posted
I'm not talking the usual, that you would need when going anywhere, but what sort of things could you really need?
Posts: 918 | From: Earth | Registered: Jan 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
You really need to keep an open mind and go with the flow, take a risk or two and trust your instincts
I did all that when I first came and had some wonderful experiences which if I had got the inner voices of friends and relatives nagging in my head (you can't do that its not safe blah blah) I would never have had.
Really to bring... depending where you are going to be - tampons if you use those - while they are easy to get in some parts of Cairo, they are impossible to find in others.
Any particular medication you have. Otherwise aspirin, entocid (brilliant for various little stomach/diorrhea outbreaks - buy a strip and keep in your bag), antihistamines and things are all available in the pharmacies here.
Also, if you need high factor sun lotion - I have HEARD but it may not be true - that the stuff here claiming to be high factor is not actually.
Maybe an impregnated mosquito net? They are big, juicy and vicious at the moment - in 3 years of visiting Egypt I have not known them so bad.
A pair of pyjamas with longsleeves and legs in case you end up somewhere with bad mosquitoes. One of my trips I had to go and buy some. My advice is take an antihistamine when you get up and when you go to bed so if the little buggers do bite you, it will not itch much. I'm sure its ok to do that for a 2 week holiday.
Posts: 5593 | From: Egypt | Registered: Dec 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
OMG, see, I would not have thought of any of that!
do you think I would catch the sun on my face much if i am wearing a scarf over my hair? might be a silly question, but in the UK I only have make up on, with spf, maybe I shoudl bring some spf 50 too?
I have not been able to get my vaccinations done in time, i will have them just before i go, so should i be ok if i just dont drink the water?
you have worrid me about the mossies now
you are giving fantastic advice Shanta
anyone with asthma found theirs better or worse in Egypt?
Posts: 918 | From: Earth | Registered: Jan 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I'll be honest Mrs I rarely bother with sun cream - never have, but I've never been a sunbather and I normally cover up (not islamically just normally do!). I did get burnt in Taba once in about an hour swimming.
Mozzies may or may not be a problem for you depending where you are and on your body chemistry, but better to be prepared because they can make your life a misery.
Vaccinations? Who he? Never had one to come to Egypt. Though apparently Hep A is endemic so a lot of people are getting that vaccination now.
Cairo water is like drinking weak bleach so IMHO you are more likely to get the trots because its killed all your natural bacteria rather than introduced new ones, but I have heard that Shebin water - if that's where you will be - is dodgy.
So stay safe, but don't obsess I guess. If you have half a plan of moving here, start acclimatizing now!
Posts: 5593 | From: Egypt | Registered: Dec 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
well, I'm not sure that i plan to move there, i'll let you know when i come back. Glad to hear you never had vaccinations, puts my mind at rest, yes hep A is one the recommend, as well as diptheria, polio, tetnus, typhoid
I love your blog, I will look through there, have you been living out there then since November? were you in the UK before?
Dawn-Bev - you think I will need a hat on top of my scarf! I will die!!!
Posts: 918 | From: Earth | Registered: Jan 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I am not an asthma sufferer but i have read that alot of the people who normally suffer dont suffer as much in Egypt. Dont take my word for it though and do go prepared just in case
Posts: 1710 | From: we come in peace | Registered: Mar 2008
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Mrs.: but in the UK I only have make up on, with spf, maybe I shoudl bring some spf 50 too?
What part are you going to, and how long will you be out in the sun? I went to Cairo twice this same time of year, and used only makeup with SPF 15 on my face, but a regular sunblock on what showed of my arms/hands/neck. It was fine. But I also wasn't out much other than taking taxis to and from places, and walking around the pyramids, etc.
Posts: 8794 | From: 01-20-09 The End of an Error | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Mrs.: well, I'm not sure that i plan to move there, i'll let you know when i come back. Glad to hear you never had vaccinations, puts my mind at rest, yes hep A is one the recommend, as well as diptheria, polio, tetnus, typhoid
I love your blog, I will look through there, have you been living out there then since November? were you in the UK before?
Dawn-Bev - you think I will need a hat on top of my scarf! I will die!!!
I looked into all the shots, too, because we are getting ready to take my 15 month old son over. He's had everything but typhoid, which I freaked about, but he's too young for that shot. I was told as far as food prep is concerned to "boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it."
I'd take something like Immodium for diarrhea with you, too.
