Al Fayyum is a wonderful area of Egypt with a rich and interesting history. It is an area where Egyptians often vacation and which is constantly growing more popular among Europeans. The history of the place tells that here developed the earliest agricultural area in the world, which still remained well known for its fruits, vegetables and chickens. But agriculture is not the Fayyum’s only claim for being first. The Greek mummy portraits found in the Fayyum are said to be the worlds first true life portraits, just as the paved road and the dam to control the Nile floods are said to be possibly the first built in the world. Bird life still abounds around Lake Qaroun, Egypt’s largest salt-water lake, bordered by semi-nomadic Bedouin settlements and fishing villages. Here, on the edge of the desert, you can sail, windsurf, swim and fish. Other places of outstanding natural beauty near Fayoum are the hot springs at Ain al-Siliyin, where you can bath and the waterfalls at Wadi al-Rayan, suitable for swimming and picnics. The local Souk (market) in Fayoum City sells copperware, spices and gold jewelry and there is a special pottery market once a week.