Ever been to EGYPT?

[eUrEkA]

Hi!

I was wondering if anybody out there has been to Egypt or is going there anytime soon?? Any ideas and/or anecdotal notes from recent trips would be appreciated. Has anyone here traveled "independently" to Egypt (i.e. not as part of a tour)? Are there any hotels you'd recommend (under $80 per night please... preferably cheaper)? What's the best way to see the pyramids
at Giza? Is it safe to travel there? Any places that you could recommend?

Thanks!

[unichewy]

I spent a month in Egypt last year w/ friends (not a very good idea to go alone). We toured many beautiful, historic sights. We enjoyed the attractions in Luxor very much. We also arranged for a small boat (felluca) to ferry ourselves across the river and spent a day just wandering among old ruins. Was absolutely breathtaking. Incredible place. My advice...explore. See as much as you can. See the cities, but get out of them too. There's a whole lot of fascinating history, culture and archeology. Go out and see it. Btw, when are you planning to go? I don’t think you should go there during summer time. The temperature goes up to +60 Celsius (140 Fahrenheit) in the sun. The best time would probably be around Spring (March to May).

[istarbaks]

i was planning on going to egypt but i changed my destination... well anyway, everything is very cheap in egypt. you can get good hotels for less than $50/night. but more than that, you better join a package 8days-7nights tours because they are very cheap. all attraction entrance tickets, hotels, cruise, food are provided for an average of $400/person. some are cheaper and some are more expensive, depending on the quality of hotel you want... aside from that, the agency representative will pick you up at the airport and after the tour period, will guide you back to the airport. a really very good deal... and they usually adjust to what you desire-- customize.

here's a link for your reference:

www.touregypt.net

my personal choice for a tour package was the one offered by deltatoursegypt.

good luck!

[Shannyn]

Istarbaks – Hi! Did you get my message? How come you’re not planning to go to Egypt anymore? Heard horror stories haven’t you? Just kidding.


Eureka - I’m from Egypt. When are you planning to go? Summer is a no-no. Follow unichewy’s advice. The weather is simply terrible during summer time here. Egypt may be a little bit dreary during day time and not to mention CHOATIC, but later in the evening, that’s when Egypt really comes to life.

Hotels: Golden Tulip Flamenco Hotel
flamenco@rite.com
Tel.: 735-0815
Fax: 735-0819
Price: Less than $60 dollars

Hotel Les 3 Pyramides
Tel.: 582-2223
Fax: 582-3700
Price: Less than $80 dollars

Al Horeya Hotel
Tel.: 290-3472
Fax: 290-3472
Price: Less than $50 dollars

***I’ll try to check other hotels***


Places that I would recommend (but I wouldn’t go there alone):

Pyramids: You have to see the pyramids during the afternoon, especially when the sun goes down…

Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids – one of the most attractive evenings in Giza, even in the whole world. I was there recently and it’s sooooooooo beautiful! – bring a jacket though -> it’s freezing out there!). It’s a unique show combining the lights projected on the three pyramids and the Sphinx, and the sound effects suggestive of the ancient Pharaonic atmosphere together with the narration of the history of the Pyramids and the Sphinx. The sound and light show is narrated in Arabic, English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Italian daily at sunset. For info., please call 3852880.

Khan-Al-Khalili Bazaar – one of the earliest and greatest markets in the middle east. Contains many stores that exhibit wonderful collections of jewelry, wooden products engrafted with mother-of pearl, leather ware, embroidered dresses and attractive hand-made products that make a great selection of souvenirs; best place to buy papyrus.

The Egyptian Museum – Located at Al-Tahrir Square in the heart of Cairo. The largest of Egyptian antiques museums all over the world. It houses about 250.000 antique pieces covering the whole history of ancient Egypt. The most splendid is the collection of Tut-Ankh-Amon. If you spent only one minute at each exhibit it would take more than nine months to see everything. The best strategy is to spread the exploration over at least two visits, maybe tacking one floor at a time. Visiting hours are from 9am to 4pm daily except on Fridays from 9am to 11pm and from 1:30pm to 4pm. For information, phone 575-4267.

The Egyptian Civilization Museum – it shows the development of Egyptian life and civilization through centuries.

Cairo Tower – it is 187 meters and two levels top it. The first level has a revolving restaurant and cafeteria. The rooftop floor provides a panoramic view of Cairo and its suburbs through telescopes (was there last night – you have to go there during night time or early in the morning).