I brushed my teeth with bottled water and rinsed my glasses/cooking utensils in bottled water. I also wear contacts, so I washed my hands in bottled water before handling them. This might be overkill, but it made me feel more comfortable.
Posts: 8794 | From: 01-20-09 The End of an Error | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Yes we can - it might be overkill but if it stops you having a bad holiday then its a good thing, i will take your advice on that. thanks Posts: 918 | From: Earth | Registered: Jan 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
Just had my typhoid jab this morning, the rest are up to date. Bought a new hat, got my 25 factor cream for the face.I take a selection of medical supplies, like antihistamine etc, not that you cant get everything there, but it saves time, not having to trail round to the pharmacy. I also have my mini fan which is invaluable!
Posts: 4476 | From: Scotland | Registered: Mar 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
Curses - I was in the supermarket earlier and saw something and thought - I must put on that thread on ES to bring (something entirely different obviously!) - for the life of me I cannot remember what it was!
Posts: 5593 | From: Egypt | Registered: Dec 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
im always the lightest packer...when i went, I packed my cosmetic stuff, and like 2 outfits and shoes...i only had a tiny little carryon. Then when I got there, i bought a full size suitcase and started buying clothes there and when that case was full, I stopped:) I hate luggage....too much stress
Posts: 460 | From: philly | Registered: Apr 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
hey friends for mosquitos use skin so soft by Avon it really really workssssssssss. keeps them away..........
Posts: 446 | From: USA | Registered: Dec 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
I'm asthmatic..moderate to severe. however when in the middle east, it's non-existant! One inhaler lasted more than 5 yrs lol [it expired before half-used]
-------------------- رِحْلِة الأَلْف مِيل تَبْدَأ بِخَطْوَة Posts: 385 | From: In my hayati's heart and thoughts | Registered: Apr 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I am also a moderate asthmatic, since I've been in Egypt I've only had one episode (at the end of pregnancy)...it's amazing. Makes you wonder - as bad as the pollution is here, right?
Posts: 13440 | Registered: Feb 2006
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Mrs.: do you think I would catch the sun on my face much if i am wearing a scarf over my hair?
YES. I have a white streak round my face, did last year too and I rarely go out in the sun. It takes about 15 mins here to get that
All your shampoos and toiletries you can get here so dont waste valuable luggage weight bringing them, fill suitcases with Warburtons bread for me instead
Use cotton scarves or buy some here, they are cheap enough, man made fibres will make you hotter.
Start taking B vitamins NOW and continue, it MIGHT help against the mozzies. I have been bitten to death recently but I seem to have become a bit more immune over time, when I was first coming a bite would make a huge itchy lump up to 4 inches across depending where I was bitten, now I have half inch lumps Not everyone is as affected by mozzie bites though. You can get wrist and ankle straps from UK for mozzies, they help keep them off you, get some!
Posts: 15090 | From: http://www.egyptalk.com/forum/ | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Rashaa: I'm asthmatic..moderate to severe. however when in the middle east, it's non-existant! One inhaler lasted more than 5 yrs lol [it expired before half-used]
This is true for me whenever I am on the seaside but definitely not in Cairo!!
Posts: 30135 | From: The owner of this website killed ES....... | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Mrs.: ok, added to list
padlock for shoes (that made me laugh )
b vitamins
mozzie straps
mozzie net
mozzie spray
mozzie cream
mozzie with gun to head to scare others away
mozzie swatter!
I will start anti histamine now, i'm not having 4 inch lumps!
creams and sprays you can get here, straps I haven't seen here so get them. Mozzie with gun to head to scare off others dont work, some places here have mozzies with machine guns. Swatter no good as you rarely see the lethal ones, they have cloaks on. Luxors west bank mozzies do body building too and they really pack a punch. bring swatter for flies, they are the cheekiest flies in the world!! and some bite!
Posts: 15090 | From: http://www.egyptalk.com/forum/ | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Take some Tea Tree oil to rub around ankles and behind ears.. (you may need to dilute it with a carrier oil such as wheatgerm of sweet almond - all of which you can find in Holland & Barrats or other health food stores (UK) Mozzie dont like it! If you do get bitten I found the best soother was actually to cut a lemon and rub it over the bite.. It really does relieve the itch! and its relatively inexpensive compared to tiny tubes of antihistamines which you always need to buy alot of.. and of course its natural!
Posts: 164 | Registered: May 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
vinegar also works on bits and dish soap on stings.
I'm told this is because mosquito bites base and stings are acidic.
