I have been in Egypt for over a month now, living in Cairo, as a student. Since arriving, I have traveled around the country, including Sinai, Alexandria, and will be in Luxor this weekend. With people arriving soon for Wikimania, I'd like to take the opportunity to share advice and experiences as a female.
Language -
English is widely spoken in Egypt, and you will get by just fine if you don't know any words in Arabic. Though it's good to know a few basics in Arabic: "shukran" - thank you; "aywa" - yes; "la" - no; "la shukran" - no thanks; "kwayis" - okay, good; "low samaht" - please, excuse me; "asif" - sorry (said by a male)/"asifa" (said by female); "hina kwayis" - here is good (useful in a taxi for saying where to stop); "mish fahim" - I don't understand; "betikkallim ingleezee" - do you speak English?
Arriving-
I found it unusual when arriving in Cairo, when we had to walk down stairs (out of a jumbo-size Boeing 767) and onto the tarmac. We road a shuttle bus from there to the airport terminal. Go ahead and exchange some money in the airport - best to do before going through customs. Getting through customs and immigration was quick and easy for me, though I obtained my visa in advance.
Safety -
* I feel extremely safe here -- safer than I do back in the U.S. Crime is not much of a problem at all. Also, there is a strong police presence everywhere. In Sinai and other places, there are checkpoints on the highways. Most of the time, our tour groups have been completely on our own, but we had police accompany us a few times.
* There is some harassment on the streets, but it's mainly words. Knowing a few things in Arabic helps (e.g. "la shukran"). It helps to walk in groups, but I have walked around my neighborhood and other places on my own without problems.
* For the most part, Egyptians are very welcoming, especially with tourism so important to the economy here. I even have some friends here who are Jewish, who are getting along fine here.
Getting around -
* The biggest difference between the U.S. and Egypt (and elsewhere in the Middle East) is that traffic lights are pretty much lacking here. In a few spots, there are traffic lights and/or police controlling traffic. To cross the street, it's like playing the video game "Frogger", hurrying across the street when there is a small break in traffic. Also, when riding in a taxi, the taxi driver may go quite fast and it takes getting use to the manner that they drive.
What to wear -
* I brought lightweight long/half-sleeve blouses, pants (linen or other lightweight material), and long skirts. At the last minute, I tossed a t-shirt in my luggage before I left the US. I'm so very glad that I brought a t-shirt, and really wish I brought more short sleeve tops. In the area of Cairo where I live (Zamalek), as well as around the university and many other areas, it is acceptable to wear short sleeves. Same goes for Alexandria (Bibliotheca and other areas), which is located along the waterfront.
* If you are going to see the pyramids in Giza or other such sites, anything goes for clothing. It's not a problem to for women to wear a tank top/or t-shirt and shorts. Such attire was also absolute acceptable when I was in Sharm el-Sheikh (in Sinai) and in similar locations.
* For all places, sandals are completely acceptable for women. You will even see women covered in hijabs who are wearing sandals.
Shopping -
* In Khan al-Khalili (Cairo) and other markets, the vendors are aggressive in wanting you to come into their shop and buy. As well, the crowds at the markets can be overwhelming.
* Bargaining - The prices that vendors tell you are way overpriced and you need to bargain. For example, they may want 50 LE (khamseen) for a scarf, but you can get it for 10 LE (ashrun) or not more than 20 LE (ashreen). To get out of bargaining and move along, you can say "hagee tania" which means "I'll come back another time". Pretty much all the vendors will know some English, but a little bit of Arabic can help.
* Khan al-Khalili is located in Islamic Cairo section of the city, which is more conservative. It's good advice to dress more conservatively when going shopping. To visit Al-Azhar Mosque, women should also wear a scarf.
Despite having to put up with all this, it is definitely well worth it to visit Khan al-Khalili or other such places for shopping and souvenirs.
Taking a taxi -
* Prices - Taxi is a cheap and easy way to get around. It's one flat price, no matter how many people are riding in the taxi. There are no meters. You set the price, and it should be fair for the driver. If you don't know what the fare should be for a particular destination, then you should ask someone (hotel concierge, staff at the dorms, at Bibliotheca, etc.) what's a reasonable price. 5 LE is a fair price for a ride from Bibliotheca to the downtown area in Alexandria, since it's not far. I don't remember for sure exactly how far the dorms are, but I think 5-6 LE is reasonable, since I don't think the dorms are far. I paid 10-12 LE to get from BA to the other end of the corniche in Alexandria.
* Getting a taxi - If you are going really far (e.g. downtown Cairo to the Giza pyramids), then you should agree on a price before getting in a taxi. For most places (medium and shorter distances), do not discuss price before getting in. Just say your destination and the driver should agree to take you. A few times, before or once getting in, the driver has asked me about price. If that happens, you can say your price. If they don't agree, then find a different taxi. Really, price should not come up.
* Paying the driver - When you arrive, everyone MUST GET OUT before paying the driver. Once everyone is out, then the person with the money should give the driver the money through the window. Then everyone needs to walk away. Most of the time, the driver doesn't argue with me/us, but sometimes they will make a fuss and demand more. The thing to do is keep walking away. You gave them a fair, reasonable amount. As a tourist, maybe you can give the taxi driver a tiny bit more to avoid an argument.
* You do not need to tip the driver. Just give them the fare.
Eating -
I think most meals are provided at Wikimania, but when you are on your own...
* Koshari (dish of macaroni, rice, lentils, and sauce) or tamiyya (falafel) make a good cheap meal. A falafel sandwich can be had for 1-2 LE each, and koshari meal w/drink for 7-10 LE. Fast food places (e.g. McDonalds, Hardees, KFC, Pizza Hut) are available most everywhere, though these are not cheap meals by Egyptian standards. A meal at McDonalds will cost ~30 LE ($5-6 USD) or more. A meal at a good sit-down place (American style cafes, and other types of places) will cost a bit more, but I think the prices are comparable or slightly cheaper than in the US.
* I been fine eating the food here, though felt slightly ill after eating salad in my university cafeteria. It might have been the tomatoes that were not great. I have avoided salad at other places, though did get salad at McDonalds which was fine. Some caution about eating raw fruits and vegetables is a good idea. Cheap tamiyya and koshari have all been fine.
* Alcohol is not difficult to find in Egypt. Stella and Sakara are brands of beer that are available here. There are plenty of bars and clubs around, as well a hotel bar is a definite place to find alcohol.
* Restaurants will include a service charge directly on your bill, but you should also leave a tip.
Bathrooms -
* Western-style toilets are available pretty much most places, though some places (e.g. Islamic Cairo), you might find a squat-style toilet. When I arrived at the airport in Cairo, I had some difficulty figuring out how to flush the toilet. There is a knob on the toilet lid that you pull out and then push back in when finished with flushing. Some toilets just have a button to push.
* It's a good idea to carry some toilet paper or tissue with you. Toilet paper is usually available most places I have been, but not always. In some places, there is a staff person manning the bathrooms, who will give you toilet paper for bashish (tip). In some places (e.g. rest houses/stops on the highway), you will need to pay 1 LE or another amount to use the bathroom facilities. In places like McDonalds and other restaurants, as well as hotels, and certainly places like Bibliotheca, you don't pay to use the bathroom and they have toilet paper.
Sightseeing -
I have been to the Pyramids in Giza, Sakkara, to Alexandria, to Sinai (St. Katherine's and Sharm el-Sheikh) and will be in Luxor this weekend. I don't have a lot of spare time to organize these better, but I have quite a few pictures now posted on Flickr of Alexandria and other places in Egypt: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmf164/ Let me know if you want sightseeing suggestions or advice.
Questions -
http://wikimania2008.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Aude - I have posted all this on my Wikimania user page. Please feel free to ask questions. I'm sure I missed mentioning some things.
-Aude
On Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 10:18 AM, Aude audevivere@gmail.com wrote:
I have been in Egypt for over a month now, living in Cairo, as a student. Since arriving, I have traveled around the country, including Sinai, Alexandria, and will be in Luxor this weekend. With people arriving soon for Wikimania, I'd like to take the opportunity to share advice and experiences as a female.
<snip>
Aude -- this is super, super helpful. Thank you so much for all the tips, especially the phrases and advice on what to wear! There's nothing like the voice of experience :)
-- phoebe
I would bring both long/half-sleeve blouses or shirts, as well as short sleeves. For shopping (dealing with the bargaining and people) and other situations, I like to be more conservative in dress. But, overall, things are not as conservative (long sleeves only) for dress as I assumed before I left.
-Aude
On Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 8:36 PM, phoebe ayers phoebe.ayers@gmail.com wrote:
On Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 10:18 AM, Aude audevivere@gmail.com wrote:
I have been in Egypt for over a month now, living in Cairo, as a student. Since arriving, I have traveled around the country, including Sinai, Alexandria, and will be in Luxor this weekend. With people arriving soon for Wikimania, I'd like to take the opportunity to share advice and experiences as a female.
<snip>
Aude -- this is super, super helpful. Thank you so much for all the tips, especially the phrases and advice on what to wear! There's nothing like the voice of experience :)
-- phoebe
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Hi Aude.
Thanks a lot for this mail. It will be extremely useful to anyone traveling for Wikimania. I have one question - I am a vegetarian (no meat, no fish, no eggs. Milk and milk products like curd, cheese, cream are ok). Are there places in Cairo where I can get vegetarian food? Which traditional food items of Egypt are vegetarian?
Regards, Akash
On Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 10:48 PM, Aude audevivere@gmail.com wrote:
I have been in Egypt for over a month now, living in Cairo, as a student. Since arriving, I have traveled around the country, including Sinai, Alexandria, and will be in Luxor this weekend. With people arriving soon for Wikimania, I'd like to take the opportunity to share advice and experiences as a female.
Language -
English is widely spoken in Egypt, and you will get by just fine if you don't know any words in Arabic. Though it's good to know a few basics in Arabic: "shukran" - thank you; "aywa" - yes; "la" - no; "la shukran" - no thanks; "kwayis" - okay, good; "low samaht" - please, excuse me; "asif" - sorry (said by a male)/"asifa" (said by female); "hina kwayis" - here is good (useful in a taxi for saying where to stop); "mish fahim" - I don't understand; "betikkallim ingleezee" - do you speak English?
Arriving-
I found it unusual when arriving in Cairo, when we had to walk down stairs (out of a jumbo-size Boeing 767) and onto the tarmac. We road a shuttle bus from there to the airport terminal. Go ahead and exchange some money in the airport - best to do before going through customs. Getting through customs and immigration was quick and easy for me, though I obtained my visa in advance.
Safety -
- I feel extremely safe here -- safer than I do back in the U.S. Crime is
not much of a problem at all. Also, there is a strong police presence everywhere. In Sinai and other places, there are checkpoints on the highways. Most of the time, our tour groups have been completely on our own, but we had police accompany us a few times.
- There is some harassment on the streets, but it's mainly words. Knowing
a few things in Arabic helps (e.g. "la shukran"). It helps to walk in groups, but I have walked around my neighborhood and other places on my own without problems.
- For the most part, Egyptians are very welcoming, especially with tourism
so important to the economy here. I even have some friends here who are Jewish, who are getting along fine here.
Getting around -
- The biggest difference between the U.S. and Egypt (and elsewhere in the
Middle East) is that traffic lights are pretty much lacking here. In a few spots, there are traffic lights and/or police controlling traffic. To cross the street, it's like playing the video game "Frogger", hurrying across the street when there is a small break in traffic. Also, when riding in a taxi, the taxi driver may go quite fast and it takes getting use to the manner that they drive.
What to wear -
- I brought lightweight long/half-sleeve blouses, pants (linen or other
lightweight material), and long skirts. At the last minute, I tossed a t-shirt in my luggage before I left the US. I'm so very glad that I brought a t-shirt, and really wish I brought more short sleeve tops. In the area of Cairo where I live (Zamalek), as well as around the university and many other areas, it is acceptable to wear short sleeves. Same goes for Alexandria (Bibliotheca and other areas), which is located along the waterfront.
- If you are going to see the pyramids in Giza or other such sites,
anything goes for clothing. It's not a problem to for women to wear a tank top/or t-shirt and shorts. Such attire was also absolute acceptable when I was in Sharm el-Sheikh (in Sinai) and in similar locations.
- For all places, sandals are completely acceptable for women. You will
even see women covered in hijabs who are wearing sandals.
Shopping -
- In Khan al-Khalili (Cairo) and other markets, the vendors are aggressive
in wanting you to come into their shop and buy. As well, the crowds at the markets can be overwhelming.
- Bargaining - The prices that vendors tell you are way overpriced and you
need to bargain. For example, they may want 50 LE (khamseen) for a scarf, but you can get it for 10 LE (ashrun) or not more than 20 LE (ashreen). To get out of bargaining and move along, you can say "hagee tania" which means "I'll come back another time". Pretty much all the vendors will know some English, but a little bit of Arabic can help.
- Khan al-Khalili is located in Islamic Cairo section of the city, which is
more conservative. It's good advice to dress more conservatively when going shopping. To visit Al-Azhar Mosque, women should also wear a scarf.
Despite having to put up with all this, it is definitely well worth it to visit Khan al-Khalili or other such places for shopping and souvenirs.
Taking a taxi -
- Prices - Taxi is a cheap and easy way to get around. It's one flat price,
no matter how many people are riding in the taxi. There are no meters. You set the price, and it should be fair for the driver. If you don't know what the fare should be for a particular destination, then you should ask someone (hotel concierge, staff at the dorms, at Bibliotheca, etc.) what's a reasonable price. 5 LE is a fair price for a ride from Bibliotheca to the downtown area in Alexandria, since it's not far. I don't remember for sure exactly how far the dorms are, but I think 5-6 LE is reasonable, since I don't think the dorms are far. I paid 10-12 LE to get from BA to the other end of the corniche in Alexandria.
- Getting a taxi - If you are going really far (e.g. downtown Cairo to the
Giza pyramids), then you should agree on a price before getting in a taxi. For most places (medium and shorter distances), do not discuss price before getting in. Just say your destination and the driver should agree to take you. A few times, before or once getting in, the driver has asked me about price. If that happens, you can say your price. If they don't agree, then find a different taxi. Really, price should not come up.
- Paying the driver - When you arrive, everyone MUST GET OUT before paying
the driver. Once everyone is out, then the person with the money should give the driver the money through the window. Then everyone needs to walk away. Most of the time, the driver doesn't argue with me/us, but sometimes they will make a fuss and demand more. The thing to do is keep walking away. You gave them a fair, reasonable amount. As a tourist, maybe you can give the taxi driver a tiny bit more to avoid an argument.
- You do not need to tip the driver. Just give them the fare.
Eating -
I think most meals are provided at Wikimania, but when you are on your own...
- Koshari (dish of macaroni, rice, lentils, and sauce) or tamiyya (falafel)
make a good cheap meal. A falafel sandwich can be had for 1-2 LE each, and koshari meal w/drink for 7-10 LE. Fast food places (e.g. McDonalds, Hardees, KFC, Pizza Hut) are available most everywhere, though these are not cheap meals by Egyptian standards. A meal at McDonalds will cost ~30 LE ($5-6 USD) or more. A meal at a good sit-down place (American style cafes, and other types of places) will cost a bit more, but I think the prices are comparable or slightly cheaper than in the US.
- I been fine eating the food here, though felt slightly ill after eating
salad in my university cafeteria. It might have been the tomatoes that were not great. I have avoided salad at other places, though did get salad at McDonalds which was fine. Some caution about eating raw fruits and vegetables is a good idea. Cheap tamiyya and koshari have all been fine.
- Alcohol is not difficult to find in Egypt. Stella and Sakara are brands
of beer that are available here. There are plenty of bars and clubs around, as well a hotel bar is a definite place to find alcohol.
- Restaurants will include a service charge directly on your bill, but you
should also leave a tip.
Bathrooms -
- Western-style toilets are available pretty much most places, though some
places (e.g. Islamic Cairo), you might find a squat-style toilet. When I arrived at the airport in Cairo, I had some difficulty figuring out how to flush the toilet. There is a knob on the toilet lid that you pull out and then push back in when finished with flushing. Some toilets just have a button to push.
- It's a good idea to carry some toilet paper or tissue with you. Toilet
paper is usually available most places I have been, but not always. In some places, there is a staff person manning the bathrooms, who will give you toilet paper for bashish (tip). In some places (e.g. rest houses/stops on the highway), you will need to pay 1 LE or another amount to use the bathroom facilities. In places like McDonalds and other restaurants, as well as hotels, and certainly places like Bibliotheca, you don't pay to use the bathroom and they have toilet paper.
Sightseeing -
I have been to the Pyramids in Giza, Sakkara, to Alexandria, to Sinai (St. Katherine's and Sharm el-Sheikh) and will be in Luxor this weekend. I don't have a lot of spare time to organize these better, but I have quite a few pictures now posted on Flickr of Alexandria and other places in Egypt: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmf164/ Let me know if you want sightseeing suggestions or advice.
Questions -
http://wikimania2008.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Aude - I have posted all this on my Wikimania user page. Please feel free to ask questions. I'm sure I missed mentioning some things.
-Aude
-- Aude _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
I don't know that Egyptians really have the concept of "vegetarian" and especially "vegan" in the culture. That said, I don't think you will have much of a problem here. A lot of the dishes available here contain no meat. Koshari is vegetarian (though some macaroni/pasta contains eggs). Tamiyya (falafel) is vegetarian and vegan. Other vegetarian dishes (rice/vegetables/tomato-based sauce) are available at places that serve Egyptian cuisine. There are also places that specialize in Italian cuisine, Indian, and other types.
The one vegetarian restaurant that I know of in Cairo is L'Aubergine in Zamalek (7 LE taxi ride from downtown Cairo). A good place for Indian cuisine is called "Kandahar" in Mohandesseen (10 LE taxi ride from downtown). Kandahar is a bit more expensive than other places in Cairo, but you can order dishes to split among people which helps with costs.
With most places you eat, the staff will know should understand English just fine. Also, pretty much all places will have menus in English, except some of the really cheap tamiyya places. Nonetheless, it may help to know the word "nabatee" (vegetarian - male) or "nabataya" (vegetarian - female). Or you can say "ana nabatee" (I am vegetarian) or "ana nabataya", "mish akul lahm" (I don't eat meat) "wa mish akul bayda" (and I don't eat eggs).
-Aude
On Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 8:40 PM, Akash Shah akash.great@gmail.com wrote:
Hi Aude.
Thanks a lot for this mail. It will be extremely useful to anyone traveling for Wikimania. I have one question - I am a vegetarian (no meat, no fish, no eggs. Milk and milk products like curd, cheese, cream are ok). Are there places in Cairo where I can get vegetarian food? Which traditional food items of Egypt are vegetarian?