The Pharaonic Village – Located in Al-Bahr Al-A’azam street in Giza and presents daily show from 9am – 5pm. It is a panorama reflecting aspects of ancient Egyptians life. You can take a Nile cruise amid trees, birds and also practice fishing.

Alexandria: the greatest summer resort in the Middle East. It is distinguished by its strategic location, moderate climate and its beautifully fine sandy beaches. While Cairo is known for its chaotic and noisy city, Alexandria is just the opposite: calm and very peaceful. You could tell the difference by just going there.
Montazah Palace: summer residence of the former royal family, located on a high hill overlooking the most beautiful beach of Alexandria.

The Library of Alexandria

Luxor: considered the greatest outdoor museum in the world. I’m sure you’ve heard of the 1997 Massacre at Hatshepsut temple in Luxor that stunned the whole world. The world responded by staying away. However, it still attracts hordes of visitors from all over the world to enjoy the monuments of the eternal city and its temples with their towering pillars on the two banks of the Nile. Can’t really say much of this place since I haven’t been there yet in the first place…may go there this November or December. Anyway, here are some places that are popular here:

Temple of Luxor

Luxor Museum

Mummification Museum

The Colossi of Memmo

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Medinet Habu Temple

Tombs of the Valley of the Kings

Tombs of the Valley of the Queens

The Red Sea: Diver’s Paradise

Ras Mohammed – teeming with coral and fish, this world-renowned national park has 20 dive sites to choose from.

The Thistlegorm – bombed in WWII, one of the most sought after wreck dives in the World.

The Straits of Tiran – Abundant marine life, a huge variety of dives and a dramatic landscape above.

Hurghada – noted for its magnificent summer and winter climate. The clarity of its water made it as center of tourist attraction esp. for divers coz of the worldwide fame of its coral reefs and rare marine life.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me and I’ll try to answer it as soon as I can.

[eUrEkA]

Thanks for all the replies. Any ideas or suggestions/thoughts about solo travel in general? I'd love to hear about peoples' experiences.


Shannyn – I was thinking of going there during the summer, but I guess summer is out of the question. I’m thinking of going there around March or April. I was supposed to go with my cousins, but they have opted to go to Europe for the summer. The original plan was to go to Egypt and then proceed to Europe. What I plan to do is: to go to Egypt and then follow my cousins. Is that a good idea? I may stay in Egypt for 2 weeks or so. Are there any precautions for traveling “alone”? Although I've traveled quite a bit, I've never done anything like this before. I am psyched about this and a bit nervous. I’m really excited to go to Egypt -> in fact really looking forward to it; can’t wait to see the pyramids! By the way, how long have you been in Egypt? I’ve heard that Egyptian men are gorgeous there but they hardly take a bath? True? Hahaha. By the way, thanks for the tips.

Unichewy – Do you have any info about the hotel where you stayed in Egypt? The name and the district? Thanks!

Istarbaks – Thanks for your suggestions. I checked out the website -> interesting btw. Are you still planning to go to Egypt? If so, when?

[istarbaks]

could not login to pex lately... sorry for the late response.

eUrEkA: i already changed my destination. but i will still go to egypt next year. not sure though particularly what time of the year...

Shannyn : sorry din sa late na sagot. and many many thanks for the info. he-he-he, one thing that changed my mind is when pres. bush mentioned that he's planning to use the military facilities of egypt if usa attacks iraq... ngeh, backout muna ako...

[Abby McBeal]

waah, sama me!!!

i've had an inexplicable fascination with egypt since i was a little girl. kung meron ngang decent school na nago-offer ng archeology or egyptology dito, i probably would have taken that in college. however, since it wasn't a feasible option, i just settled for mass comm. but the whole thing with pyramids, mummies, and ancient pharoahs just gets me, even now.

shannyn - why are you recommending that we don't go to egypt alone? i have a pervesely independent streak and would love to go off exploring by myself. are there things we should be worried about if we travel to egypt alone?

istarbaks and eureka - sama ako when you guys decide to go to egypt! my fiancee isn't much of an adventurer e, and if i ask my mom to go with me, magiinarte yun because her asthma is going to act up with all that desert sand. hmph.

[istarbaks]

btw, if ever you go, what airlines are you flying with? i'll be with malaysian airlines because of my frequent flyer membership (worldperks by northwest/klm).