Bring plenty of patience, a sense of humor and depending how long you are staying a few things that will make you feel like home. Slippers or a quilt or a teapot from home help make it a bit easier.
Posts: 153 | From: Egypt | Registered: May 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
Rehydrate sachets. Most people that get stomach problems think its from the food or water, but in fact its not. The most common reason is dehydration and depletion of salts in the body. 1/2 a sachet a day in plenty of water works wonders while you acclimatise.
Posts: 3809 | From: Paradise | Registered: Mar 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
rehydran you can get here, but I agree you should take them daily or you go wierd and hubby has to bash the door in coz you conked out on the bed
-------------------- If you don't learn from your mistakes, there's no sense making them. Posts: 15090 | From: http://www.egyptalk.com/forum/ | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
mrs you can get rehydran here for 1.75 - 2le a box of 10 so dont worry about bringing them from UK. tea tree, lemon and vinegar all work well on the bites to stop itching and you can get lemons here for 4LE a Kilo or less.
just bring yourself and the Warburtons bread and you will be fine
-------------------- If you don't learn from your mistakes, there's no sense making them. Posts: 15090 | From: http://www.egyptalk.com/forum/ | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
I always bring desinfectant spray or wipes with me.
Posts: 30135 | From: The owner of this website killed ES....... | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
dawn i soooooooooooooo miss real bread thats not sweet and has enough salt instead of sugar in it
-------------------- If you don't learn from your mistakes, there's no sense making them. Posts: 15090 | From: http://www.egyptalk.com/forum/ | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Don't forget to pack a lot of patience,since most services you might be used to are not as quick or smooth to happen as they should. Posts: 3833 | From: here,there,everywhere | Registered: Nov 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I got the dreaded "traveler's diarrhea" while there and there's a fantastic pill you can buy at the pharmacies for 5 Egyptian Pounds (less than $1) called "Antinal" The package is yellow, made by "Amoun" pharmaceuticals, has Arabic writing on one side with English on the other. Each package contains 12 capsules. Absolutely takes care of the problem with just first pill. I only had to take 2 (not together) and problem was taken care of for rest of trip. Posts: 370 | From: Other side of reality | Registered: Dec 2006
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Sashyra8: Don't forget to pack a lot of patience,since most services you might be used to are not as quick or smooth to happen as they should.
One word: Baksheesh Posts: 30135 | From: The owner of this website killed ES....... | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Ayisha: dawn i soooooooooooooo miss real bread thats not sweet and has enough salt instead of sugar in it
I am the opposite and love the sweet egyptian bread, probably why I always seem to suffer from toothache whilst in Egypt.
Ayisha, have you not thought of asking someone to bring you a bread maker with some of the basic ingredients that you would need. There is nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread
If I ever win the lottery, I will have your order of items you miss shipped out to you on a weekly basis Posts: 1244 | From: we come in peace | Registered: Nov 2006
| IP: Logged |
does it really work?? we have that oxiclean sh it and it dont work!!!
-------------------- your ass is so tight when you fart only a dog can hear it.when you queef only a cat can hear that one. Posts: 9776 | From: You like If only mosquitoes sucked fat instead of blood. | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I tried making my own bread, I got Allinsons dried yeast. It was not quite Warburtons
Apparently I can buy the decent flour and fresh yeast at the bakery but mostly you cant get good flour and stuff here, certainly not in Luxor but you can get most stuff in Cairo The new supermarket is having bread made by hotels and experimenting so now I can get almost a proper 'loaf'. Breadmaker might work, will add it to sons shopping list
-------------------- If you don't learn from your mistakes, there's no sense making them. Posts: 15090 | From: http://www.egyptalk.com/forum/ | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
I used to bake my own sour dough bread about once a month. I would bake 20 loaves and cinnamon rolls. It was a full days work and I always cooked a soup that day. I got so good at it that my bread sliced like store bought bread.
It was wonderful and all the ingredients I used were the highest quality (organic). It was also good when going to a potluck or to someones house for dinner. Just grab a loaf and go.
-------------------- "Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts." (Sign hanging in Einstein's office at Princeton) Leap and the Net will Appear. Posts: 3891 | From: No good deed goes unpunished. | Registered: May 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
All I make is a mess! I have no culinary skills whatsoever... I seem to eat more croissants than anything but the fat content must be making my arteries scream!
I have never made soup either but being able to get heinz means I don't have too lol...
Posts: 11097 | From: Cairo | Registered: May 2008
| IP: Logged |
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Mad]](mad.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic