See you all in 10 days, I'm going on vacation to Egypt

[3d]

I had the opportunity to go to Egypt roughly 20 years ago. My itinerary was very similar to yours. Had an amazing experience. This was before the popularity of cell phone selfies and digital cameras with 10 frames per second shot rate. Brought along a cheap 35mm film camera. A good pair of boots. And a great sense of adventure.

Abu Simbel is usually offered as an add-on day trip. If it's offered, definitely take advantage of it.

If and when you get off the beaten path, you'll see a lot of poverty in Egypt. So many kids asking for money and adults just sitting around doing nothing. Quite a few shopkeepers wanted to trade for my watch. Wish I brought along 10 cheap Casios. And a couple of boxes of colorful pens and pencils to give the kids.

DO NOT BUY any sort of souvenir papyrus paintings there. The shops are climate controlled. When you bring it home it'll warp and shrivel up like a week-old corn husk.

[OWC Jamie]

Don't let the beggars trinket sellers at the Pyramids ruin the experience fpr you, just don't make eye contact, or any kind of contact really. They were relentless when I was there. In Cairo protests can erupt at any time - just walk away. Don't go check it out. Read about it in the news. Mobs are mobs - I would do the same in Athens. I hope you get to Alexandria take the tour of the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibliotheca_Alexandrina.
I hope they've had a chance to pick up some of the trash.

[RgrF]

Good luck getting back in.

[space-time]

billb wrote:
...In Cairo protests can erupt at any time - just walk away. Don't go check it out. Read about it in the news. Mobs are mobs - I would do the same in Athens. ...

I was under the impression that Athens is a safe place to visit.

[rgG]

Oh wow, that sounds awesome. I love Egyptian art, architecture and history but I don't think I may ever get there. I get to be a nervous wreck going any place that is remotely unstable, or unstable in my mind anyway.

[3d]

rgG wrote:
Oh wow, that sounds awesome. I love Egyptian art, architecture and history but I don't think I may ever get there. I get to be a nervous wreck going any place that is remotely unstable, or unstable in my mind anyway.

If you go on a guided tour, every minute you are there from the moment you step off the plane is supervised. Everywhere you sleep, eat, and visit is scheduled. It has it's pros and cons.

[DinerDave]

Good advice and comments, thanks guys

Dave

[3d]

billb wrote:
Don't let the beggars trinket sellers at the Pyramids ruin the experience fpr you, just don't make eye contact, or any kind of contact really.

I luckily had dark wrap-around style Oakley sunglasses to avoid eye contact. They WERE relentless. Shopkeepers will come out of their stores and "guide" you off the street into their shops and offer you tea for free. Come in have some tea. It's free. Where are you from? Come, have some tea. Riiiiiight.... Fell for it once on my first day. Never again (td)

[DinerDave]

3d wrote:
[quote=billb]
Don't let the beggars trinket sellers at the Pyramids ruin the experience fpr you, just don't make eye contact, or any kind of contact really.

I luckily had dark wrap-around style Oakley sunglasses to avoid eye contact. They WERE relentless. Shopkeepers will come out of their stores and "guide" you off the street into their shops and offer you tea for free. Come in have some tea. It's free. Where are you from? Come, have some tea. Riiiiiight.... Fell for it once on my first day. Never again (td)

Similar to parts of Cabo San Lucas when we were there.

Dave

[M A V I C]

Don't forget to walk like an Egyptian.

I hope we let you back in.