CanadaSucks 08/10/2009
For all the grand historical stuff, it's a slightly overrated third-world place that is difficult to navigate by yourself- you better off sticking to the tour-bus and cruise-on-the-Nile packages unless you're a hearty traveler.The food isn't as good as other African and Middle East cuisines and the water will kick your ass so drink from plastic bottles - (also, make sure the caps are sealed. . .filling old water bottles with tap water is an old scam.)I've reviewed other parts of Egypt separately so I won't dive into details here, but I will say that I'm glad I went but not in a hurry to get back. . .
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autumnyaar 07/24/2009
Egypt is an exciting vacation destination. It is a third world country though, so you should be prepared for that. I would definitely recommend going with a tour, it will be easier and the prices will be fixed for you. Otherwise, getting around by yourself can be a real tough situation, especially if you are a female traveler. Note to the ladies: dress modestly once you are here. Unfortunately, most men have a stereotype of foreign women being easy. Dressing in short sleeves and shorts is re-enforcing that opinion for them. Egypt is the #1 country for sexual harassment, and it shows. Try to interact with women only while you are there, and don't make eye contact unnecessarily with men on the street. Some of them literally take it as an invitation from you to come and flirt with you because you like them. Be careful with how you act around men, being friendly can send the wrong signals. Try to stay aloof with the guys, and let them know from the beginning that you aren't going to tolerate these things! Some things might be normal for you, like a hug, but culturally here it is a no-no! Respect the culture and religious values. :]The water is lethal here, drink mineral water. Nestle is the safest. Try to avoid little food stands, or low class looking food stands if you have a weak stomach. You will probably get sick while you are in Egypt, but your probability from getting sick big time gets higher when you eat from these places. A lot of the prices are made through bartering, so get ready to develop some mad bartering skills. :] Just keep insisting on making the price lower, and walk away if he refuses. Most times he will call you back and agree on the price. Ask around for the normal prices of things. A note for you also, if you have someone with you helping you negotiate the shopping, he also gets a commission from the one selling. Don't always think he is your friend. :] Be careful from Khan Al Khalili, such a huge tourist attraction, the prices are hiked up three to four times because of the foreigners. The same things can be found outside for much cheaper. There are many gold shops here with great prices, compared with overseas. It is also made through bartering in most shops and you can really get good deals. There are many things to see here, of course there are the pyramids in Cairo but I would also highly recommend Alexandria. On the sea, less crowded and cleaner air. Not to mention, much cooler than Cairo. If you are looking for a nice beach vacation, you should head up to the North Coast and Marsa Matrouh and rent a villa over the beach for as little as 300LE a day. You can also go to Siwa and see the desert. A bit romantic actually and absolutely beautiful.
GiGi2009 07/11/2009
Egypt is the trip of a lifetime. It is important to do your homework before going there, after all it is a third world country ; but very cheap and efforable for the traveller on a budget. As a solo woman and independet traveller, it was annoying and frustrating at times but common sense, undestanding and respect of the culture helped me understand and not swet the small stuff. Because it is a 3rt world country, most Egyptian believe travellers have money, so they will always overprice everything from food to tours. Men do bother solo women on the streets (no matter how modest you dress), crossing the streets in Cairo and Alexandria, were almost suicide missions, and the many marry proposal from the locals were just tiresome. When people ask me advice about visiting Egypt, I tell them to go on an orginized tour....especially if you are a woman.
jedi58 01/14/2009
It's not your usual tourist destination, and it is a third world country so you should be prepared for that. It is a nice place though, with a lot of history and culture, the people there are very friendly too.
