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If someone could tell me about the prices of souvenirs, food in restaurants
and similar. I already have accomodation! So it's just the other expenses
that interest me!
Thx.

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don't know where exactly u r going in egypt-it's a big country--but
prices tend to be pretty much the same. if u avoid hotels and associated
malls then prices are really good for food. if you avoid the part of the
bazaar/market that all of the other tourists are at then those prices
should be modest as well. i would need to know more specifics in terms
of area and type of souveneirs. if you like egyptian food it can be
really economical and it is delicious.

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don't know where exactly u r going in egypt-it's a big country--but
prices tend to be pretty much the same. if u avoid hotels and associated
malls then prices are really good for food. if you avoid the part of the
bazaar/market that all of the other tourists are at then those prices
should be modest as well. i would need to know more specifics in terms
of area and type of souveneirs. if you like egyptian food it can be
really economical and it is delicious.

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"peaceofmind" <WSellars@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:3248-423DC275-56@storefull-3214.bay.webtv.net...
> don't know where exactly u r going in egypt-it's a big country--but
> prices tend to be pretty much the same. if u avoid hotels and associated
> malls then prices are really good for food. if you avoid the part of the
> bazaar/market that all of the other tourists are at then those prices
> should be modest as well. i would need to know more specifics in terms
> of area and type of souveneirs. if you like egyptian food it can be
> really economical and it is delicious.

Oh, thank god. Someone with information.... )
Here's the rout....
I'm going to Cairo for a couple od days. Then to Luxor. Then a few days on
the Nile. After that to Asuan, Hurgada....
I'm wondering about the prices of souveniers, tickets (to museums,
pyramids....). Also, since I have only breakfast at the hotel, I wonder
about opportunities to have lunch somewhere, the prices of it and so...
Also, I heard that when you buy something you need to bargain.....Doesit
count only for the bazaar or everything?
Thx.

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"peaceofmind" <WSellars@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:3248-423DC275-56@storefull-3214.bay.webtv.net...
> don't know where exactly u r going in egypt-it's a big country--but
> prices tend to be pretty much the same. if u avoid hotels and associated
> malls then prices are really good for food. if you avoid the part of the
> bazaar/market that all of the other tourists are at then those prices
> should be modest as well. i would need to know more specifics in terms
> of area and type of souveneirs. if you like egyptian food it can be
> really economical and it is delicious.

Oh, thank god. Someone with information.... )
Here's the rout....
I'm going to Cairo for a couple od days. Then to Luxor. Then a few days on
the Nile. After that to Asuan, Hurgada....
I'm wondering about the prices of souveniers, tickets (to museums,
pyramids....). Also, since I have only breakfast at the hotel, I wonder
about opportunities to have lunch somewhere, the prices of it and so...
Also, I heard that when you buy something you need to bargain.....Doesit
count only for the bazaar or everything?
Thx.

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"Tashi" <tashi@nospamshaw.ca> wrote in message
news:h5D%d.749962$6l.430669@pd7tw2no...
>
> Been there done that.. Questions for you.. when r u going? where r u from?

I'm going in three to four week. In mid April.
I'm from Europe.

> what is your experience travelling (backpacker or luxury)

Does luxury count when you travel on organised tours?
This is an organised tour.

> How long are you going?

12 days.

>Where are you staying in each of the places and finally

Hotels in Hurgada, Cairo and Asuan, ship while on the Nile.


>How r u moving around Egypt (alone or with a grp/car/train/plane)

Moving around Egypt with train and ship.

This is the route: Cairo>train>Luxor>ship>Asuan>ship>Hurgada

So any help on anything would be appriciated!
Prices, food, tips, what to buy for gifts.....anything....

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"Tashi" <tashi@nospamshaw.ca> wrote in message
news:h5D%d.749962$6l.430669@pd7tw2no...
>
> Been there done that.. Questions for you.. when r u going? where r u from?

I'm going in three to four week. In mid April.
I'm from Europe.

> what is your experience travelling (backpacker or luxury)

Does luxury count when you travel on organised tours?
This is an organised tour.

> How long are you going?

12 days.

>Where are you staying in each of the places and finally

Hotels in Hurgada, Cairo and Asuan, ship while on the Nile.