[Shannyn]

Ei! Sorry, just got back from this horrible mosquito infested city….a little bit exaggerating there…hehe …seriously, was at Fayoum, a two-hour drive from Cairo. Wasn’t really keen in going there in the first place, unfortunately, my dad had a meeting there…so I was forced to go with him. I stayed there with my dad’s staff for one week. Had a nice time except for the food and the mosquitoes. The place was a bit run-down; there were mosquitoes everywhere…had duck for dinner…eeww!!! It tasted like chicken, but I had a terrible time swallowing it after finding out what it was. The lunch itself was simply nauseating. Hehehe. I had to choose between a pigeon and this odd-looking leg of an animal. It reminded me of a chicken leg so I assumed it was safer to eat this than the other one so I chose the latter. That’s when the guy beside me said, you’re eating that? He was somewhat amused and I said of course and I took a bite of it. It tasted rather bland and raw and not at all like a drumstick…so I guess my expression was noticeable to the guy next to me. And the guy beside me inquired whether I like to eat “kambing” (goat) and I said, eeew,…no with a disgusted look on my face. And then w/ a smile on his face, he said, well, what you’re chewing right now, is the leg part of a goat. I must admit when I heard that I felt like I was going to throw up, but I couldn’t coz my dad was in front of me so there I sat trying not to gag. I couldn’t really understand why my dad brought me in the first place… Gawd! I could still taste it. When I got home, I immediately gargled my mouth with mint mouthwash and brushed my teeth several times. Hehehe.

Abby McBeal- Nah, just heard lots of stories from people. I don’t know whether they were exaggerating or not…but I’ve witnessed some…so I am not really that keen in going out alone. like you, I love traveling alone, if not, I’d go with my sister, unfortunately, she’s not in Cairo. So, it’s just me and my helper, unfortunately, she is not into much of the historical sights, nor does she like to walk. I’m not really allowed to go anywhere off by myself unless of course I have a companion, preferably a guy though – one of my dad’s stupid rules…hehehe…

Eureka and Abby McBeal – ‘precautions’…hmm…..(well, I got this from my friends, Egyptian friends, and some of my dad’s staff here):

dress very conservatively, even when it's hot. Stay cool with natural fabrics like silk and cotton instead of wearing shorts.

Try not to respond to an obnoxious comment from a man – act as if you didn’t hear it.

Be careful in crowds and other situations where you are crammed between people as it is not unusual for crude things to happen behind you. One time, i felt this guy touching my behind and he had the nerve to deny it after confronting him.

Be very careful about behaving in a flirtatious or suggestive manner – it could create more problems than you ever imagined.

You might find it handy to learn the Arabic for ‘don’t touch me’ (aa tilmasni). You may find it handy to learn the following Arabic phrases: ihtirim nafsak (behave yourself) or haasib eedak (watch your hand).

My advice is that you follow your instincts. If you don't feel comfortable in a situation, leave. If you offend someone, too bad. I think men ought to be conscious of the fact that women have to be on their guard because of the creeps. Swallow some feminist pride and ask trustworthy male friends (guys you have befriended or well guys you have brought along with) to accompany you at night. Don't be cheap - take taxis. But if you don't like the feeling of the taxi then stop, wave it on and flag down another one. The customer is always right.

I would add that it's important to dress to blend in; I saw some American tourists wandering the streets in tank tops and shorts, wondering why they were getting so much hassle. “Guys”, trust me, won’t leave you alone. I’ve been there and it was quite unnerving. I only wore tank tops in touristy beach areas heavily populated with Americans or I’d make sure that I’m with a large crowd. Expect many catcalls. Remember that machismo is mostly aimed at impressing other men. Walk with confidence. I could go on a great deal more, but this post is getting too long. More later if requested.

Don't let all the warnings get you all uptight, have fun. But always pay attention to your instincts. They may tell you more than you think.

***Btw, how do you highlight the names? Still new at this. Thanks.

[unichewy]

eureka - we stayed at the Marriott Hotel (I'll try to get the address for you). Rather expensive if you ask me...glad that my parents paid for the trip and not me. A friend of my cousin stayed at one of the hotels that shannyn mentioned - Flamenco Hotel. Not too expensive and no complaints whatsover. She only stayed in that hotel for two days before proceeding to Luxor and Hurghada where she stayed for almost 3 weeks. Best diving site, I've heard.


shannyn - Hey! How long have you been in Egypt? Do you know how to speak in Arabic? When i was there last year, I was astonished to find out that Cairo didn't have Starbucks?! Cairo didn't have that many take out rests. either!!! I could relate to your experience regarding Egyptian food. My friends and i befriended some of the locals there. They invited us to dinner and of course, we couldn't really refuse, since they were awfully friendly to us. They served us pigeon. It was stuffed with rice. Couldn't even swallow the head...felt like . EEEWWWWWWW!!!!! Hehehe.

