posted
Hi all, I am new here so first I will say hey, I have been in Egypt since June and come from the UK Ok now to the question, Can you guys give me some info on Mokattam I will move there and I have been there before but I was wondering if anyone knew anything about transport, are micro buses the only form of public transport? Do they have a direct bus to downtown? How much should a taxi cost to downtown? Also are there any good bars there? Actually any advise you could give me on this place would be greatly appreciated
Posts: 10 | From: Cairo | Registered: Oct 2009
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posted
I know a girl just moved from Mokattam back to the states... she said there are no bars there but you really aren't too far from Downtown, Ma'adi or Heliopolis. This particular friend of mine spent the majority of her time in Ma'adi and paid between 10 & 15le to get there. I would estimate you are 20le from Heliopolis... but as always I would suggest you use a white cab for all first journeys to gauge the actual fee before using black cabs.
My friend was as single girl, fair haired and mid 30's, she had no problems there, liked the area and her only bad words were the lack of good bars, expats do tend to frequent only a handful of places regularly.
If you ever want to meet for a coffee email me, I am not really an Egyptian man, I am a lady from the UK and have been here 14 months now.
I have never used a bus in Egypt so I am sorry, I cannot help you but I am sure SQ can as she is very knowlegable about the public transport system.
Posts: 11097 | From: Cairo | Registered: May 2008
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posted
I have been in Maadi up until now and have been using micro buses to get to and from work, they looked scary at fist but I found them to be quite fun... sure the novelty will run out soon though Posts: 10 | From: Cairo | Registered: Oct 2009
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quote:Originally posted by bryony: I have been in Maadi up until now and have been using micro buses to get to and from work, they looked scary at fist but I found them to be quite fun... sure the novelty will run out soon though
TBH, we go to places in convoys so if there are 4 of us in a taxi to Maadi it is only 8le each... I find them so cheap and convenient.
I can email my friend if you like and see if she has any advice or tips that can help you out.
If you lived in Maadi and socialised there you may even know her...
Posts: 11097 | From: Cairo | Registered: May 2008
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posted
Nope I have been a bit of a hermit since being here, think I was a bit depressed anyway whatever it was it doesn't matter I am back with a vengeance If you could mail her it would be fantastic
Posts: 10 | From: Cairo | Registered: Oct 2009
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Just been to check my friends FB page as I emailed her via there and she hasn't been online since the 8th Oct... I am not ignoring you Posts: 11097 | From: Cairo | Registered: May 2008
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Hate Cairo -too dirty and way to much noise and people. After 2 days in Cairo i act like a lunatic. Love Aswan area, seems more green and people more calm.
Posts: 1325 | From: For tooti http://www.csa.gov.uk/ | Registered: May 2009
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I guess when you live in a country you learn to adapt to all aspects of life.
I have noticed that the positive side to Cairo is rarely discussed on this forum.
Cairo is a city full of vibrance, variety and culture.
If you immerse into a culture and embrace it then it soon feels like home. Where I live in Cairo is not overcrowded and the only noise comes from the low flying craft due to the temporary change in runway. As for the dirt, I live in a desert!!!! I have to accept it is not Wales in springtime. Cairo is a vast vast city... I am sure you could not see all sides of it in 2 days. I love my desert walking... I feel quite alive when I am out and about in the vast expanses. But in contrast, I love going downtown and feeling the buzz that the city has to offer.
I have been to Aswan, there is very little to do there for me personally. It was ok for a short trip but to live there would not suit the lifestyle I enjoy here so much.
Posts: 11097 | From: Cairo | Registered: May 2008
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Think your right but it also comes down to which personality you are. Are y into life in big cities with all the fuss and activity or do y like the more quite life in smaller cities.
Personally i was born and raised in a small city and find the peace, nature and everything else good. I like that i know more or less the hole city and the kids my kids go to school with. I like to secure and stabile. Love going to shop or weekend hols in major cities (hubby and me are going to Berlin alone on a weekend trip next weekend) but i couldnt live in 1 especially after i have gotten kids.
Posts: 1325 | From: For tooti http://www.csa.gov.uk/ | Registered: May 2009
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posted
I was brought up in a very small village where everyone knows everyones business... I have never liked that small town mentality.
I love Cairo becasue I live in a quiet area, I am 20 minutes from the bright lights, big city, 30 minutes from a nice Wadi, and 90 mins from the Red Sea... and yes, we do get away from Cairo and go... actually 4 ES members went at the weekend. (Coco is the 4th member QSL).