>How r u moving around Egypt (alone or with a grp/car/train/plane)

Moving around Egypt with train and ship.

This is the route: Cairo>train>Luxor>ship>Asuan>ship>Hurgada

So any help on anything would be appriciated!
Prices, food, tips, what to buy for gifts.....anything....

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everywhere you are going is divided into the "tourist" side and the
"not-so-touristy" side of egypt(my analysis). in my opinion luxor and
aswan could be a little more difficult than the other areas as the
"sites" tend to be more focal and sometimes even isolated. you should
always be able to bargain anywhere ;including in your own hotel. there
is no reason to shop where the tourists are all shopping or worse, where
a guide sends you, as souvenirs are varied and generally fairly cheap.
food is very economical and quite good. look for places that are packed
w/ locals and that have a menu of some sort that you can make out. there
is no barter in restaurants. i don't know how you are travelling between
these areas as i drove so that might be limited by your means. you can
get an economical lunch on a 8 hr. bus trip though and food is served on
first class train rides so that may help you some(also quite economical)
make sure and fin a decent market near you and stock up on goodies-fruit
and cheese are my personal favs. i hope that this helps you a bit more.

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the price of an excellent meal in a touristy rest. in 3-04 cost @ 50
lbs.= $9 US. that was a rare treat for me as i preferred mingling more
locally where the avg. price of a meal was 15lbs.=@$3

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oops! shoulda read this first b4 posting. well my advice is the same but
you will be much more constrained than i ever was so you have to guage
it from there.
ps, sorry for all of the posts!

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"dare 2nvme" <dare2nvme@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:13360-4240C2C3-661@storefull-3212.bay.webtv.net...
> the price of an excellent meal in a touristy rest. in 3-04 cost @ 50
> lbs.= $9 US. that was a rare treat for me as i preferred mingling more
> locally where the avg. price of a meal was 15lbs.=@$3

Oh, I definitely go for this second option! I though it would be more
expensive!
What about food on the market place/bazaar? Is it clean? I mean, can it be
trusted?

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"dare 2nvme" <dare2nvme@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:13360-4240C2C3-661@storefull-3212.bay.webtv.net...
> the price of an excellent meal in a touristy rest. in 3-04 cost @ 50
> lbs.= $9 US. that was a rare treat for me as i preferred mingling more
> locally where the avg. price of a meal was 15lbs.=@$3

Oh, I definitely go for this second option! I though it would be more
expensive!
What about food on the market place/bazaar? Is it clean? I mean, can it be
trusted?

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"dare 2nvme" <dare2nvme@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:13363-4240C1F2-9@storefull-3212.bay.webtv.net...
>
> in my opinion luxor and aswan could be a little more difficult than the
> other areas as the
> "sites" tend to be more focal and sometimes even isolated.

What do you mean by isolated?


> always be able to bargain anywhere ;including in your own hotel. there
> is no reason to shop where the tourists are all shopping or worse, where
> a guide sends you, as souvenirs are varied and generally fairly cheap.

So where do you sugest I go shopping? In places not overcrowded by tourists,
right?


> food is very economical and quite good. look for places that are packed
> w/ locals and that have a menu of some sort that you can make out.

Menus can be found in english? Because, I can't read Arab. (


> is no barter in restaurants. i don't know how you are travelling between
> these areas as i drove so that might be limited by your means. you can

By train and by ship. I have meals organised, but when staying in hotels I
only have breakfast, so....


> make sure and fin a decent market near you and stock up on goodies-fruit
> and cheese are my personal favs. i hope that this helps you a bit more.

Cheese? Their local (Egyptian) cheese? Imported?


You wouldn't happen to know if I can take into the country (through airport
customs) some food? I'm talking about snacks, not real food like
sandwiches......

Thx. You are very helpfull.

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"dare 2nvme" <dare2nvme@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:13363-4240C1F2-9@storefull-3212.bay.webtv.net...
>
> in my opinion luxor and aswan could be a little more difficult than the
> other areas as the
> "sites" tend to be more focal and sometimes even isolated.

What do you mean by isolated?


