I mostly write about things I feel passionate about - good or bad!
I mostly write about things I feel passionate about - good or bad!
Member since:13.08.2004
Reviews:14
Don't believe anyone if they tell you that this country is not safe or that you get hassled, its just not true. Before I left for Egypt with another female traveller, we read in the guide books that female travellers should beware. Beware of being groped by men or being ripped of and of being hassled. This is just not true. We had the most amazing holiday over there where the people were very very friendly and hospitable. I went with Imaginitive Traveller and found them to be very good, well organised and good value for money. I would definitely recommend them.
To make it easy for you, dear reader, I will sum up what it was like.
- The sights are amazing, you will see some staggering things in Egypt, like nowhere else on Earth, but make sure you either go with a tour or get a tour guide as its well worth it.
- I cant emphasise enough to go in a tour round Egypt, you will see so much more and wont get treated as much as a tourist and hence overcharged.
-If
you go to Cairo, dont think that the rest of Egypt is like this, its not. Cairo is like London, crowded and busy. But still fun.
-The place is very very cheap ( we re talking £3 for a full meal and drinks) but make sure that you haggle wherever possible - and be brutal, you d be surprised how little you can pay on the markets. (Luxor is dearer and Aswan is better priced)
-Dont go to Egypt expecting to sunbathe - its just too hot even for the seasoned sunworshiper. And you will get de hydrated.
-If you can, go in the winter time as its very very hot in the summer. It is bearable but you will have to stay out of the sun for most of the day.
-Take lots of thin cotton or linen trousers and long sleeve tops. Theres a reason why these people wear these types of clothes and long robes - thats because its much cooler covering up than wearing less. Really.
-Most people get sick. Its just the food and the water are different. -Make sure to take plenty of de hydration sachets - its surprising how easy it happens and it helps with other problems.
-Take cash and a credit/debit card. Travellers cheques are not that widely accepted and even in tourist spots like Hurghada we had trouble changing them.
-Make sure you get a cruise/boat or felucca if you' re hardcore down the nile. Its well worth it and is very relaxing. The people shout and wave as you go past -its great, and you get to see the other side of Egypt life.
- Go and see the tombs at Abu Simbel if possible. It is a bit of a trek out of the way but worth it to see the four statues and the hyroglyphics in colour -immense, oh and go early in the morning as it gets very hot.
-Smoke a sheesha like the locals. In Egytpt, smoking is like drinking in the UK, they all do it. But smoking a sheesha, which smells lovely, almost hypnoc, is not like smoking anything else. The smell is much like incense (sort of) and it is much purer than smoking cigarettes. Even if you are not a smoker, (i m not) try it, its very relaxing and well, you re on holiday!
-The markets are full of brightly coloured spices, cotton, rugs, jewellery and food. The best place to buy jewellery is Luxor, cotton and spices is Aswan and Cairo for other Western type products (they have a huge Western shopping centre)
-Beware of the crazy drivers! These people have no road rules, or so it seems, so just be confident as a pedestrian and they will stop. Oh and i wouldnt recommend driving yourself, its just mad out there.
-Make sure you visit the Karnak temple when in Egypt, its amazing and all the images are still clear, some even in colour.
-At Hurghada, take a desert safari. Its crazy and quite uncomfortable, but then thats the fun of racing across the desert in a 4x4. Oh and take a good sports bra (for the women)
-Dont worry if you dont get into the pyramids, its not as impressive inside as out and it is better to see the inside of the temples which are better decorated. (and they are amazing)
-Donkeys are quite a normal sight in Egypt, most families in the stix use them. If you get the chance to ride one, do, but they aren't too comfortable so wear good underwear.
-Dont bother with public transport if you can help it. The trains are ok but the buses are a nightmare, and cabs are very cheap (make sure you agree the price before you get in-and for the cab, not per person)
-Go to at least one night show at one of the temples (Kom Ombo or Karnak etc), they are a bit cheesy but are entertaining.
-Dive in the red sea! Its well worth it and much easier than snorkelling. You can take an introductory dive even as a beginner for about £40 - some of the best reefs in the world.
- Take lots of travel wash as you will end up washing the same clothes alot and they dry quickly.
But do go to Egypt, you ll be surprised at how amazing it is, the people, the markets, the nightlife (which is very Western in some parts) and of course the sights.
You won't be sorry!
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Some straightforward advice and a good insight into the country. Maureen
j3ssica 13.09.2004 20:14
I'd love to go - it sounds amazing! A bit put off by not being able to sunbathe but I can go somewhere else for that; Egypt is definitely somewhere I want to go! x
teacherofhooch 13.09.2004 19:55
I do love Egypt too but I disagree with you about the hassling. They do hassle that is why in some places they actually have painted lines where the sellers are not allowed to cross to go to a buyer. The buyer must go to them across the yellow line.
Abu Simbel in the morning is far better not only to keep out of the heat but for the magnificent sunrise. Do you want to go back? I do. Did you have a camel ride? they are funny. Linda
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Advantages: a testament to the genius/talent/skill of the ancient people. Lovely weather Disadvantages: the men are extremely rude, the temples are not given the respect they deserve
sekhmetscat 07.12.2002 ·
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Review of General: Egypt
Advantages: a testament to the genius/talent/skill of the ancient people. Lovely weather Disadvantages: the men are extremely rude, the temples are not given the respect they deserve
sekhmetscat 07.12.2002 ·
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Review of General: Egypt
Advantages: Close to the Egyptian Museum and other interesting places Disadvantages: Compared to the other hotels it was on the expensive side - but well worth it
Steven_Holroyd 07.06.2007 ·
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Review of Nile Hilton, Cairo
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