93century 02/01/2007
I always wanted to see some pyramids, but im not going until after the war!
mixxin 01/05/2005
Very interesting place, tons of things to do, FRIENDLY and HELPFUL locals (yes you are reading right). Too bad I was only there for a week.
walidovic 06/06/2004
what u call lucky sucker punch against Israel was actually freeing our land for their occupation after they invaded it in 1965. read some serious history book, don't just watch rediculous american films
jaywilton 04/05/2004
The country that probably first developed bread is commemorated every year during the Jewish holiday of Passover by eating unleavened bread(matzoh) which helps promote constipation. This is a constructive way to think of this country which enslaved the Jews and hasn't improved since. During the past year,Egyptian television has featured a true family entertainment series on The Protocals of the Elders of Zion, considered an antisemitic forgery since the worst Pharoahs were in business(That's why the best movie depicting Egypt is The Mummy with Boris Karloff). The country that landed a lucky sucker punch against Israel in the '73 Yom Kippur war are also the homelands of Yasser (The Palestinean)Arafat and at least one pilot who deliberately flew a plane full of passengers into the ocean...so far.
President -X-D 04/29/2003
Another example of fine archeological treasures being controlled by a genuinely crappy government.
BIGBABY 02/08/2003
Egypt would be a exciting place to visit- especially the pyramids. If only it werent run by a terrorist regime- as usual.
CharmingPrince 12/07/2002
This would be a terrible place for female travellers. Egyptian guys are annoying and love to tastefully harass women visiting from abroad.
ofofofof 08/25/2002
bad country!!!
Cristian.K 07/12/2002
Egypt is a dictatorship. There is no freedom and human rights! They are barabrians as most Arabs!
Galomorro 03/22/2002
Love the music, the food, and the people are very attractive.
Rusty 03/21/2002
Garbage around the Pyramids. Poor birth control, nothing but shifting sand dunes and strong anti-Americanism. But what can you expect from them there Ay-rabs? AMERICA, BAY-BEE!!!!
abichara 10/26/2001
Despite the fact that it is a very polluted country, Egypt is one of the most interesting destinations in the world for travelers. It is slightly unsettled because of the fundamentalist element of the politics of Egypt, but I still think that the country is worth visiting. Cairo is a fascinating city; the Egyptian Museum, which displays King Tut's treasures, is interesting. Outside of Cairo; Giza is very interesting, the Spinx is well worth seeing. Visit the Pyramids in the area, I guarantee they will be one of the greatest things you will ever see. Take a cruise down the Nile River through Aswan and Luxor. You will get a feel for this ancient civilization that way and it is very scenic and relaxing as well. Overall, a very interesting place to go.
ellajedlicka21 10/25/2001
It is a somewhat unstable country that has some Christian/Muslim conflict (another example of senseless religious tension). However, the history is pretty interesting because of the obvious pyramids and other ancient architectural designs.
e2bug 06/02/2001
Truly the nastiest place on earth.
ariscator 05/08/2001
If i ever had a choice to go to any country, I would go to Egypt. Egypt is one of the most ancient cevilizations in the world. I like the mysticism behind its history. I wonder how inteligent ancient Egyptians were to built pyramids without the help of the modern technology and machines. The statue of the great Sphinx is as timeless as any wonder in the world.The only thought about pharoas, mummies, tombs gives me both excitment and chills. I once heard that ancient Egyptians were the most beautiful people in the world (think Nefirtiti), I believe they were both mentally advanced and extremely unique.I'm totally blown away by this country and absolutely stunned by its history.
Munson 04/03/2000
I don't think I have ever been as blown away by something as much as when as I was standing in front of the Great Pyramids. If you go to Egypt, you will truly see some remarkable things. The sites, however, are tempered by the abject poverty and the fear to eat any of the local fare.
bks81358om 11/29/1999
One of the most interesting countries, but getting their is a little scary. And be careful crossing the streets in Cairo.
dodg1761et 11/27/1999
Flights on Air Egypt were great, the sites are still unbelievable. The only problems are the crowds and some of the Egyptian men. Some women in our groups had some unwelcome advances at sites by "guards" ... 4-day trip on Nile was special trip.
JZAN121OM 10/26/1999
The mere historical importance of Egypt would make it worth going.
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