> always be able to bargain anywhere ;including in your own hotel. there
> is no reason to shop where the tourists are all shopping or worse, where
> a guide sends you, as souvenirs are varied and generally fairly cheap.

So where do you sugest I go shopping? In places not overcrowded by tourists,
right?


> food is very economical and quite good. look for places that are packed
> w/ locals and that have a menu of some sort that you can make out.

Menus can be found in english? Because, I can't read Arab. (


> is no barter in restaurants. i don't know how you are travelling between
> these areas as i drove so that might be limited by your means. you can

By train and by ship. I have meals organised, but when staying in hotels I
only have breakfast, so....


> make sure and fin a decent market near you and stock up on goodies-fruit
> and cheese are my personal favs. i hope that this helps you a bit more.

Cheese? Their local (Egyptian) cheese? Imported?


You wouldn't happen to know if I can take into the country (through airport
customs) some food? I'm talking about snacks, not real food like
sandwiches......

Thx. You are very helpfull.

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out of curiosity what tour group are you going with?
when you say "ship" do you mean house boat or Faluca(a sail boat of sorts)
where in Europe are you from?
and what is your age group?
(I ask this because different age grps like different things) I went with a
tour also --Geckos--I didn't really like them but I used them for my
accomadations and transportation. They told me the tour would be made up of
people from all over the world.. they turned out to all be from
Australia/NZ.. and they were all 10yrs or so ynger than me, therefore, their
time was spent partying and smoking up while I just went on my own.

also, what is incld. in your tour? food? etc..

I can give you more answers soon... have to look up all my stuff.


--
"When one realizes that life is worthless
he either commits suicide or travels. ~ Edward Dahlberg
LIFE IS AN ATTITUDE!
http://www.globosapiens.net/ta-shy
"Big_B" <theloosersclubREMOVETHIS@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:d1rcrk$efu$1@ls219.htnet.hr...
>
> "dare 2nvme" <dare2nvme@webtv.net> wrote in message
> news:13360-4240C2C3-661@storefull-3212.bay.webtv.net...
>> the price of an excellent meal in a touristy rest. in 3-04 cost @ 50
>> lbs.= $9 US. that was a rare treat for me as i preferred mingling more
>> locally where the avg. price of a meal was 15lbs.=@$3
>
> Oh, I definitely go for this second option! I though it would be more
> expensive!
> What about food on the market place/bazaar? Is it clean? I mean, can it be
> trusted?
>

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"Tashi" <tashi@nospamshaw.ca> wrote in message
news:h_g0e.761706$Xk.327344@pd7tw3no...
> out of curiosity what tour group are you going with?

Oh, it's our local tour group. Nothing you have ever heard for.


> when you say "ship" do you mean house boat or Faluca(a sail boat of sorts)

No. A ship. The big ones that sail on the Nile. They look just like the ones
that travel on the sea (cruses), only a bit smaller.....


> where in Europe are you from?

Central Europe.


> and what is your age group?

How many age groups are there? )
I'm 25.


> also, what is incld. in your tour? food? etc..

I have breakfast and dinner (I think I have dinner, not sure) in hotels, and
all three meals abord the ship.

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Hey Big B..
Been there done that.. Questions for you.. when r u going? where r u from?
what is your experience travelling (backpacker or luxury)
How long are you going? Where are you staying in each of the places and
finally How r u moving around Egypt (alone or with a grp/car/train/plane)
I did the exact route you are
Cairo>train>Aswan>plane>abu Simble>felucca>Luxor>truck convoy>Hurghada>bus
convoy>Cairo approx 2 weeks.
I can give you more info if I know the answers to these questions.
Tashi
--
"When one realizes that life is worthless
he either commits suicide or travels. ~ Edward Dahlberg
LIFE IS AN ATTITUDE!
http://www.globosapiens.net/ta-shy
"Big_B" <theloosersclubREMOVETHIS@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:d1m2bl$5td$1@ls219.htnet.hr...
>
> "peaceofmind" <WSellars@webtv.net> wrote in message
> news:3248-423DC275-56@storefull-3214.bay.webtv.net...
>> don't know where exactly u r going in egypt-it's a big country--but
>> prices tend to be pretty much the same. if u avoid hotels and associated
>> malls then prices are really good for food. if you avoid the part of the
>> bazaar/market that all of the other tourists are at then those prices
>> should be modest as well. i would need to know more specifics in terms
>> of area and type of souveneirs. if you like egyptian food it can be
>> really economical and it is delicious.
>
> Oh, thank god. Someone with information.... )
> Here's the rout....
> I'm going to Cairo for a couple od days. Then to Luxor. Then a few days on
> the Nile. After that to Asuan, Hurgada....
> I'm wondering about the prices of souveniers, tickets (to museums,
> pyramids....). Also, since I have only breakfast at the hotel, I wonder
> about opportunities to have lunch somewhere, the prices of it and so...
> Also, I heard that when you buy something you need to bargain.....Doesit
> count only for the bazaar or everything?
> Thx.
>
>