Regards, Akash
On Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 10:48 PM, Aude audevivere@gmail.com wrote:
I have been in Egypt for over a month now, living in Cairo, as a student. Since arriving, I have traveled around the country, including Sinai, Alexandria, and will be in Luxor this weekend. With people arriving soon for Wikimania, I'd like to take the opportunity to share advice and experiences as a female.
Language -
English is widely spoken in Egypt, and you will get by just fine if you don't know any words in Arabic. Though it's good to know a few basics in Arabic: "shukran" - thank you; "aywa" - yes; "la" - no; "la shukran" - no thanks; "kwayis" - okay, good; "low samaht" - please, excuse me; "asif" - sorry (said by a male)/"asifa" (said by female); "hina kwayis" - here is good (useful in a taxi for saying where to stop); "mish fahim" - I don't understand; "betikkallim ingleezee" - do you speak English?
Arriving-
I found it unusual when arriving in Cairo, when we had to walk down stairs (out of a jumbo-size Boeing 767) and onto the tarmac. We road a shuttle bus from there to the airport terminal. Go ahead and exchange some money in the airport - best to do before going through customs. Getting through customs and immigration was quick and easy for me, though I obtained my visa in advance.
Safety -
- I feel extremely safe here -- safer than I do back in the U.S. Crime is
not much of a problem at all. Also, there is a strong police presence everywhere. In Sinai and other places, there are checkpoints on the highways. Most of the time, our tour groups have been completely on our own, but we had police accompany us a few times.
- There is some harassment on the streets, but it's mainly words. Knowing
a few things in Arabic helps (e.g. "la shukran"). It helps to walk in groups, but I have walked around my neighborhood and other places on my own without problems.
- For the most part, Egyptians are very welcoming, especially with tourism
so important to the economy here. I even have some friends here who are Jewish, who are getting along fine here.
Getting around -
- The biggest difference between the U.S. and Egypt (and elsewhere in the
Middle East) is that traffic lights are pretty much lacking here. In a few spots, there are traffic lights and/or police controlling traffic. To cross the street, it's like playing the video game "Frogger", hurrying across the street when there is a small break in traffic. Also, when riding in a taxi, the taxi driver may go quite fast and it takes getting use to the manner that they drive.
What to wear -
- I brought lightweight long/half-sleeve blouses, pants (linen or other
lightweight material), and long skirts. At the last minute, I tossed a t-shirt in my luggage before I left the US. I'm so very glad that I brought a t-shirt, and really wish I brought more short sleeve tops. In the area of Cairo where I live (Zamalek), as well as around the university and many other areas, it is acceptable to wear short sleeves. Same goes for Alexandria (Bibliotheca and other areas), which is located along the waterfront.
- If you are going to see the pyramids in Giza or other such sites,
anything goes for clothing. It's not a problem to for women to wear a tank top/or t-shirt and shorts. Such attire was also absolute acceptable when I was in Sharm el-Sheikh (in Sinai) and in similar locations.
- For all places, sandals are completely acceptable for women. You will
even see women covered in hijabs who are wearing sandals.
Shopping -
- In Khan al-Khalili (Cairo) and other markets, the vendors are aggressive
in wanting you to come into their shop and buy. As well, the crowds at the markets can be overwhelming.
- Bargaining - The prices that vendors tell you are way overpriced and you
need to bargain. For example, they may want 50 LE (khamseen) for a scarf, but you can get it for 10 LE (ashrun) or not more than 20 LE (ashreen). To get out of bargaining and move along, you can say "hagee tania" which means "I'll come back another time". Pretty much all the vendors will know some English, but a little bit of Arabic can help.
- Khan al-Khalili is located in Islamic Cairo section of the city, which
is more conservative. It's good advice to dress more conservatively when going shopping. To visit Al-Azhar Mosque, women should also wear a scarf.
Despite having to put up with all this, it is definitely well worth it to visit Khan al-Khalili or other such places for shopping and souvenirs.
Taking a taxi -
- Prices - Taxi is a cheap and easy way to get around. It's one flat
price, no matter how many people are riding in the taxi. There are no meters. You set the price, and it should be fair for the driver. If you don't know what the fare should be for a particular destination, then you should ask someone (hotel concierge, staff at the dorms, at Bibliotheca, etc.) what's a reasonable price. 5 LE is a fair price for a ride from Bibliotheca to the downtown area in Alexandria, since it's not far. I don't remember for sure exactly how far the dorms are, but I think 5-6 LE is reasonable, since I don't think the dorms are far. I paid 10-12 LE to get from BA to the other end of the corniche in Alexandria.
- Getting a taxi - If you are going really far (e.g. downtown Cairo to the
Giza pyramids), then you should agree on a price before getting in a taxi. For most places (medium and shorter distances), do not discuss price before getting in. Just say your destination and the driver should agree to take you. A few times, before or once getting in, the driver has asked me about price. If that happens, you can say your price. If they don't agree, then find a different taxi. Really, price should not come up.
- Paying the driver - When you arrive, everyone MUST GET OUT before paying
the driver. Once everyone is out, then the person with the money should give the driver the money through the window. Then everyone needs to walk away. Most of the time, the driver doesn't argue with me/us, but sometimes they will make a fuss and demand more. The thing to do is keep walking away. You gave them a fair, reasonable amount. As a tourist, maybe you can give the taxi driver a tiny bit more to avoid an argument.
- You do not need to tip the driver. Just give them the fare.
Eating -
I think most meals are provided at Wikimania, but when you are on your own...
- Koshari (dish of macaroni, rice, lentils, and sauce) or tamiyya
(falafel) make a good cheap meal. A falafel sandwich can be had for 1-2 LE each, and koshari meal w/drink for 7-10 LE. Fast food places (e.g. McDonalds, Hardees, KFC, Pizza Hut) are available most everywhere, though these are not cheap meals by Egyptian standards. A meal at McDonalds will cost ~30 LE ($5-6 USD) or more. A meal at a good sit-down place (American style cafes, and other types of places) will cost a bit more, but I think the prices are comparable or slightly cheaper than in the US.
- I been fine eating the food here, though felt slightly ill after eating
salad in my university cafeteria. It might have been the tomatoes that were not great. I have avoided salad at other places, though did get salad at McDonalds which was fine. Some caution about eating raw fruits and vegetables is a good idea. Cheap tamiyya and koshari have all been fine.
- Alcohol is not difficult to find in Egypt. Stella and Sakara are brands
of beer that are available here. There are plenty of bars and clubs around, as well a hotel bar is a definite place to find alcohol.
- Restaurants will include a service charge directly on your bill, but you
should also leave a tip.
Bathrooms -
- Western-style toilets are available pretty much most places, though some
places (e.g. Islamic Cairo), you might find a squat-style toilet. When I arrived at the airport in Cairo, I had some difficulty figuring out how to flush the toilet. There is a knob on the toilet lid that you pull out and then push back in when finished with flushing. Some toilets just have a button to push.
- It's a good idea to carry some toilet paper or tissue with you. Toilet
paper is usually available most places I have been, but not always. In some places, there is a staff person manning the bathrooms, who will give you toilet paper for bashish (tip). In some places (e.g. rest houses/stops on the highway), you will need to pay 1 LE or another amount to use the bathroom facilities. In places like McDonalds and other restaurants, as well as hotels, and certainly places like Bibliotheca, you don't pay to use the bathroom and they have toilet paper.
Sightseeing -
I have been to the Pyramids in Giza, Sakkara, to Alexandria, to Sinai (St. Katherine's and Sharm el-Sheikh) and will be in Luxor this weekend. I don't have a lot of spare time to organize these better, but I have quite a few pictures now posted on Flickr of Alexandria and other places in Egypt: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmf164/ Let me know if you want sightseeing suggestions or advice.
Questions -
http://wikimania2008.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Aude - I have posted all this on my Wikimania user page. Please feel free to ask questions. I'm sure I missed mentioning some things.
-Aude
-- Aude _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
I have some more advice as a foreigner in Egypt
I will advice all the foreign girls to wear long sleeve t-shirts to avoid sexual harrasment and bad moments. The Alexandria society is very conservative, I have been in the Alexandria Library wearing a normal t-shirt (because it is very hot) but I felt very uncomfortable and I was the "center" of attention so it is better to avoid such undesire attention ;)
Also as a foreigner I always make a deal with the taxi drivers before accepting the ride, you will see that the taxi drivers will always make problems because they want more money, even when I arrange the price beforehand they ask more money. Make sure you tell the price and that he understand clearly to avoid problems at the end. Some taxi drivers may even become somehow violent and it is not good. (And I always give them more than average)
Diana
Aude wrote:
I don't know that Egyptians really have the concept of "vegetarian" and especially "vegan" in the culture. That said, I don't think you will have much of a problem here. A lot of the dishes available here contain no meat. Koshari is vegetarian (though some macaroni/pasta contains eggs). Tamiyya (falafel) is vegetarian and vegan. Other vegetarian dishes (rice/vegetables/tomato-based sauce) are available at places that serve Egyptian cuisine. There are also places that specialize in Italian cuisine, Indian, and other types.
The one vegetarian restaurant that I know of in Cairo is L'Aubergine in Zamalek (7 LE taxi ride from downtown Cairo). A good place for Indian cuisine is called "Kandahar" in Mohandesseen (10 LE taxi ride from downtown). Kandahar is a bit more expensive than other places in Cairo, but you can order dishes to split among people which helps with costs.