That is the joy of Cairo, there is something for everybody.
Posts: 11097 | From: Cairo | Registered: May 2008
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posted
Personally, I love Egypt, but don't care much for the big cities.
It's all relative to what we find attractive. I love the peace and quiet of the area I live in. I think many Egyptians are getting quite fed up with the congestion of the big cities, hence the huge outcropping of all these new "sub-divisions" outside the city.
Posts: 3291 | From: I DO believe in Karma! | Registered: Apr 2002
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Its like that for me to. I live on the country side but still there is only 30 minutes to a big city (Flensburg in Germany), and only 10 min. to the sea. Have a beautifull big fishing lake within walking distance and a field with my daugthers horse 10 min. away too. Not alot of traffic and everyone keeps and eye on each others kids so i can let my kids walk the 500 m. to (and from) school in the morning without any worry. It suits me great this time of life.
Posts: 1325 | From: For tooti http://www.csa.gov.uk/ | Registered: May 2009
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There is good and bad in all parts of the world and it is dowm to preference... it is just that people very rarely discuss the good about Cairo which is ashame. This is my home!
I can see why people move away from this forum and go to other forums about Egypt, this site is becoming destructive with the fanatical Islamic influence, female bitchiness, racism and general spamming of news articles, most of which irrelevant to Egypt or Egyptians.
Posts: 11097 | From: Cairo | Registered: May 2008
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Originally posted by Tibe still working: Its like that for me to. I live on the country side but still there is only 30 minutes to a big city (Flensburg in Germany), and only 10 min. to the sea. Have a beautifull big fishing lake within walking distance and a field with my daugthers horse 10 min. away too. Not alot of traffic and everyone keeps and eye on each others kids so i can let my kids walk the 500 m. to (and from) school in the morning without any worry. It suits me great this time of life.
How boring... must be so cold and grey in autumn. Posts: 3219 | From: Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone. | Registered: Nov 2005
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quote:Originally posted by Dzosser: Originally posted by Tibe still working: Its like that for me to. I live on the country side but still there is only 30 minutes to a big city (Flensburg in Germany), and only 10 min. to the sea. Have a beautifull big fishing lake within walking distance and a field with my daugthers horse 10 min. away too. Not alot of traffic and everyone keeps and eye on each others kids so i can let my kids walk the 500 m. to (and from) school in the morning without any worry. It suits me great this time of life.
posted
Watch it, Tibe, most Egyptians have never seen snow in their lives. That could be shocking for them.
I think once you have children your priorities change - at least for most people they do. They strive to provide the best for the children and IMHO you just did that, Tibe.
We live on the outskirts of a big city so we got both - fields, lots of green, fresh air, cleaness, peacefulness and if I want to see crowds of people and enjoy nightlife I just have to drive inside the city for 10 min. I got that choice.
posted
Hmmm..I thought so, I like the 'winter times' photo, reminds me of Polar bears.
At this time of the year we're usually lying down on the Red Sea coast sipping away long drinks, doing nothing in that radiant sun. Posts: 3219 | From: Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone. | Registered: Nov 2005
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The air is so fresh and clear in the wintertimes. Nothing is better than a long walk in the snow and snow fights with the kids, - then go inside the warm house (i have a NICE fire place) and drink hot chocolate and eat scones. Love the changing seasons. Because after a few month of snow and ice i cant wait to feel the warm sun and see some green trees and colourfull flowers again.
Posts: 1325 | From: For tooti http://www.csa.gov.uk/ | Registered: May 2009
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posted
Sounds lovely, Tibe. You really are a snow fan.
I like that hot cholocate drink part - with lots of marshmellows, please. Hmmmmmmmmmm. Posts: 30135 | From: The owner of this website killed ES....... | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
Originally posted by Tibe still working: Because after a few month of snow and ice i cant wait to feel the warm sun and see some green trees and colourfull flowers again.
We got flowers year round, and the SUN of course. Posts: 3219 | From: Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone. | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
Those pictures are great. Reminds me of New York.
For the life of me, I cannot figure out why I suddenly woke up one day and thought it was a good idea to move to Egypt. I love the cold weather and I love rain and grey skies...
I moved to Florida in 1997 and I left after only 3 months because it was too hot and only has 2 seasons. Summer and More Summer.
I love the fall (Autumn) best of all. There is nothing better than stepping out your door one day at the end of September and realizing you have to go back inside for your jacket because it has gotten cold. The first frost and the first snowfall... The thunderstorms in the Spring...