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Hey Big B..
Been there done that.. Questions for you.. when r u going? where r u from?
what is your experience travelling (backpacker or luxury)
How long are you going? Where are you staying in each of the places and
finally How r u moving around Egypt (alone or with a grp/car/train/plane)
I did the exact route you are
Cairo>train>Aswan>plane>abu Simble>felucca>Luxor>truck convoy>Hurghada>bus
convoy>Cairo approx 2 weeks.
I can give you more info if I know the answers to these questions.
Tashi
--
"When one realizes that life is worthless
he either commits suicide or travels. ~ Edward Dahlberg
LIFE IS AN ATTITUDE!
http://www.globosapiens.net/ta-shy
"Big_B" <theloosersclubREMOVETHIS@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:d1m2bl$5td$1@ls219.htnet.hr...
>
> "peaceofmind" <WSellars@webtv.net> wrote in message
> news:3248-423DC275-56@storefull-3214.bay.webtv.net...
>> don't know where exactly u r going in egypt-it's a big country--but
>> prices tend to be pretty much the same. if u avoid hotels and associated
>> malls then prices are really good for food. if you avoid the part of the
>> bazaar/market that all of the other tourists are at then those prices
>> should be modest as well. i would need to know more specifics in terms
>> of area and type of souveneirs. if you like egyptian food it can be
>> really economical and it is delicious.
>
> Oh, thank god. Someone with information.... )
> Here's the rout....
> I'm going to Cairo for a couple od days. Then to Luxor. Then a few days on
> the Nile. After that to Asuan, Hurgada....
> I'm wondering about the prices of souveniers, tickets (to museums,
> pyramids....). Also, since I have only breakfast at the hotel, I wonder
> about opportunities to have lunch somewhere, the prices of it and so...
> Also, I heard that when you buy something you need to bargain.....Doesit
> count only for the bazaar or everything?
> Thx.
>
>

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Good health and high spirits!
some info for you.

$1.00 US = approx 5.8 Egp
Everything in Egypt is cheap comparitively.. you can buy cheap souvieners or
expensive ones the trick is to Bargain....and bargain well. Don't haggle
over a dollar though, keep in mind these people make hardly a thing.
general rule.. if they say for example: $300 for something it is usually
good to start the price at like $75 or so.. usually 1/3-1/4 of what they are
asking. Somethings are set in price usually at grocery stores or pharmacies
etc.
You may find more interesting souveniers if you shop where the locals shop.

Breakfast is usually provided by the tour, giving you lunch free and perhaps
your dinner.. or they go as a group to eat.
(keep in mind, the mashed beans they serve for lunch, dinner *foul madas* is
usually a breakfast dish for Egyptians).
--many shop keepers will order tea for you and talk for awhile before you
strike up a bargain.

LEARN THESE WORDS: LA=NO SHUKRAN=THANK YOU
NEVER SHAKE OR EAT OUT OF A COMMON BOWL WITH YOUR LEFT HAND.

These were some of the prices when I was there. However you should look to
see if these attractions are covered in your tour. Usually they are.
I stayed at the Pharaohs Hotel
CAIRO
Citadel Of Salah Al-Din--20LE
The Egyptian Museum--20LE
The Royal Mummies Hall--40LE
The Cairo Tower--30LE
Scarabee Papyrus (where they sell Papyrus paper) Can be pricey..
I bought around 5 pcs at a price of 138 LE (these prices are set)
The Third Pyramid, Giza--10LE
Giza Pyramids--20LE

ASWAN
Train to Aswan from Cairo. 14HRS 69LE. checked out the market, the dam and
just hung out for a couple of days exploring. ASWAN sells the cheapest
Sheesha's.

