Cairo is for the Tough and Adventurous!
Written: Aug 20 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: fascinating, friendly people, economical
Cons: crowded, noisy, dirty
The Bottom Line: For those strong enough to withstand the massive crowds, noise, and climate - you will be treated to fascination.
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| bud41's Full Review: Cairo |
Take a hot, dry, dusty climate and add millions of people and cars, along with much sought-after tourist destinations and what do you have? Cairo!
If you hate noise, stay away from Cairo! If you hate people, stay away, if you hate traffic and car horns- stay away! If you love adventure - go to Cairo. If you love middle eastern culture, go to Cairo! If you love history, go to Cairo!
When you first arrive at Cairo Airport, you will not be impressed. It's a little worn, hot, crowded, and bustling. Customs is usually uneventful but sometimes slow. After that line you must go to the money line to change a minimum amount of your currency into Egyptian Pounds (when I was there the minimum was $150.00 US).
With the obligatory money in hand, you can then meet your party or hail a cab. Get ready! Traffic in Cairo is absolutely wild! There is nothing like it on earth. The traffic flow may be a dozen cars wide with seemingly no traffic laws. You will more than likely see several accidents and/or people hit by cars. If they did not put the iron barricades up along the side of the streets, people would drive on the sidewalks! Oh, there is public transportation, but you probably won't be able to get on it. Buses are full, and cable cars often have people hanging out the side doors or riding on the sideboards. Your trip across town can take you several minutes or several hours!
There is no shortage of good hotels in Cairo. Most of the best are not far from the airport in the Heliopolis area. There is a particularly good Hyatt there (Hyatt El Salaam). It has a sparkling pool, comfortable rooms, and lovely decor (it's in a former palace). The food is great, too!
Other tourist hotels will be found on the Nile bank and in Giza near the pyramids. There's one long stretch on the Giza Rd. that looks like "hotel row". They are mostly moderate priced properties and have good service and accomodations. There is a Holiday Inn near the pyramids but it is lack-luster and maybe not a good place since it is high-profile and obviously "American" - get my drift?
Is Cairo safe? Sure- as safe as any large city in the world. Maybe more so than some place like New York. Terrorism is , unfortunately, a possibility in much of the world. I think it would be unwise to call undue attention to your nationality if you are American, but 99% of all Egyptians like Americans and much of the economy depends on tourist dollars. The unsafe areas in Egypt are mainly in Upper Egypt - not Cairo. As far as street crime, it is relatively lower than most major metropolitan areas.
What should I do and see in Cairo? How about these suggestions:
1. The Cairo Museum - this victorian era structure houses many fabulous antiquities and archaeological finds. King Tut's treasures are there, as well as Rameses II. It is a meandering structure for which you will need several hours. There is a mummy room but it is usually closed to the public.
2. The Pyramids and Sphinx- there are MANY pyramids in Egypt (about 92) but these three are the most famous. Go take the obligatory tour and ride a camel here so you can say you did it. You'll be shocked that the pyramids sit right on the edge of town- NOT out in the desert.
3. Sakhara - just a short drive from Cairo - more tombs to explore, the Step Pyramids, and the tombs of the Serapis Bulls. A neat place.
4. Markets - there is a plethora of shopping- both "touristy" and otherwise. Some good buys are to be found.
5. Mosques - Cairo is a religious center of training for the Islamic religion. There are many beautiful architectural sites to explore.
6. Coptic churches- The Coptic Christians of Egypt are the descendants of the ancient Egyptians. Christians have been there since St. Mark. Visit their ancient churches and see some of the old Coptic artifacts.
7. Cairo Tower - ride up for a panorama of the city.
8. Restaurants - visit one of the thousands on the street for some good Arabic food or a glass of shai (tea).
9. People watch - with 18 million of them, you will see some sights!
10. The Nile - rent a small boat with a driver and cruise up the Nile for a few hours. It's relaxing and you'll see a lot!
If you are planning to stay with locals, you will probably be staying in a high-rise apartment (a flat). Be prepared to walk up steps - don't expect an elevator. There probably won't be air conditioning, but there's usually a breeze off the desert at night. People generally stay up late in Cairo and TVs are on almost all night- at full volume! Car horns honk and people are quite loud. If you need to sleep, bring ear plugs and/or Sominex! Running a fan helps, too. Hotels are usually more quiet and air conditioned.
Egyptians eat their main meal between 10:00 pm and midnight. They eat a nice breakfast, and a light lunch. Meal times are social times and they are hearty. There are lots of fresh veggies and fruits, but know what you are eating - make sure it has been washed well, or you will get "Tut's Revenge". If you do contract it, hot tea and rest is in order. There are pharmacies all over Cairo and well- trained doctors if you need them.
Unusual trip- If you get a chance to go to Garbage City, visit. This is the dump outside Cairo where thousands of Cairo's poor people live. There are massive caves in this hilly area and it is really a city in itself. It will touch your heart to see it, but it is worth the trip out there.
Want to get out of town? Buses run to Port Said and Alexandria frequently. For shopping I recommend Port Said, for the beach-Alexandria. Trains can be caught for Upper Egypt, but know how the political situation is before striking out there. Lots of fanatics are in Upper Egypt and they cause trouble. The trains are inexpensive, comfortable and first class includes a delicious meal ( I had steak last time).
Cairo is not an easy city to visit. The crowds, the dry heat (which turns your hair into straw!), the traffic and noise might play on your nerves. However, I still enjoy it and some of the best friends I've ever made live there. Remember - you need to be tough and adventurous, but the warmth and wit of the people will make the trip worthwhile!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Friends
Best Time to Travel Here: Mar - May
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Epinions.com ID:
bud41
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Location: Between the Waxhaws and Oklawaha
Reviews written: 198
Trusted by: 39 members
About Me:
Just me - a middle-aged teacher who works to travel.
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