Posts: 1626 | From: whatever, wherever | Registered: Jul 2008
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posted
So basically according to Tiger bore all you westerners living in Egypt with children have not strived to do their best for their children... not offensive in the slightest are you???
Has it occured to you there are western women here with babies and small children and that your rude comments are totally unjustified and frankly extremely out of order.
The women I know here with babies children are fabulous mothers and their children are happy, helathy and have a good future mapped out for them. How dare you look down on them!!! Who the hell do you think you are pmsl!!!
So very very rude and judgemental.
You are right Dzosser, laying by the Red Sea soaking up the rays is a chore, I know at the weekend I felt almost sick to the stomach...
Posts: 11097 | From: Cairo | Registered: May 2008
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posted
Originally posted by Clear and QSY: There is nothing better than stepping out your door one day at the end of September and realizing you have to go back inside for your jacket because it has gotten cold. The first frost and the first snowfall... The thunderstorms in the Spring...
Now that's all fine..but the grey skies are definitely a no no . its depressing, even if its for one day. Posts: 3219 | From: Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone. | Registered: Nov 2005
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quote:Originally posted by Cheekyferret: So basically according to Tiger bore all you westerners living in Egypt with children have not strived to do their best for their children... not offensive in the slightest are you???
Has it occured to you there are western women here with babies and small children and that your rude comments are totally unjustified and frankly extremely out of order.
The women I know here with babies children are fabulous mothers and their children are happy, helathy and have a good future mapped out for them. How dare you look down on them!!! Who the hell do you think you are pmsl!!!
So very very rude and judgemental.
You are right Dzosser, laying by the Red Sea soaking up the rays is a chore, I know at the weekend I felt almost sick to the stomach...
Oh up on your high horse again????
If one is displaying arrogance and bitchness on this forum then it's YOU. IMHO you are the last person who should complain.
Stop bitching about people here on this forum online or in private messages incl. Facebook. Really trying to blackmail someone you can't stand?? What for? I wasn't aware that I am so important to you. So cut your crap and move on.
Posts: 30135 | From: The owner of this website killed ES....... | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Cheekyferret: You are right Dzosser, laying by the Red Sea soaking up the rays is a chore, I know at the weekend I felt almost sick to the stomach...
LOL..you didn't find the right spot, try GOUNA. Posts: 3219 | From: Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone. | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
Your offensive comments about Egypt, Egyptians and women living here with children are a disgrace.
Posts: 11097 | From: Cairo | Registered: May 2008
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quote:Originally posted by Dzosser: [QUOTE]Originally posted by Cheekyferret: You are right Dzosser, laying by the Red Sea soaking up the rays is a chore, I know at the weekend I felt almost sick to the stomach...
LOL..you didn't find the right spot, try GOUNA.
I am looking at arranging a trip to El Gouna... I hear it is a beautiful place.
Sokhna is just so convenient for us and we did find a lovely beach. We were the only westerners there and it was nice to see people fishing and cooking up the catch... one family came over with a cooking pot of food which was very nice too.
I appreciate the country I live in, it is spectacular.
Posts: 11097 | From: Cairo | Registered: May 2008
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quote:Originally posted by Dzosser: Originally posted by Clear and QSY:
Now that's all fine..but the grey skies are definitely a no no . its depressing, even if its for one day.
No it's not depressing. The constant sun shine and heat drives people mad
Don't you find December and January cold??? QSL, it rained in January
I only need to see a cloud and I panic!!!
I never tire of the sun, I feel healthier here than I did in England. I know my folks certainly are in better health here Posts: 11097 | From: Cairo | Registered: May 2008
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quote:Originally posted by Clear and QSY: Those pictures are great. Reminds me of New York.
For the life of me, I cannot figure out why I suddenly woke up one day and thought it was a good idea to move to Egypt. I love the cold weather and I love rain and grey skies...
I moved to Florida in 1997 and I left after only 3 months because it was too hot and only has 2 seasons. Summer and More Summer.
I love the fall (Autumn) best of all. There is nothing better than stepping out your door one day at the end of September and realizing you have to go back inside for your jacket because it has gotten cold. The first frost and the first snowfall... The thunderstorms in the Spring...
1 that knows exactly what im talking about Posts: 1325 | From: For tooti http://www.csa.gov.uk/ | Registered: May 2009
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quote:Originally posted by Clear and QSY: Those pictures are great. Reminds me of New York.