With most places you eat, the staff will know should understand English just fine. Also, pretty much all places will have menus in English, except some of the really cheap tamiyya places. Nonetheless, it may help to know the word "nabatee" (vegetarian - male) or "nabataya" (vegetarian - female). Or you can say "ana nabatee" (I am vegetarian) or "ana nabataya", "mish akul lahm" (I don't eat meat) "wa mish akul bayda" (and I don't eat eggs).
-Aude
On Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 8:40 PM, Akash Shah <akash.great@gmail.com mailto:akash.great@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Aude. Thanks a lot for this mail. It will be extremely useful to anyone traveling for Wikimania. I have one question - I am a vegetarian (no meat, no fish, no eggs. Milk and milk products like curd, cheese, cream are ok). Are there places in Cairo where I can get vegetarian food? Which traditional food items of Egypt are vegetarian? Regards, Akash On Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 10:48 PM, Aude <audevivere@gmail.com <mailto:audevivere@gmail.com>> wrote: I have been in Egypt for over a month now, living in Cairo, as a student. Since arriving, I have traveled around the country, including Sinai, Alexandria, and will be in Luxor this weekend. With people arriving soon for Wikimania, I'd like to take the opportunity to share advice and experiences as a female. Language - English is widely spoken in Egypt, and you will get by just fine if you don't know any words in Arabic. Though it's good to know a few basics in Arabic: "shukran" - thank you; "aywa" - yes; "la" - no; "la shukran" - no thanks; "kwayis" - okay, good; "low samaht" - please, excuse me; "asif" - sorry (said by a male)/"asifa" (said by female); "hina kwayis" - here is good (useful in a taxi for saying where to stop); "mish fahim" - I don't understand; "betikkallim ingleezee" - do you speak English? Arriving- I found it unusual when arriving in Cairo, when we had to walk down stairs (out of a jumbo-size Boeing 767) and onto the tarmac. We road a shuttle bus from there to the airport terminal. Go ahead and exchange some money in the airport - best to do before going through customs. Getting through customs and immigration was quick and easy for me, though I obtained my visa in advance. Safety - * I feel extremely safe here -- safer than I do back in the U.S. Crime is not much of a problem at all. Also, there is a strong police presence everywhere. In Sinai and other places, there are checkpoints on the highways. Most of the time, our tour groups have been completely on our own, but we had police accompany us a few times. * There is some harassment on the streets, but it's mainly words. Knowing a few things in Arabic helps (e.g. "la shukran"). It helps to walk in groups, but I have walked around my neighborhood and other places on my own without problems. * For the most part, Egyptians are very welcoming, especially with tourism so important to the economy here. I even have some friends here who are Jewish, who are getting along fine here. Getting around - * The biggest difference between the U.S. and Egypt (and elsewhere in the Middle East) is that traffic lights are pretty much lacking here. In a few spots, there are traffic lights and/or police controlling traffic. To cross the street, it's like playing the video game "Frogger", hurrying across the street when there is a small break in traffic. Also, when riding in a taxi, the taxi driver may go quite fast and it takes getting use to the manner that they drive. What to wear - * I brought lightweight long/half-sleeve blouses, pants (linen or other lightweight material), and long skirts. At the last minute, I tossed a t-shirt in my luggage before I left the US. I'm so very glad that I brought a t-shirt, and really wish I brought more short sleeve tops. In the area of Cairo where I live (Zamalek), as well as around the university and many other areas, it is acceptable to wear short sleeves. Same goes for Alexandria (Bibliotheca and other areas), which is located along the waterfront. * If you are going to see the pyramids in Giza or other such sites, anything goes for clothing. It's not a problem to for women to wear a tank top/or t-shirt and shorts. Such attire was also absolute acceptable when I was in Sharm el-Sheikh (in Sinai) and in similar locations. * For all places, sandals are completely acceptable for women. You will even see women covered in hijabs who are wearing sandals. Shopping - * In Khan al-Khalili (Cairo) and other markets, the vendors are aggressive in wanting you to come into their shop and buy. As well, the crowds at the markets can be overwhelming. * Bargaining - The prices that vendors tell you are way overpriced and you need to bargain. For example, they may want 50 LE (khamseen) for a scarf, but you can get it for 10 LE (ashrun) or not more than 20 LE (ashreen). To get out of bargaining and move along, you can say "hagee tania" which means "I'll come back another time". Pretty much all the vendors will know some English, but a little bit of Arabic can help. * Khan al-Khalili is located in Islamic Cairo section of the city, which is more conservative. It's good advice to dress more conservatively when going shopping. To visit Al-Azhar Mosque, women should also wear a scarf. Despite having to put up with all this, it is definitely well worth it to visit Khan al-Khalili or other such places for shopping and souvenirs. Taking a taxi - * Prices - Taxi is a cheap and easy way to get around. It's one flat price, no matter how many people are riding in the taxi. There are no meters. You set the price, and it should be fair for the driver. If you don't know what the fare should be for a particular destination, then you should ask someone (hotel concierge, staff at the dorms, at Bibliotheca, etc.) what's a reasonable price. 5 LE is a fair price for a ride from Bibliotheca to the downtown area in Alexandria, since it's not far. I don't remember for sure exactly how far the dorms are, but I think 5-6 LE is reasonable, since I don't think the dorms are far. I paid 10-12 LE to get from BA to the other end of the corniche in Alexandria. * Getting a taxi - If you are going really far (e.g. downtown Cairo to the Giza pyramids), then you should agree on a price before getting in a taxi. For most places (medium and shorter distances), do not discuss price before getting in. Just say your destination and the driver should agree to take you. A few times, before or once getting in, the driver has asked me about price. If that happens, you can say your price. If they don't agree, then find a different taxi. Really, price should not come up. * Paying the driver - When you arrive, everyone MUST GET OUT before paying the driver. Once everyone is out, then the person with the money should give the driver the money through the window. Then everyone needs to walk away. Most of the time, the driver doesn't argue with me/us, but sometimes they will make a fuss and demand more. The thing to do is keep walking away. You gave them a fair, reasonable amount. As a tourist, maybe you can give the taxi driver a tiny bit more to avoid an argument. * You do not need to tip the driver. Just give them the fare. Eating - I think most meals are provided at Wikimania, but when you are on your own... * Koshari (dish of macaroni, rice, lentils, and sauce) or tamiyya (falafel) make a good cheap meal. A falafel sandwich can be had for 1-2 LE each, and koshari meal w/drink for 7-10 LE. Fast food places (e.g. McDonalds, Hardees, KFC, Pizza Hut) are available most everywhere, though these are not cheap meals by Egyptian standards. A meal at McDonalds will cost ~30 LE ($5-6 USD) or more. A meal at a good sit-down place (American style cafes, and other types of places) will cost a bit more, but I think the prices are comparable or slightly cheaper than in the US. * I been fine eating the food here, though felt slightly ill after eating salad in my university cafeteria. It might have been the tomatoes that were not great. I have avoided salad at other places, though did get salad at McDonalds which was fine. Some caution about eating raw fruits and vegetables is a good idea. Cheap tamiyya and koshari have all been fine. * Alcohol is not difficult to find in Egypt. Stella and Sakara are brands of beer that are available here. There are plenty of bars and clubs around, as well a hotel bar is a definite place to find alcohol. * Restaurants will include a service charge directly on your bill, but you should also leave a tip. Bathrooms - * Western-style toilets are available pretty much most places, though some places (e.g. Islamic Cairo), you might find a squat-style toilet. When I arrived at the airport in Cairo, I had some difficulty figuring out how to flush the toilet. There is a knob on the toilet lid that you pull out and then push back in when finished with flushing. Some toilets just have a button to push. * It's a good idea to carry some toilet paper or tissue with you. Toilet paper is usually available most places I have been, but not always. In some places, there is a staff person manning the bathrooms, who will give you toilet paper for bashish (tip). In some places (e.g. rest houses/stops on the highway), you will need to pay 1 LE or another amount to use the bathroom facilities. In places like McDonalds and other restaurants, as well as hotels, and certainly places like Bibliotheca, you don't pay to use the bathroom and they have toilet paper. Sightseeing - I have been to the Pyramids in Giza, Sakkara, to Alexandria, to Sinai (St. Katherine's and Sharm el-Sheikh) and will be in Luxor this weekend. I don't have a lot of spare time to organize these better, but I have quite a few pictures now posted on Flickr of Alexandria and other places in Egypt: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmf164/ Let me know if you want sightseeing suggestions or advice. Questions - http://wikimania2008.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Aude - I have posted all this on my Wikimania user page. Please feel free to ask questions. I'm sure I missed mentioning some things. -Aude -- Aude _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org <mailto:Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org <mailto:Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l-- Aude No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.4.7/1541 - Release Date: 7/8/2008 7:50 PM
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Either way -- short sleeves or long sleeves, foreigners will still be "center" of attention regardless. If out on my own, I will be more conservative. Among a group of students or Wikipedians, then I will be more relaxed about all this. It's also possible to wear shorter/half sleeves and bring a scarf, if you need it. Anyway, bring both conservative, long-sleeve tops and short sleeves. Once here, you will find what's comfortable for you.
It's been quite hot in Cairo (37-40 C / ~100 F) during the daytime, though Alexandria is quite a bit cooler than that (~30 C / 86 F). The best way to deal with the heat is to do things (e.g. see the Giza pyramids) very early in the morning. Arriving at the pyramids at 6 or 7 am is ideal, and be done by 9 am. Or do things in the evening (e.g. Khan al-Khalili). Also, I find the heat tolerable if I stay in the shade. Another factor is the pollution in Cairo, and to some extent in Alexandria. I don't think the pollution is any worse than Taipei was, but it's still an issue here.