TAKE THE TIME AND THE $ TO FLY TO ABU SIMBLE.. WORTH IT. At that time it
was I think about $100 to fly there.
200 PT. for local fees
400 PT for Guide fees at Abu Simble temple
30LE Abu Simbel Two Temples

Took a felucca to LUXOR
visit a Nubian Family for dinner

Stopped at
Kom Ombo Temple 10LE
Philae temple 20LE
Edfu Temple 20LE

Stayed at the WINDSOR HOTEL in Luxor. Eat at local places, try the
pigeon--usually in a cage as soon as you enter the restaurant.

Karnak Temple 20LE

(Many *touts will be around to show you things.. if you follow one do pay
them a dollar or something.. that is usually how they make their $) They are
not out to rob you.

To go to Hurghada you have to go by Convo... No ship route cause it's
through the desert.
Hurghada is a huge tourist area so expect to pay more, there are many clubs
and restaurants etc.. take the time to go on a side trip into the eastern
desert.
while there find a unique store called the MEYA MEYA. It is the only place
I found that sells nice unique souviners that are not the typical tourist
trash souvieners. The owner of the store is called Sam very nice guy..

Don't be fooled by people who *lead you to someones store, sometimes the
store can be good.. these people get commisions to get people to the
store... can be an interesting experience.

In restaurants/souks... Make sure that YOU break the seal on the water
bottle... refuse it if it is already opened.. they like to refill the bottle
with local water in some places.

When ordering food you can look at what someone else is eating and say "I
want that"..
Get on the web and look up Egyptian menu.. lots of food info. will give you
the jist of what they eat. there are many souks to shop at for munchies
while touring around..

http://touregypt.net/recipes/

Do try foods at markets and bazaars.. just use your common sense, if the guy
who is handling your food is picking his nose or has very bad hygiene skip
it.. make sure though that ALL food is throughly cooked, boiled. Don't eat
anything that you can't peel yourself cause it was probably washed in local
water. Oranges, bananas, mangos good choices.. nuts, cheese, figs etc. also
good.

most of all relax and have fun, explore and don't take things too
seriously... realize that these people are all trying to make a living, not
to rip you off.. well not always!! Tourism is the leading job for most and
some people are degraded to handing out toilet paper to tourists as a job!!

If you want superior service in hotels.. tip your cleaning person
generously.. I gave her $10 for 3days and I got my clothes washed, dryed
ironed, chocolates, flowers, fancy towels all made up in the shapes of
animals and shells. Also,, tip the Person you want to tip IN PERSON Don't
give the $ to the manager or someone... the person who you want to get the $
won't get it usually.

if you have anymore questions..
give me a shout back.
Tashi

--
"When one realizes that life is worthless
he either commits suicide or travels. ~ Edward Dahlberg
LIFE IS AN ATTITUDE!
http://www.globosapiens.net/ta-shy
"Big_B" <theloosersclubREMOVETHIS@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:d1tqgs$foj$1@ss405.t-com.hr...
>
> "Tashi" <tashi@nospamshaw.ca> wrote in message
> news:h_g0e.761706$Xk.327344@pd7tw3no...
>> out of curiosity what tour group are you going with?
>
> Oh, it's our local tour group. Nothing you have ever heard for.
>
>
>> when you say "ship" do you mean house boat or Faluca(a sail boat of
>> sorts)
>
> No. A ship. The big ones that sail on the Nile. They look just like the
> ones that travel on the sea (cruses), only a bit smaller.....
>
>
>> where in Europe are you from?
>
> Central Europe.
>
>
>> and what is your age group?
>
> How many age groups are there? )
> I'm 25.
>
>
>> also, what is incld. in your tour? food? etc..
>
> I have breakfast and dinner (I think I have dinner, not sure) in hotels,
> and all three meals abord the ship.
>
>
>

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On Tue, 29 Mar 2005 16:45:07 GMT, "Tashi" <tashi@nospamshaw.ca> wrote:

|Good health and high spirits!
|some info for you.