For the life of me, I cannot figure out why I suddenly woke up one day and thought it was a good idea to move to Egypt. I love the cold weather and I love rain and grey skies...
I moved to Florida in 1997 and I left after only 3 months because it was too hot and only has 2 seasons. Summer and More Summer.
I love the fall (Autumn) best of all. There is nothing better than stepping out your door one day at the end of September and realizing you have to go back inside for your jacket because it has gotten cold. The first frost and the first snowfall... The thunderstorms in the Spring...
1 that knows exactly what im talking about
Sadists lol... you folk should try the UK... 4 seasons in one day there!
As a kid I loved the snow and the frosty mornings but then I moved to the Middle East and never looked back. I am returning to the UK in December, I cannot even begin to imagine how cold it will be, I was cold in August!!!
I also really dislike it in England when it is dark at 4pm! Depresses me.
Posts: 11097 | From: Cairo | Registered: May 2008
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quote:Originally posted by Dzosser: Originally posted by Clear and QSY:
Now that's all fine..but the grey skies are definitely a no no . its depressing, even if its for one day.
No it's not depressing. The constant sun shine and heat drives people mad
Don't you find December and January cold??? QSL, it rained in January
I only need to see a cloud and I panic!!!
I never tire of the sun, I feel healthier here than I did in England. I know my folks certainly are in better health here
Taking a walk through any city during december late afternoon or evening. Christmas jingles and all the decorations. aaahhh love december.
El Gouna is the greatest place to go on holiday in Egypt IMO. Went there 1 week with Gabr and kids 3 years ago. It was great and very peacefull. Also the most clean streets in all of Egypt.
Posts: 1325 | From: For tooti http://www.csa.gov.uk/ | Registered: May 2009
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posted
What is there to do in El Gouna, are there any extreme water activities?
Christmas jingles... hmmm, I thought I escaped those moving here but round the pool in July they were playing them!!!!!!!!!
Mariah Carey all I want for Christmas was requested on Nile FM on Thursday! Christmas and Mariah... get me a blade!
Posts: 11097 | From: Cairo | Registered: May 2008
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Are y my twin??? I find the dark quite mornings cosy and calming.
Posts: 1325 | From: For tooti http://www.csa.gov.uk/ | Registered: May 2009
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quote:Originally posted by Cheekyferret: [QUOTE]Don't you find December and January cold??? QSL, it rained in January
Not cold enough here in winter. I wan't if to be 30 degrees F. 32 is freezing so I guess that would be 0 degrees Celcius.
Are you talking about it rained in Egypt in January? You mean that one or two drops that fell from the sky?
Dark at 4 pm? That's my favorite thing ever.
Two spots, yes I thought it would never end.
Iman, dude, you live in the wrong country lol.
Oh and for the record, blackmail??? Dellusional woman, and yes, I have talked about you in a PM, I told somebody you bad mouth Egypt and to ignore you! I say that here all the time, no secret.
On FB, a group of us were talking about you when you and Sono were arguing, it was merely pointed out by there were 3 of us I think, that you were quite low class, had a foul mouth and we discussed you swinging. Then I felt bile rise and had to log out
They may not wish to declare who they are but rest assured, I don't care.
Posts: 11097 | From: Cairo | Registered: May 2008
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quote:Originally posted by Dzosser: Originally posted by Tibe still working: Are y my twin??? I find the dark quite mornings cosy and calming.
Sounds like GULAG.. are you serious ??
Y should get outta Egypt and try it boy. Itsss soooo goood. Thoose dark mornings me, my coffee, my cat and early news on tv before the whole house wakes up and the daily work starts. AAAhhhh thoose winter mornings.
Posts: 1325 | From: For tooti http://www.csa.gov.uk/ | Registered: May 2009
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Are y my twin??? I find the dark quite mornings cosy and calming.
My living room is quite bright during the day. As soon as the sun starts to go down in the late afternoon my husband wants to jump up and turn on the light. I turn it back off and tell him to leave it for a while because it is my favorite time of the day.
I also like when it is dark in the mornings. I don't see that much anymore but I remember when my son was little getting up to get him ready for school. I would drive him to the bus stop. There would be a thin layer of frost on the front porch that would crunch under our feet. The sun would not be up yet, just bits of light starting to show on the horizon... The good old days. Posts: 1626 | From: whatever, wherever | Registered: Jul 2008
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quote:Originally posted by Dzosser: Originally posted by Tibe still working: Are y my twin??? I find the dark quite mornings cosy and calming.