As for taxis, it's best to go in a group when riding a taxi. When on my own, I have been okay, but will pay them a little bit more to avoid argument. It's also good to be dropped off right in front of my building, hotel, or other places which will all have security staff. Our security staff has come out on occasion to talk with problematic taxi drivers. Everyone walking away is the best thing to do. What Diana does will also work. Do what works for you.
-Aude
On Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 12:12 PM, Diana - Sumaq Peru Travel < diana_apaza@sumaqperu.com> wrote:
I have some more advice as a foreigner in Egypt
I will advice all the foreign girls to wear long sleeve t-shirts to avoid sexual harrasment and bad moments. The Alexandria society is very conservative, I have been in the Alexandria Library wearing a normal t-shirt (because it is very hot) but I felt very uncomfortable and I was the "center" of attention so it is better to avoid such undesire attention ;)
Also as a foreigner I always make a deal with the taxi drivers before accepting the ride, you will see that the taxi drivers will always make problems because they want more money, even when I arrange the price beforehand they ask more money. Make sure you tell the price and that he understand clearly to avoid problems at the end. Some taxi drivers may even become somehow violent and it is not good. (And I always give them more than average)
Diana
hey Akash,, I'm egyptian,, & i think i can give yo ua tip about vegetarian food
usually in places like pizza hut and so, it'll be easy to find a vegetarian pizza or meal,, and u can just order it,, also usually most menus in god restaurants have an english version, with meal components written, so u can easily choose a meal
also, traditional food like beans (fool), and falafel (taameya), and "koshary", they all consist of vegetarian components, and even without milk
anyway, try not to eat salads out of the hotel or restaurants like mcdonalds, chillis, or on the run, etc...
On The Run specifically is an American style fast food / snacks restaurant, you'll find it always next to / inside Mobil gaz stations (which are a sub of Exxonmobil, they're good, and with fair prices compared to foreign ones
I think that's it for now..
ah, and also, you can get good vegetables / fruits from big brand-name supermakets, like carrefour, spenneys (in cairo), metro, and u can chose the fruits and vegetables yourself
hope you enjoy your stay at Egypt :)
On Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 8:40 PM, Akash Shah akash.great@gmail.com wrote:
Hi Aude.
Thanks a lot for this mail. It will be extremely useful to anyone traveling for Wikimania. I have one question - I am a vegetarian (no meat, no fish, no eggs. Milk and milk products like curd, cheese, cream are ok). Are there places in Cairo where I can get vegetarian food? Which traditional food items of Egypt are vegetarian?
Regards, Akash
On Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 10:48 PM, Aude audevivere@gmail.com wrote:
I have been in Egypt for over a month now, living in Cairo, as a student. Since arriving, I have traveled around the country, including Sinai, Alexandria, and will be in Luxor this weekend. With people arriving soon for Wikimania, I'd like to take the opportunity to share advice and experiences as a female.
Language -
English is widely spoken in Egypt, and you will get by just fine if you don't know any words in Arabic. Though it's good to know a few basics in Arabic: "shukran" - thank you; "aywa" - yes; "la" - no; "la shukran" - no thanks; "kwayis" - okay, good; "low samaht" - please, excuse me; "asif" - sorry (said by a male)/"asifa" (said by female); "hina kwayis" - here is good (useful in a taxi for saying where to stop); "mish fahim" - I don't understand; "betikkallim ingleezee" - do you speak English?
Arriving-
I found it unusual when arriving in Cairo, when we had to walk down stairs (out of a jumbo-size Boeing 767) and onto the tarmac. We road a shuttle bus from there to the airport terminal. Go ahead and exchange some money in the airport - best to do before going through customs. Getting through customs and immigration was quick and easy for me, though I obtained my visa in advance.
Safety -
- I feel extremely safe here -- safer than I do back in the U.S. Crime is
not much of a problem at all. Also, there is a strong police presence everywhere. In Sinai and other places, there are checkpoints on the highways. Most of the time, our tour groups have been completely on our own, but we had police accompany us a few times.
- There is some harassment on the streets, but it's mainly words. Knowing
a few things in Arabic helps (e.g. "la shukran"). It helps to walk in groups, but I have walked around my neighborhood and other places on my own without problems.
- For the most part, Egyptians are very welcoming, especially with tourism
so important to the economy here. I even have some friends here who are Jewish, who are getting along fine here.
Getting around -
- The biggest difference between the U.S. and Egypt (and elsewhere in the
Middle East) is that traffic lights are pretty much lacking here. In a few spots, there are traffic lights and/or police controlling traffic. To cross the street, it's like playing the video game "Frogger", hurrying across the street when there is a small break in traffic. Also, when riding in a taxi, the taxi driver may go quite fast and it takes getting use to the manner that they drive.
What to wear -
- I brought lightweight long/half-sleeve blouses, pants (linen or other
lightweight material), and long skirts. At the last minute, I tossed a t-shirt in my luggage before I left the US. I'm so very glad that I brought a t-shirt, and really wish I brought more short sleeve tops. In the area of Cairo where I live (Zamalek), as well as around the university and many other areas, it is acceptable to wear short sleeves. Same goes for Alexandria (Bibliotheca and other areas), which is located along the waterfront.
- If you are going to see the pyramids in Giza or other such sites,
anything goes for clothing. It's not a problem to for women to wear a tank top/or t-shirt and shorts. Such attire was also absolute acceptable when I was in Sharm el-Sheikh (in Sinai) and in similar locations.
- For all places, sandals are completely acceptable for women. You will
even see women covered in hijabs who are wearing sandals.
Shopping -
- In Khan al-Khalili (Cairo) and other markets, the vendors are aggressive
in wanting you to come into their shop and buy. As well, the crowds at the markets can be overwhelming.
- Bargaining - The prices that vendors tell you are way overpriced and you
need to bargain. For example, they may want 50 LE (khamseen) for a scarf, but you can get it for 10 LE (ashrun) or not more than 20 LE (ashreen). To get out of bargaining and move along, you can say "hagee tania" which means "I'll come back another time". Pretty much all the vendors will know some English, but a little bit of Arabic can help.
- Khan al-Khalili is located in Islamic Cairo section of the city, which
is more conservative. It's good advice to dress more conservatively when going shopping. To visit Al-Azhar Mosque, women should also wear a scarf.
Despite having to put up with all this, it is definitely well worth it to visit Khan al-Khalili or other such places for shopping and souvenirs.
Taking a taxi -
- Prices - Taxi is a cheap and easy way to get around. It's one flat
price, no matter how many people are riding in the taxi. There are no meters. You set the price, and it should be fair for the driver. If you don't know what the fare should be for a particular destination, then you should ask someone (hotel concierge, staff at the dorms, at Bibliotheca, etc.) what's a reasonable price. 5 LE is a fair price for a ride from Bibliotheca to the downtown area in Alexandria, since it's not far. I don't remember for sure exactly how far the dorms are, but I think 5-6 LE is reasonable, since I don't think the dorms are far. I paid 10-12 LE to get from BA to the other end of the corniche in Alexandria.
- Getting a taxi - If you are going really far (e.g. downtown Cairo to the
Giza pyramids), then you should agree on a price before getting in a taxi. For most places (medium and shorter distances), do not discuss price before getting in. Just say your destination and the driver should agree to take you. A few times, before or once getting in, the driver has asked me about price. If that happens, you can say your price. If they don't agree, then find a different taxi. Really, price should not come up.
- Paying the driver - When you arrive, everyone MUST GET OUT before paying
the driver. Once everyone is out, then the person with the money should give the driver the money through the window. Then everyone needs to walk away. Most of the time, the driver doesn't argue with me/us, but sometimes they will make a fuss and demand more. The thing to do is keep walking away. You gave them a fair, reasonable amount. As a tourist, maybe you can give the taxi driver a tiny bit more to avoid an argument.
- You do not need to tip the driver. Just give them the fare.
Eating -
I think most meals are provided at Wikimania, but when you are on your own...
- Koshari (dish of macaroni, rice, lentils, and sauce) or tamiyya
(falafel) make a good cheap meal. A falafel sandwich can be had for 1-2 LE each, and koshari meal w/drink for 7-10 LE. Fast food places (e.g. McDonalds, Hardees, KFC, Pizza Hut) are available most everywhere, though these are not cheap meals by Egyptian standards. A meal at McDonalds will cost ~30 LE ($5-6 USD) or more. A meal at a good sit-down place (American style cafes, and other types of places) will cost a bit more, but I think the prices are comparable or slightly cheaper than in the US.
- I been fine eating the food here, though felt slightly ill after eating
salad in my university cafeteria. It might have been the tomatoes that were not great. I have avoided salad at other places, though did get salad at McDonalds which was fine. Some caution about eating raw fruits and vegetables is a good idea. Cheap tamiyya and koshari have all been fine.
- Alcohol is not difficult to find in Egypt. Stella and Sakara are brands
of beer that are available here. There are plenty of bars and clubs around, as well a hotel bar is a definite place to find alcohol.
- Restaurants will include a service charge directly on your bill, but you
should also leave a tip.
Bathrooms -
- Western-style toilets are available pretty much most places, though some
places (e.g. Islamic Cairo), you might find a squat-style toilet. When I arrived at the airport in Cairo, I had some difficulty figuring out how to flush the toilet. There is a knob on the toilet lid that you pull out and then push back in when finished with flushing. Some toilets just have a button to push.