Thanks for that. Could be very useful.

I will be in Cairo for only three nights, probably May 2006. Not on a
tour. Extension of time may be possible, but not likely.

Any suggestions for a three-night, incl two days, stay would be
appreciated. I know it's too short, but I wish to at least see the
Pyramids and the Museum, plus whatever else of Ancient Egypt I can in
that short time.


Cheers, Alan, Australia

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"Tashi" <tashi@nospamshaw.ca> wrote in message
news:nCf2e.842003$6l.78146@pd7tw2no...
> Good health and high spirits!
> some info for you.
>
> $1.00 US = approx 5.8 Egp
> Everything in Egypt is cheap comparitively.. you can buy cheap souvieners
> or expensive ones the trick is to Bargain....and bargain well. Don't
> haggle over a dollar though, keep in mind these people make hardly a
> thing. general rule.. if they say for example: $300 for something it is
> usually good to start the price at like $75 or so.. usually 1/3-1/4 of
> what they are asking.

Wow?! 1/4 od a price! Good. This I will remember.


> (keep in mind, the mashed beans they serve for lunch, dinner *foul madas*
> is usually a breakfast dish for Egyptians).

Oh....
I think I'll pass on beans for breakfast.


> --many shop keepers will order tea for you and talk for awhile before you
> strike up a bargain.

They will do this no matter what am I buying!? I mean, they won't order tea
if I'm buying souvenirs worth just 10 dollars?


> LEARN THESE WORDS: LA=NO SHUKRAN=THANK YOU

Wait... Do I pronounce this LA infront of No Shukran or it's just No
Shukran?


> NEVER SHAKE OR EAT OUT OF A COMMON BOWL WITH YOUR LEFT HAND.

O.k. Just what is a common bowl? Plate?! Dish?....
This about shaking hamds with your left hand is inpolite everywhere in the
world. This I know.


> These were some of the prices when I was there. However you should look
> to see if these attractions are covered in your tour. Usually they are.

Yeah. I have very similar attractions list on my tour.

> I stayed at the Pharaohs Hotel
> CAIRO
> Citadel Of Salah Al-Din--20LE
> The Egyptian Museum--20LE
> The Royal Mummies Hall--40LE
> The Cairo Tower--30LE
> Scarabee Papyrus (where they sell Papyrus paper) Can be pricey..
> I bought around 5 pcs at a price of 138 LE (these prices are set)
> The Third Pyramid, Giza--10LE
> Giza Pyramids--20LE

Well, thease prices seem reasonable.


> ASWAN
> Train to Aswan from Cairo. 14HRS 69LE. checked out the market, the dam and
> just hung out for a couple of days exploring. ASWAN sells the cheapest
> Sheesha's.

14 hours!? Than God for sleeping carts. )
What is Sheesha?


> TAKE THE TIME AND THE $ TO FLY TO ABU SIMBLE.. WORTH IT. At that time it
> was I think about $100 to fly there.
> 200 PT. for local fees
> 400 PT for Guide fees at Abu Simble temple
> 30LE Abu Simbel Two Temples

What is PT, ant what is LE?
I thought LE was Egyptian pound, but now....


> Stayed at the WINDSOR HOTEL in Luxor. Eat at local places, try the
> pigeon--usually in a cage as soon as you enter the restaurant.

So it's fresh, then? )


> (Many *touts will be around to show you things.. if you follow one do pay
> them a dollar or something.. that is usually how they make their $) They
> are not out to rob you.

O.k. Good to know this. I usually tend not to trust people who try to "drag"
you off the main street....


> To go to Hurghada you have to go by Convo... No ship route cause it's
> through the desert.
> Hurghada is a huge tourist area so expect to pay more, there are many
> clubs and restaurants etc.. take the time to go on a side trip into the
> eastern desert.
> while there find a unique store called the MEYA MEYA. It is the only
> place I found that sells nice unique souviners that are not the typical
> tourist trash souvieners. The owner of the store is called Sam very nice
> guy..

O.k. So a trip to east sahara, meya meya store...
I know we have an option to go to east sahara so I will defenetly use this
option.


