivoli Dome for all your caffeinated needs

8. ♪ But you didn't have to cut me off ♪

Traffic in Cairo is not for the faint of heart. It takes courage and unwavering faith to survive it. Quite often, I found myself holding my breath the entire duration of some trips. A few times it's been a near-death experience for me. But whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? Just kidding, I'll stay home. And did you hear about Egypt's second language? There isn't a minute that goes by when you don't hear a car horn. It's a fun experiment if you ever visit. Trust me, I tried it.

Travel Tip: don't forget to bring motion sickness pills

I highly anticipate seeing Egypt's transformation in the coming years where hopefully the driving improves (spoiler alert: it probably won't).

The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.” Isaiah 19:25 (NIV)