- It's a good idea to carry some toilet paper or tissue with you. Toilet
paper is usually available most places I have been, but not always. In some places, there is a staff person manning the bathrooms, who will give you toilet paper for bashish (tip). In some places (e.g. rest houses/stops on the highway), you will need to pay 1 LE or another amount to use the bathroom facilities. In places like McDonalds and other restaurants, as well as hotels, and certainly places like Bibliotheca, you don't pay to use the bathroom and they have toilet paper.
Sightseeing -
I have been to the Pyramids in Giza, Sakkara, to Alexandria, to Sinai (St. Katherine's and Sharm el-Sheikh) and will be in Luxor this weekend. I don't have a lot of spare time to organize these better, but I have quite a few pictures now posted on Flickr of Alexandria and other places in Egypt: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmf164/ Let me know if you want sightseeing suggestions or advice.
Questions -
http://wikimania2008.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Aude - I have posted all this on my Wikimania user page. Please feel free to ask questions. I'm sure I missed mentioning some things.
-Aude
-- Aude _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
hi ahmed.
thanks a lot for the tips. i'll keep those things in mind before eating. i had a lot of problem in taipei trying to get vegetarian food. i dont think i'll have the same problem in egypt. the pizza hut website does mention the veg pizza. but i would prefer local food over pizza's if possible. :)
regards, akash
On Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 4:56 AM, Ahmed Koraiem amkoraiem@gmail.com wrote:
hey Akash,, I'm egyptian,, & i think i can give yo ua tip about vegetarian food
usually in places like pizza hut and so, it'll be easy to find a vegetarian pizza or meal,, and u can just order it,, also usually most menus in god restaurants have an english version, with meal components written, so u can easily choose a meal
also, traditional food like beans (fool), and falafel (taameya), and "koshary", they all consist of vegetarian components, and even without milk
anyway, try not to eat salads out of the hotel or restaurants like mcdonalds, chillis, or on the run, etc...
On The Run specifically is an American style fast food / snacks restaurant, you'll find it always next to / inside Mobil gaz stations (which are a sub of Exxonmobil, they're good, and with fair prices compared to foreign ones
I think that's it for now..
ah, and also, you can get good vegetables / fruits from big brand-name supermakets, like carrefour, spenneys (in cairo), metro, and u can chose the fruits and vegetables yourself
hope you enjoy your stay at Egypt :)
On Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 8:40 PM, Akash Shah akash.great@gmail.com wrote:
Hi Aude.
Thanks a lot for this mail. It will be extremely useful to anyone
traveling
for Wikimania. I have one question - I am a vegetarian (no meat, no fish,
no
eggs. Milk and milk products like curd, cheese, cream are ok). Are there places in Cairo where I can get vegetarian food? Which traditional food items of Egypt are vegetarian?
Regards, Akash
On Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 10:48 PM, Aude audevivere@gmail.com wrote:
I have been in Egypt for over a month now, living in Cairo, as a
student.
Since arriving, I have traveled around the country, including Sinai, Alexandria, and will be in Luxor this weekend. With people arriving
soon
for Wikimania, I'd like to take the opportunity to share advice and experiences as a female.
Language -
English is widely spoken in Egypt, and you will get by just fine if you don't know any words in Arabic. Though it's good to know a few basics
in
Arabic: "shukran" - thank you; "aywa" - yes; "la" - no; "la shukran" -
no
thanks; "kwayis" - okay, good; "low samaht" - please, excuse me; "asif"
sorry (said by a male)/"asifa" (said by female); "hina kwayis" - here is good (useful in a taxi for saying where to stop); "mish fahim" - I don't understand; "betikkallim ingleezee" - do you speak English?
Arriving-
I found it unusual when arriving in Cairo, when we had to walk down
stairs
(out of a jumbo-size Boeing 767) and onto the tarmac. We road a shuttle
bus
from there to the airport terminal. Go ahead and exchange some money in
the
airport - best to do before going through customs. Getting through
customs
and immigration was quick and easy for me, though I obtained my visa in advance.
Safety -
- I feel extremely safe here -- safer than I do back in the U.S. Crime
is
not much of a problem at all. Also, there is a strong police presence everywhere. In Sinai and other places, there are checkpoints on the highways. Most of the time, our tour groups have been completely on our own, but we had police accompany us a few times.
- There is some harassment on the streets, but it's mainly words.
Knowing
a few things in Arabic helps (e.g. "la shukran"). It helps to walk in groups, but I have walked around my neighborhood and other places on my
own
without problems.
- For the most part, Egyptians are very welcoming, especially with
tourism
so important to the economy here. I even have some friends here who are Jewish, who are getting along fine here.
Getting around -
- The biggest difference between the U.S. and Egypt (and elsewhere in
the
Middle East) is that traffic lights are pretty much lacking here. In a
few
spots, there are traffic lights and/or police controlling traffic. To
cross
the street, it's like playing the video game "Frogger", hurrying across
the
street when there is a small break in traffic. Also, when riding in a
taxi,
the taxi driver may go quite fast and it takes getting use to the manner that they drive.
What to wear -
- I brought lightweight long/half-sleeve blouses, pants (linen or other
lightweight material), and long skirts. At the last minute, I tossed a t-shirt in my luggage before I left the US. I'm so very glad that I
brought
a t-shirt, and really wish I brought more short sleeve tops. In the
area of
Cairo where I live (Zamalek), as well as around the university and many other areas, it is acceptable to wear short sleeves. Same goes for Alexandria (Bibliotheca and other areas), which is located along the waterfront.
- If you are going to see the pyramids in Giza or other such sites,
anything goes for clothing. It's not a problem to for women to wear a
tank
top/or t-shirt and shorts. Such attire was also absolute acceptable
when I
was in Sharm el-Sheikh (in Sinai) and in similar locations.
- For all places, sandals are completely acceptable for women. You will
even see women covered in hijabs who are wearing sandals.
Shopping -
- In Khan al-Khalili (Cairo) and other markets, the vendors are
aggressive
in wanting you to come into their shop and buy. As well, the crowds at
the
markets can be overwhelming.
- Bargaining - The prices that vendors tell you are way overpriced and
you
need to bargain. For example, they may want 50 LE (khamseen) for a
scarf,
but you can get it for 10 LE (ashrun) or not more than 20 LE (ashreen).
To
get out of bargaining and move along, you can say "hagee tania" which
means
"I'll come back another time". Pretty much all the vendors will know
some
English, but a little bit of Arabic can help.
- Khan al-Khalili is located in Islamic Cairo section of the city, which
is more conservative. It's good advice to dress more conservatively
when
going shopping. To visit Al-Azhar Mosque, women should also wear a
scarf.
Despite having to put up with all this, it is definitely well worth it
to
visit Khan al-Khalili or other such places for shopping and souvenirs.
Taking a taxi -
- Prices - Taxi is a cheap and easy way to get around. It's one flat
price, no matter how many people are riding in the taxi. There are no meters. You set the price, and it should be fair for the driver. If
you
don't know what the fare should be for a particular destination, then
you
should ask someone (hotel concierge, staff at the dorms, at Bibliotheca, etc.) what's a reasonable price. 5 LE is a fair price for a ride from Bibliotheca to the downtown area in Alexandria, since it's not far. I
don't
remember for sure exactly how far the dorms are, but I think 5-6 LE is reasonable, since I don't think the dorms are far. I paid 10-12 LE to
get
from BA to the other end of the corniche in Alexandria.
- Getting a taxi - If you are going really far (e.g. downtown Cairo to
the
Giza pyramids), then you should agree on a price before getting in a
taxi.
For most places (medium and shorter distances), do not discuss price
before
getting in. Just say your destination and the driver should agree to
take
you. A few times, before or once getting in, the driver has asked me
about
price. If that happens, you can say your price. If they don't agree,
then
find a different taxi. Really, price should not come up.
- Paying the driver - When you arrive, everyone MUST GET OUT before
paying
the driver. Once everyone is out, then the person with the money should give the driver the money through the window. Then everyone needs to
walk
away. Most of the time, the driver doesn't argue with me/us, but
sometimes
they will make a fuss and demand more. The thing to do is keep walking away. You gave them a fair, reasonable amount. As a tourist, maybe you
can
give the taxi driver a tiny bit more to avoid an argument.
- You do not need to tip the driver. Just give them the fare.
Eating -
I think most meals are provided at Wikimania, but when you are on your own...
- Koshari (dish of macaroni, rice, lentils, and sauce) or tamiyya
(falafel) make a good cheap meal. A falafel sandwich can be had for 1-2
LE
each, and koshari meal w/drink for 7-10 LE. Fast food places (e.g. McDonalds, Hardees, KFC, Pizza Hut) are available most everywhere,
though
these are not cheap meals by Egyptian standards. A meal at McDonalds
will
cost ~30 LE ($5-6 USD) or more. A meal at a good sit-down place
(American
style cafes, and other types of places) will cost a bit more, but I
think
the prices are comparable or slightly cheaper than in the US.
- I been fine eating the food here, though felt slightly ill after
eating
salad in my university cafeteria. It might have been the tomatoes that
were
not great. I have avoided salad at other places, though did get salad
at
McDonalds which was fine. Some caution about eating raw fruits and vegetables is a good idea. Cheap tamiyya and koshari have all been fine.
- Alcohol is not difficult to find in Egypt. Stella and Sakara are
brands
of beer that are available here. There are plenty of bars and clubs
around,
as well a hotel bar is a definite place to find alcohol.
- Restaurants will include a service charge directly on your bill, but
you
should also leave a tip.