[eUrEkA]

Thank you guys for all of your responses. I wasn't sure if any of you guys would reply to this thread since most of the usual destinations that people would prefer to go to are: Europe, States or in Asia, but never in the Middle East.

My friends thinks I'm crazy to pass up a trip to Europe (although, i intend to go after my trip to Egypt), but you see, I've always wanted to go to Egypt ever since i was a kid.

I've been checking out some of the websites lately and the more that I'm browsing the internet the more that i am psyched to go. My cousin has finally agreed to accompany me to Egypt (yeah, that was like after i paid him P500.... ). He's not really that keen in going since he, too, has asthma.

Shannyn How long will you be in Egypt? Would you know whether you would be there till next year? I was hoping that maybe you would like to meet us or something...nah....don't worry, i won't ask you to be our tour guide.

Abby McBeal - when are you planning to go? I want to go this March. Well, i was thinking of going this December, but then i read that it's winter there. I'm not really fond of cold weather. I usually get the chills easily.

istarbaks - Singapore Airlines. But what do you guys think of Egypt Air???

Btw, I'm making the effort to learn a little of the language, before i go. I heard that you will be much more positively received if you make an effort to learn the language.

[Shannyn]

Ei there! Sorry for this late relpy...have been so bz lately.

eUrEkA & unichewy - I've just recently arrived here last May with my dad. May stay here for another year or so.........nope, I'm not fluent in Arabic, although, I try to learn everyday. It's just that i find it a bit hard and confusing. It's difficult to pronounce some fo the words. I try to learn the basics - you know: directions, greetings, numbers, etc. Who knows, one day, I could get the hang of it.

unichewy - no changes at all....was a bit peeved when i found out that they didn't have MANGO here!!! Or Saks?! Or Gap?! Actually, am quite disappointed. I love shopping. Oh well...that's life.

eUrEkA - i'd like to show you and your cousin around Cairo, unfortunately, I'll be in Manila at that time. If you plan to go here around April, just PM me and I'll give you my contact details so that we could meet, k? Don't take Egypt Air...the food is not that good...they serve Egyptian food. The service is not that great as well. I should know.

[eUrEkA]

Shannyn - Hey there! Just wanted to know if you got my recent email? You didn't reply back...anyway, i've decided to go there this April instead of my usual plan. My cousin's getting married and I'm one of the bridesmaids. Anyway, I'm quite excited for my trip to Egypt. I hope to see you when i get there...and hopefully, you could reply back to my queries. Thanks a lot!

[simonesez]

You might find it handy to learn the Arabic for ‘don’t touch me’ (aa tilmasni). You may find it handy to learn the following Arabic phrases: ihtirim nafsak (behave yourself) or haasib eedak (watch your hand).

Shannyn - Mataalashi (Don't Worry). Nice to know you know a lot of Arabic words already in such a short time. I've been here in the Middle East for ages but my Arabic nowhere comes near the way Pinoy kids in the International Schools speak the language. Anyway I know enough of the language to survive day to day. Been planning to go to Egypt hopefully with my Egyptian colleagues in the office for the longest time but had no luck. But I'm definitely not going to forsake my childhood dream. Came this far. Besides the usuals, being a history buff, I would like to see the Red Sea diving on that side having seen Jeddah Red Sea side. Suggest any good diving sites?

Thanks for all the replies. Any ideas or suggestions/thoughts about solo travel in general? I'd love to hear about peoples' experiences.

eUrEkA - Traveling alone in almost all of the countries in the Middle East is a definite no-no. It has something to do with Arabic culture. Married women are discouraged from traveling and single ones are advised to take a male (preferably a brother) relative with them, if a female one is not available. Females traveling alone would invite suspicion or worse harassment. Egypt, though a cosmopolitan country due to its tourism thrust is still governed by Islamic precepts. Be forewarned but don't let that take the fun out of your trip, believe me there are far worst countries in this part of the planet.