Sounds like GULAG.. are you serious ??
Y should get outta Egypt and try it boy. Itsss soooo goood. Thoose dark mornings me, my coffee, my cat and early news on tv before the whole house wakes up and the daily work starts. AAAhhhh thoose winter mornings.
Hacking coughs, dire colds, chapped lips, slipping on ice, crap holiday shows on TV... the dark, oh man the dark. 65 layers of clothes... I am slipping into depression here Tibe!
If I was here again for Christmas I would go down to Aswan again, no Christmas anything, 30c and a sunlounger for Christmas Day bliss
I did like Autumn in England, the colours etc but i would rather look at the pics from my balcony here than have to feel the cold as well.
Posts: 11097 | From: Cairo | Registered: May 2008
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quote:Originally posted by Dzosser: Originally posted by Tibe still working: Are y my twin??? I find the dark quite mornings cosy and calming.
Sounds like GULAG.. are you serious ??
Y should get outta Egypt and try it boy. Itsss soooo goood. Thoose dark mornings me, my coffee, my cat and early news on tv before the whole house wakes up and the daily work starts. AAAhhhh thoose winter mornings.
Hacking coughs, dire colds, chapped lips, slipping on ice, crap holiday shows on TV... the dark, oh man the dark. 65 layers of clothes... I am slipping into depression here Tibe!
If I was here again for Christmas I would go down to Aswan again, no Christmas anything, 30c and a sunlounger for Christmas Day bliss
I did like Autumn in England, the colours etc but i would rather look at the pics from my balcony here than have to feel the cold as well.
Sounds like a nightmare to me. Funny so different people can be.
Im more into the jingle stuff, stuffed turkey and all the other christmas food, christmas tree, santa claus, gifts, family and friends over, christmas baking and the kids excitement over their small presents in their christmas sock (hanging on the door to their room).
Posts: 1325 | From: For tooti http://www.csa.gov.uk/ | Registered: May 2009
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quote:Originally posted by Cheekyferret: [QUOTE]If I was here again for Christmas I would go down to Aswan again, no Christmas anything, 30c and a sunlounger for Christmas Day bliss
I did like Autumn in England, the colours etc but i would rather look at the pics from my balcony here than have to feel the cold as well.
What do you have against Christmas? Ok so I'm not big into celebrating it either but I do kind of enjoy the music and the lights and decorations. We left Egypt last year for Christmas in Florida and it was so unfestive. So this year to a cold place for a more Christmassy feeling.
Maybe Christmas in the UK is different than in the States.
I'm going to get a Christmas tree this year as well. As soon as the guy on Road 9 puts them out for sale. LOL Christmas is Sierra's birthday. I am going to have her and birthday make ornaments to hang on the tree.
posted
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Tibe still working: Im more into the jingle stuff, stuffed turkey and all the other christmas food, christmas tree, santa claus, gifts, family and friends over, christmas baking and the kids excitement over their small presents in their christmas sock (hanging on the door to their room).
You can have that in Melbourne /Australia/Florida as well.. Posts: 3219 | From: Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone. | Registered: Nov 2005
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or this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmuJDmjq-xQ i love the winter most of all the snow is so crisp and it feels like everything is clean and fresh.here in Philadelphia , PA that is Posts: 9443 | From: USA...... | Registered: Jun 2006
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quote:Originally posted by Dzosser: [QUOTE]Originally posted by Tibe still working: Im more into the jingle stuff, stuffed turkey and all the other christmas food, christmas tree, santa claus, gifts, family and friends over, christmas baking and the kids excitement over their small presents in their christmas sock (hanging on the door to their room).
You can have that in Melbourne /Australia/Florida as well..
Nope! not with frost and snow which makes it extra cosy.
Posts: 1325 | From: For tooti http://www.csa.gov.uk/ | Registered: May 2009
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quote:Originally posted by Dzosser: [QUOTE]Originally posted by Tibe still working: Im more into the jingle stuff, stuffed turkey and all the other christmas food, christmas tree, santa claus, gifts, family and friends over, christmas baking and the kids excitement over their small presents in their christmas sock (hanging on the door to their room).
You can have that in Melbourne /Australia/Florida as well..
To someone from Australia it seems entirely normal to have Christmas in the heat of summer. But for those of us born and raised on a cold White Christmas it seems depressing.
Posts: 1626 | From: whatever, wherever | Registered: Jul 2008
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