Bathrooms -
- Western-style toilets are available pretty much most places, though
some
places (e.g. Islamic Cairo), you might find a squat-style toilet. When
I
arrived at the airport in Cairo, I had some difficulty figuring out how
to
flush the toilet. There is a knob on the toilet lid that you pull out
and
then push back in when finished with flushing. Some toilets just have a button to push.
- It's a good idea to carry some toilet paper or tissue with you.
Toilet
paper is usually available most places I have been, but not always. In
some
places, there is a staff person manning the bathrooms, who will give you toilet paper for bashish (tip). In some places (e.g. rest houses/stops
on
the highway), you will need to pay 1 LE or another amount to use the bathroom facilities. In places like McDonalds and other restaurants, as well as hotels, and certainly places like Bibliotheca, you don't pay to
use
the bathroom and they have toilet paper.
Sightseeing -
I have been to the Pyramids in Giza, Sakkara, to Alexandria, to Sinai
(St.
Katherine's and Sharm el-Sheikh) and will be in Luxor this weekend. I
don't
have a lot of spare time to organize these better, but I have quite a
few
pictures now posted on Flickr of Alexandria and other places in Egypt: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmf164/ Let me know if you want
sightseeing
suggestions or advice.
Questions -
http://wikimania2008.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Aude - I have posted all
this
on my Wikimania user page. Please feel free to ask questions. I'm sure
I
missed mentioning some things.
-Aude
-- Aude _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Aude wrote:
I have been in Egypt for over a month now, living in Cairo, as a student. Since arriving, I have traveled around the country, including Sinai, Alexandria, and will be in Luxor this weekend. With people arriving soon for Wikimania, I'd like to take the opportunity to share advice and experiences as a female.
This was interesting reading, and a great deal of the advice will be applicable to both male and female visitors.
Someone who has been in Egypt for only a month is more likely to be aware of situations that a long term resident would take for granted.
Thanks
Ec
Great tips. Thanks Aude, it's lucky for me to get your tips before the departure (tomorrow).
On Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 2:18 AM, Aude audevivere@gmail.com wrote:
I have been in Egypt for over a month now, living in Cairo, as a student. Since arriving, I have traveled around the country, including Sinai, Alexandria, and will be in Luxor this weekend. With people arriving soon for Wikimania, I'd like to take the opportunity to share advice and experiences as a female.
Language -
English is widely spoken in Egypt, and you will get by just fine if you don't know any words in Arabic. Though it's good to know a few basics in Arabic: "shukran" - thank you; "aywa" - yes; "la" - no; "la shukran" - no thanks; "kwayis" - okay, good; "low samaht" - please, excuse me; "asif" - sorry (said by a male)/"asifa" (said by female); "hina kwayis" - here is good (useful in a taxi for saying where to stop); "mish fahim" - I don't understand; "betikkallim ingleezee" - do you speak English?
Arriving-
I found it unusual when arriving in Cairo, when we had to walk down stairs (out of a jumbo-size Boeing 767) and onto the tarmac. We road a shuttle bus from there to the airport terminal. Go ahead and exchange some money in the airport - best to do before going through customs. Getting through customs and immigration was quick and easy for me, though I obtained my visa in advance.
Safety -
- I feel extremely safe here -- safer than I do back in the U.S. Crime is
not much of a problem at all. Also, there is a strong police presence everywhere. In Sinai and other places, there are checkpoints on the highways. Most of the time, our tour groups have been completely on our own, but we had police accompany us a few times.
- There is some harassment on the streets, but it's mainly words. Knowing a
few things in Arabic helps (e.g. "la shukran"). It helps to walk in groups, but I have walked around my neighborhood and other places on my own without problems.
- For the most part, Egyptians are very welcoming, especially with tourism
so important to the economy here. I even have some friends here who are Jewish, who are getting along fine here.
Getting around -
- The biggest difference between the U.S. and Egypt (and elsewhere in the
Middle East) is that traffic lights are pretty much lacking here. In a few spots, there are traffic lights and/or police controlling traffic. To cross the street, it's like playing the video game "Frogger", hurrying across the street when there is a small break in traffic. Also, when riding in a taxi, the taxi driver may go quite fast and it takes getting use to the manner that they drive.
What to wear -
- I brought lightweight long/half-sleeve blouses, pants (linen or other
lightweight material), and long skirts. At the last minute, I tossed a t-shirt in my luggage before I left the US. I'm so very glad that I brought a t-shirt, and really wish I brought more short sleeve tops. In the area of Cairo where I live (Zamalek), as well as around the university and many other areas, it is acceptable to wear short sleeves. Same goes for Alexandria (Bibliotheca and other areas), which is located along the waterfront.
- If you are going to see the pyramids in Giza or other such sites, anything
goes for clothing. It's not a problem to for women to wear a tank top/or t-shirt and shorts. Such attire was also absolute acceptable when I was in Sharm el-Sheikh (in Sinai) and in similar locations.
- For all places, sandals are completely acceptable for women. You will
even see women covered in hijabs who are wearing sandals.
Shopping -
- In Khan al-Khalili (Cairo) and other markets, the vendors are aggressive
in wanting you to come into their shop and buy. As well, the crowds at the markets can be overwhelming.
- Bargaining - The prices that vendors tell you are way overpriced and you
need to bargain. For example, they may want 50 LE (khamseen) for a scarf, but you can get it for 10 LE (ashrun) or not more than 20 LE (ashreen). To get out of bargaining and move along, you can say "hagee tania" which means "I'll come back another time". Pretty much all the vendors will know some English, but a little bit of Arabic can help.
- Khan al-Khalili is located in Islamic Cairo section of the city, which is
more conservative. It's good advice to dress more conservatively when going shopping. To visit Al-Azhar Mosque, women should also wear a scarf.
Despite having to put up with all this, it is definitely well worth it to visit Khan al-Khalili or other such places for shopping and souvenirs.
Taking a taxi -
- Prices - Taxi is a cheap and easy way to get around. It's one flat price,
no matter how many people are riding in the taxi. There are no meters. You set the price, and it should be fair for the driver. If you don't know what the fare should be for a particular destination, then you should ask someone (hotel concierge, staff at the dorms, at Bibliotheca, etc.) what's a reasonable price. 5 LE is a fair price for a ride from Bibliotheca to the downtown area in Alexandria, since it's not far. I don't remember for sure exactly how far the dorms are, but I think 5-6 LE is reasonable, since I don't think the dorms are far. I paid 10-12 LE to get from BA to the other end of the corniche in Alexandria.
- Getting a taxi - If you are going really far (e.g. downtown Cairo to the
Giza pyramids), then you should agree on a price before getting in a taxi. For most places (medium and shorter distances), do not discuss price before getting in. Just say your destination and the driver should agree to take you. A few times, before or once getting in, the driver has asked me about price. If that happens, you can say your price. If they don't agree, then find a different taxi. Really, price should not come up.
- Paying the driver - When you arrive, everyone MUST GET OUT before paying
the driver. Once everyone is out, then the person with the money should give the driver the money through the window. Then everyone needs to walk away. Most of the time, the driver doesn't argue with me/us, but sometimes they will make a fuss and demand more. The thing to do is keep walking away. You gave them a fair, reasonable amount. As a tourist, maybe you can give the taxi driver a tiny bit more to avoid an argument.
- You do not need to tip the driver. Just give them the fare.
Eating -
I think most meals are provided at Wikimania, but when you are on your own...
- Koshari (dish of macaroni, rice, lentils, and sauce) or tamiyya (falafel)
make a good cheap meal. A falafel sandwich can be had for 1-2 LE each, and koshari meal w/drink for 7-10 LE. Fast food places (e.g. McDonalds, Hardees, KFC, Pizza Hut) are available most everywhere, though these are not cheap meals by Egyptian standards. A meal at McDonalds will cost ~30 LE ($5-6 USD) or more. A meal at a good sit-down place (American style cafes, and other types of places) will cost a bit more, but I think the prices are comparable or slightly cheaper than in the US.
- I been fine eating the food here, though felt slightly ill after eating
salad in my university cafeteria. It might have been the tomatoes that were not great. I have avoided salad at other places, though did get salad at McDonalds which was fine. Some caution about eating raw fruits and vegetables is a good idea. Cheap tamiyya and koshari have all been fine.
- Alcohol is not difficult to find in Egypt. Stella and Sakara are brands
of beer that are available here. There are plenty of bars and clubs around, as well a hotel bar is a definite place to find alcohol.
- Restaurants will include a service charge directly on your bill, but you
should also leave a tip.
Bathrooms -
- Western-style toilets are available pretty much most places, though some
places (e.g. Islamic Cairo), you might find a squat-style toilet. When I arrived at the airport in Cairo, I had some difficulty figuring out how to flush the toilet. There is a knob on the toilet lid that you pull out and then push back in when finished with flushing. Some toilets just have a button to push.
- It's a good idea to carry some toilet paper or tissue with you. Toilet
paper is usually available most places I have been, but not always. In some places, there is a staff person manning the bathrooms, who will give you toilet paper for bashish (tip). In some places (e.g. rest houses/stops on the highway), you will need to pay 1 LE or another amount to use the bathroom facilities. In places like McDonalds and other restaurants, as well as hotels, and certainly places like Bibliotheca, you don't pay to use the bathroom and they have toilet paper.
