I'm planning a trip to Cairo sometime within the next year and while I have done a fair bit of reading travel books etc, I was hoping to talk to some Egyptian folks about my trip planning etc.
I have been reading through the various postings here and while some of the topics have certainly been...enlightening, I was hoping to get first hand advice on how to avoid the pitfalls of being perceived as yet another uninformed westerner.
In terms of travelling alone as a woman, what can I, or should I do to be respectful of the customs and keep my eyes open. Any insight is appreciated.
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hi well its not all that hard to come to egypt and have fun, u make it sound like you are getting ready for a battle or something!! anyways i would be honored to become a friend of yours, so do feel free to drop me a line on my email crypt76@hotmail.com and we can talk further over there...
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Hi Friend I think that Egypt have a special nature you must take care of Egyptian customs and try to enjoy your time and mostly you wont be bothered by people they will be very helpful and all your needs are available in egypt with low prices so you must take a lot with you and you can walk on the streets any time lonely and peacefuly just try to detremine more what you wanna ask about andyou can email me on msaaads@yahoo.com Judge
Posts: 191 | From: cairo, Egypt | Registered: Sep 2004
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Hi there... I am from Ontario,Can. Female,45. I wish to travel to Cairo,Egypt myself.I was thinking also,within this year. What would be your reason to go here?If you don't mind my asking you? I was wanting to take the trip to see a young man,very good internet friend of 3 yrs. But i did not want to go alone,and i also have never been there. My friend though,says that everyone there is mainly very friendly and very helpful. I wondered if we might go together.I would need your reply ,to obtain details. Please reply to me ok? If you don't mind. Thank you! Posts: 12 | From: Penetanguishene,Ontario,Canada | Registered: May 2004
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Hello Canadian Poetess... Don't know your name yet,but, that's ok , Just wanted to let you know that i will be sending you an Email..ok? Janet**
Posts: 12 | From: Penetanguishene,Ontario,Canada | Registered: May 2004
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quote:Originally posted by CanadianPoetess: Hello All,
In terms of travelling alone as a woman, what can I, or should I do to be respectful of the customs and keep my eyes open. Any insight is appreciated.
best regards,
Mainly the same in other countries, but with some extra caution because it is an Arab-Muslim country and if you are a foreigner (white, blond, etc woman), you will attract more attention. Some Mediterraneans can blend in with their colour, I don't mean to be racist. So: don't walk alone in deserted streets esp. late at night, except if you are with a group of people, try also not to take a taxi alone very late at night, except at the airport, or your hotel got it for you for example and ALWAYS bargain, if he told you 10 say no 5. Take care of your bag in crowded places, try not to wear jewellery (I know most Europeans don't but just to be sure), and don’t be drunk in public. As for clothes, try to wear long skirts and not too tight trousers (capris are fine but no shorts), if you are going in Summer, then cotton will be the best thing, no sleeveless either, but I don't mean that you kill yourself and wear long sleeve in August, short sleeve t-shirts are fine (again not tight).. what else? I always read in lonely planet travel guides that sometimes it is better to ignore unwelcome comments, say you are married or even wear a fake ring or something. Also, don't say you are travelling alone (even if you are). I found the trick of being married right here in Italy, because men will be all over you once they know you are a foreigner. One last thing, if you ever felt uncomfortable or scared (esp. from men), don't hesitate to shout and ask the Police (if they were around) or a shop assistant for example for help, they will do it voluntarily with a big smile on their faces Have a safe trip.
[This message has been edited by Poly (edited 15 March 2005).]
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Hi I would like to be your friend , I have many Canadian and British friends and I'll be happy to have more friends if interested please send me an email to samersult@yahoo.com
Posts: 22 | From: cairo | Registered: May 2005
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UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Have a safe trip.
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