[Shannyn]

eUrEkA - Hi! Sorry...have been so bz lately. I'll try to answer your queries asap. Since you have my contact details, all you have to do is just give me a call and I'm sure we could meet somewhere. I may bring my Egyptian friend along as our tourist guide. Are you still bringing your cousin along? I'm hoping you'd have a companion with you when you travel to Luxor or other places aside from Cairo. In case you don't, maybe you would like to go with us instead. My sister and her friends are coming here this April....we intend to tour Luxor, Hurghada, Port Said, etc. It'll be my first time to go to those places. So, in case you're interested in joining us, please PM me, so i could make the necessary arrangements. My friends are also coming so i think it's going to be a very interesting and fun-filled month.

simonesez - Hi! I'm not really fluent in Arabic...just learn a few words here and there from my dad who, btw, is fluent in Arabic. I'd rather concentrate on my "tagalog", w/c i must admit I'm not that fluent either (embarrassing, i know). But i guess, since, I'll be here for another year or so, i might as well learn a few words. So, where are you from, if you don't mind me asking....anyway, re your query about diving sites, i got the following sites from an Egyptian friend of mine. I haven't been there myself, but i was told that these are the best diving sites in the Red Sea.

DAHAB AREA:

BELLS - a cliff dive; relatively experienced.

THE CANYON - popular shore dive

EEL GARDEN - popular snorkeling spot; good for
learner divers

SHARM EL-SHEIKH and NA'AMA BAY AREA

RAS MOHAMMED - one of the best diving sites in the world; 20 diving sites; there's a shipwreck (10m to 15m)

THE THISTLEGORM - this is one of the most sought after
wreck dives in the world; best dived on an overnight trip.

GORDON REEF - popular site w/ experienced divers; sharks and open-water fish.

SHARK'S BAY - a good shore entry dive for beginners with
a sloping reef and deep canyon right off shore.

THE TOWER - remarkable wall dropping 60m into the
depths just offshore; frequented by sea horse and ghost-pipe
fish.

RAS UM SID - prime diving site; beautiful coral garden, great variety of fishes.

HURGHADA and SAFAGA

SHA 'AB AL ERG - horseshoe-shaped reef w/ a shallow lagoon. Famous for dolphins and manta rays.

UMM QAMAR - long, thin reef; 3 coral towers just off the walls are swathed in beautiful purple soft coral and surrounded by glassfish.

FANOUS - known for dolphins and occasional rare fish sightings, as well as beautiful coral pinnacles.

GIFTUN ISLANDS - very popular dive site; are surrounded by a number of spectacular reefs teeming with marine life.

[simonesez]

Shannyn - Thanks for the list of diving sites really appreciate it, sorry wasn't able to respond earlier been busy with work. I'm working for a national newspaper in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. If you don't mind me asking also how come you're not fluent in Tagalog, are you Fil-Am or something? You mentioned diving in your earlier post I think, do you skin dive, snorkel or scuba? Went diving last Friday north of the city. BTW it's always a shore dive for me and my friends here because the good sites are not far from shore. Viz was good. Lots of jacks saw a huge grouper and juvenile lion fish.

Dahab means gold in Arabic maybe it's named so because they're the best areas. Bells sound good cliff dives offer plenty of marine life. Sharm Al Sheik is very famous according to my Egyptian friends and travel promotions here, I'm definitely going to this place soon if and when my Egyptian trip materializes. Hope you're still there when I visit we could have some shisha (hubbly-bubbly) and good ol ghawa (coffee). Sorry can't offer the same, tourists are non-existent here. Except for the Aramco babies who are visiting the place because they spent their childhood here.

Thanks again for the list, Salam!

[Shannyn]

simonesez - Salam Alekum. Nope, I'm not a Fil-Am. I was born in Manila but spent my childhood/adolescent years in the States. Never really got to learn how to speak in Pilipino.

Yeah, I've heard about Sharm Al Sheikh. It's actually the best place to go to when one is in Egypt. It's like Boracay in a way, but i heard, it's even better than the latter. I love to swim so I intend to check out the place before this month ends. Looking forward to it.

Well, yeah, I 'd like to meet/see you too, just PM me, if or when, you've decided to visit Egypt. I think I'll be here until 2005.

[GINGERSIES]

i don't recommend traveling there alone

well, you already have here a handful tips so just follow them. although i gotta warn you about the merchants there--they often jack up the price double or even triple to tourists! so try haggling but haggle NICELY!

i remember riding a camel... 'twas dang friggin scary!! sniff, 'twas so embarrassing... me in my scrunched up, tear-streaked face, wailing like a little tot...

[simonesez]

Shannyn - Me drools to death on your coming trip to Sharm Al Sheikh. Enjoy.

GINGERSIES - You're absolutely right about the price haggling especially in souks (open markets). Even here in KSA "Mafi Discount" (No Discount?) has been the operative word of Filipinos and other expats. It has been associated with Filipinos especially.

[BadAssGoddess]

egypt..... wish to be there someday....