Sightseeing -
I have been to the Pyramids in Giza, Sakkara, to Alexandria, to Sinai (St. Katherine's and Sharm el-Sheikh) and will be in Luxor this weekend. I don't have a lot of spare time to organize these better, but I have quite a few pictures now posted on Flickr of Alexandria and other places in Egypt: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmf164/ Let me know if you want sightseeing suggestions or advice.
Questions -
http://wikimania2008.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Aude - I have posted all this on my Wikimania user page. Please feel free to ask questions. I'm sure I missed mentioning some things.
-Aude
-- Aude _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Aude wrote:
I have been in Egypt for over a month now, living in Cairo, as a student. Since arriving, I have traveled around the country, including Sinai, Alexandria, and will be in Luxor this weekend. With people arriving soon for Wikimania, I'd like to take the opportunity to share advice and experiences as a female.
Language -
English is widely spoken in Egypt, and you will get by just fine if you don't know any words in Arabic. Though it's good to know a few basics in Arabic: "shukran" - thank you; "aywa" - yes; "la" - no; "la shukran"
- no thanks; "kwayis" - okay, good; "low samaht" - please, excuse me;
"asif" - sorry (said by a male)/"asifa" (said by female); "hina kwayis"
- here is good (useful in a taxi for saying where to stop); "mish fahim"
- I don't understand; "betikkallim ingleezee" - do you speak English?
Arriving-
I found it unusual when arriving in Cairo, when we had to walk down stairs (out of a jumbo-size Boeing 767) and onto the tarmac. We road a shuttle bus from there to the airport terminal. Go ahead and exchange some money in the airport - best to do before going through customs. Getting through customs and immigration was quick and easy for me, though I obtained my visa in advance.
Safety -
- I feel extremely safe here -- safer than I do back in the U.S. Crime
is not much of a problem at all. Also, there is a strong police presence everywhere. In Sinai and other places, there are checkpoints on the highways. Most of the time, our tour groups have been completely on our own, but we had police accompany us a few times.
- There is some harassment on the streets, but it's mainly words.
Knowing a few things in Arabic helps (e.g. "la shukran"). It helps to walk in groups, but I have walked around my neighborhood and other places on my own without problems.
- For the most part, Egyptians are very welcoming, especially with
tourism so important to the economy here. I even have some friends here who are Jewish, who are getting along fine here.
Getting around -
- The biggest difference between the U.S. and Egypt (and elsewhere in
the Middle East) is that traffic lights are pretty much lacking here. In a few spots, there are traffic lights and/or police controlling traffic. To cross the street, it's like playing the video game "Frogger", hurrying across the street when there is a small break in traffic. Also, when riding in a taxi, the taxi driver may go quite fast and it takes getting use to the manner that they drive.
What to wear -
- I brought lightweight long/half-sleeve blouses, pants (linen or other
lightweight material), and long skirts. At the last minute, I tossed a t-shirt in my luggage before I left the US. I'm so very glad that I brought a t-shirt, and really wish I brought more short sleeve tops. In the area of Cairo where I live (Zamalek), as well as around the university and many other areas, it is acceptable to wear short sleeves. Same goes for Alexandria (Bibliotheca and other areas), which is located along the waterfront.
- If you are going to see the pyramids in Giza or other such sites,
anything goes for clothing. It's not a problem to for women to wear a tank top/or t-shirt and shorts. Such attire was also absolute acceptable when I was in Sharm el-Sheikh (in Sinai) and in similar locations.
- For all places, sandals are completely acceptable for women. You will
even see women covered in hijabs who are wearing sandals.
Shopping -
- In Khan al-Khalili (Cairo) and other markets, the vendors are
aggressive in wanting you to come into their shop and buy. As well, the crowds at the markets can be overwhelming.
- Bargaining - The prices that vendors tell you are way overpriced and
you need to bargain. For example, they may want 50 LE (khamseen) for a scarf, but you can get it for 10 LE (ashrun) or not more than 20 LE (ashreen). To get out of bargaining and move along, you can say "hagee tania" which means "I'll come back another time". Pretty much all the vendors will know some English, but a little bit of Arabic can help.
- Khan al-Khalili is located in Islamic Cairo section of the city, which
is more conservative. It's good advice to dress more conservatively when going shopping. To visit Al-Azhar Mosque, women should also wear a scarf.
Despite having to put up with all this, it is definitely well worth it to visit Khan al-Khalili or other such places for shopping and souvenirs.
Taking a taxi -
- Prices - Taxi is a cheap and easy way to get around. It's one flat
price, no matter how many people are riding in the taxi. There are no meters. You set the price, and it should be fair for the driver. If you don't know what the fare should be for a particular destination, then you should ask someone (hotel concierge, staff at the dorms, at Bibliotheca, etc.) what's a reasonable price. 5 LE is a fair price for a ride from Bibliotheca to the downtown area in Alexandria, since it's not far. I don't remember for sure exactly how far the dorms are, but I think 5-6 LE is reasonable, since I don't think the dorms are far. I paid 10-12 LE to get from BA to the other end of the corniche in Alexandria.
- Getting a taxi - If you are going really far (e.g. downtown Cairo to
the Giza pyramids), then you should agree on a price before getting in a taxi. For most places (medium and shorter distances), do not discuss price before getting in. Just say your destination and the driver should agree to take you. A few times, before or once getting in, the driver has asked me about price. If that happens, you can say your price. If they don't agree, then find a different taxi. Really, price should not come up.
- Paying the driver - When you arrive, everyone MUST GET OUT before
paying the driver. Once everyone is out, then the person with the money should give the driver the money through the window. Then everyone needs to walk away. Most of the time, the driver doesn't argue with me/us, but sometimes they will make a fuss and demand more. The thing to do is keep walking away. You gave them a fair, reasonable amount. As a tourist, maybe you can give the taxi driver a tiny bit more to avoid an argument.
- You do not need to tip the driver. Just give them the fare.
Eating -
I think most meals are provided at Wikimania, but when you are on your own...
- Koshari (dish of macaroni, rice, lentils, and sauce) or tamiyya
(falafel) make a good cheap meal. A falafel sandwich can be had for 1-2 LE each, and koshari meal w/drink for 7-10 LE. Fast food places (e.g. McDonalds, Hardees, KFC, Pizza Hut) are available most everywhere, though these are not cheap meals by Egyptian standards. A meal at McDonalds will cost ~30 LE ($5-6 USD) or more. A meal at a good sit-down place (American style cafes, and other types of places) will cost a bit more, but I think the prices are comparable or slightly cheaper than in the US.
- I been fine eating the food here, though felt slightly ill after
eating salad in my university cafeteria. It might have been the tomatoes that were not great. I have avoided salad at other places, though did get salad at McDonalds which was fine. Some caution about eating raw fruits and vegetables is a good idea. Cheap tamiyya and koshari have all been fine.
- Alcohol is not difficult to find in Egypt. Stella and Sakara are
brands of beer that are available here. There are plenty of bars and clubs around, as well a hotel bar is a definite place to find alcohol.
- Restaurants will include a service charge directly on your bill, but
you should also leave a tip.
Bathrooms -
- Western-style toilets are available pretty much most places, though
some places (e.g. Islamic Cairo), you might find a squat-style toilet. When I arrived at the airport in Cairo, I had some difficulty figuring out how to flush the toilet. There is a knob on the toilet lid that you pull out and then push back in when finished with flushing. Some toilets just have a button to push.
- It's a good idea to carry some toilet paper or tissue with you.
Toilet paper is usually available most places I have been, but not always. In some places, there is a staff person manning the bathrooms, who will give you toilet paper for bashish (tip). In some places (e.g. rest houses/stops on the highway), you will need to pay 1 LE or another amount to use the bathroom facilities. In places like McDonalds and other restaurants, as well as hotels, and certainly places like Bibliotheca, you don't pay to use the bathroom and they have toilet paper.
Sightseeing -
I have been to the Pyramids in Giza, Sakkara, to Alexandria, to Sinai (St. Katherine's and Sharm el-Sheikh) and will be in Luxor this weekend. I don't have a lot of spare time to organize these better, but I have quite a few pictures now posted on Flickr of Alexandria and other places in Egypt: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmf164/ Let me know if you want sightseeing suggestions or advice.
Questions -
http://wikimania2008.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Aude - I have posted all this on my Wikimania user page. Please feel free to ask questions. I'm sure I missed mentioning some things.
-Aude
-- Aude
Aude,
That SUPER useful. And already printed... I was trying to gather clothes today and wondering between short and long sleeves... and looking at my sandals with perplexity. Taxi rates are a top idea as well.
Thanks a lot
Ant
Would those wikimaniacs who are going to Cairo after the meeting like to go to Giza and the pyramids as a group? Here's a link on the wikimania wiki if you want to put your name on this list. Obviously, we'd have to find a way to connect there in person, but this is a start.
http://wikimania2008.wikimedia.org/wiki/Travel_coordination#Group_Activities...
Mary Murrell wrote:
Would those wikimaniacs who are going to Cairo after the meeting like to go to Giza and the pyramids as a group? Here's a link on the wikimania wiki if you want to put your name on this list. Obviously, we'd have to find a way to connect there in person, but this is a start.
http://wikimania2008.wikimedia.org/wiki/Travel_coordination#Group_Activities...
I would suggest that those wanting to visit places after Wikimania get together informally at a convenient time during the conference to co-ordinate plans. Perhaps some notice could be placed near the registration desk.
Giza is a part of the Cairo area, and can be handled in a day-trip. Other understandings need to be developed for going a little further to places like Luxor.
During our time in Cairo we also would probably also want to find a best deal for hotel accomodations.
Ec
wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org