> Don't be fooled by people who *lead you to someones store, sometimes the
> store can be good.. these people get commisions to get people to the
> store... can be an interesting experience.

By interesting expirience, you mean something positive, right?
Like interesting shops and stuff?


> In restaurants/souks... Make sure that YOU break the seal on the water
> bottle... refuse it if it is already opened.. they like to refill the
> bottle with local water in some places.

O.k. Good to know. Can I get something if I drink (I know it's bad) local
water?


> When ordering food you can look at what someone else is eating and say "I
> want that"..

That is very uneuropean, but I'll try it....

> http://touregypt.net/recipes/

Thanks for the link. Very useful.

> Do try foods at markets and bazaars.. just use your common sense, if the
> guy who is handling your food is picking his nose or has very bad hygiene
> skip

O.k.

> it.. make sure though that ALL food is throughly cooked, boiled.

How do I know if the food I buy in the bazaar is cooked, boiled.....?


>Oranges, bananas, mangos good choices.. nuts, cheese, figs etc. also good.

O.k. So Fruits that can be peeled off are all o.k., everything else try to
skip.


> most of all relax and have fun, explore and don't take things too
> seriously... realize that these people are all trying to make a living,
> not to rip you off.. well not always!! Tourism is the leading job for
> most and some people are degraded to handing out toilet paper to tourists
> as a job!!

So I should leave my suspicion that everyone will try to rip me off at home?


> If you want superior service in hotels.. tip your cleaning person
> generously.. I gave her $10 for 3days and I got my clothes washed, dryed
> ironed, chocolates, flowers, fancy towels all made up in the shapes of
> animals and shells.

Impressive! All this for 10 dollars!
Did you give her this the first day when you came to the hotel?


>Also,, tip the Person you want to tip IN PERSON Don't give the $ to the
>manager or someone... the person who you want to get the $ won't get it
>usually.

O.k. I'll try to remember all this.


Thanks a lot for this post(s). You have been extreamlly helpfull.

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"Tashi" <tashi@nospamshaw.ca> wrote in message
news:nCf2e.842003$6l.78146@pd7tw2no...
> Good health and high spirits!
> some info for you.
>
> $1.00 US = approx 5.8 Egp
> Everything in Egypt is cheap comparitively.. you can buy cheap souvieners
> or expensive ones the trick is to Bargain....and bargain well. Don't
> haggle over a dollar though, keep in mind these people make hardly a
> thing. general rule.. if they say for example: $300 for something it is
> usually good to start the price at like $75 or so.. usually 1/3-1/4 of
> what they are asking.

Wow?! 1/4 od a price! Good. This I will remember.


> (keep in mind, the mashed beans they serve for lunch, dinner *foul madas*
> is usually a breakfast dish for Egyptians).

Oh....
I think I'll pass on beans for breakfast.


> --many shop keepers will order tea for you and talk for awhile before you
> strike up a bargain.

They will do this no matter what am I buying!? I mean, they won't order tea
if I'm buying souvenirs worth just 10 dollars?


> LEARN THESE WORDS: LA=NO SHUKRAN=THANK YOU

Wait... Do I pronounce this LA infront of No Shukran or it's just No
Shukran?


> NEVER SHAKE OR EAT OUT OF A COMMON BOWL WITH YOUR LEFT HAND.

O.k. Just what is a common bowl? Plate?! Dish?....
This about shaking hamds with your left hand is inpolite everywhere in the
world. This I know.


> These were some of the prices when I was there. However you should look
> to see if these attractions are covered in your tour. Usually they are.

Yeah. I have very similar attractions list on my tour.

> I stayed at the Pharaohs Hotel
> CAIRO
> Citadel Of Salah Al-Din--20LE
> The Egyptian Museum--20LE
> The Royal Mummies Hall--40LE
> The Cairo Tower--30LE
> Scarabee Papyrus (where they sell Papyrus paper) Can be pricey..
> I bought around 5 pcs at a price of 138 LE (these prices are set)
> The Third Pyramid, Giza--10LE
> Giza Pyramids--20LE

Well, thease prices seem reasonable.


> ASWAN
> Train to Aswan from Cairo. 14HRS 69LE. checked out the market, the dam and
> just hung out for a couple of days exploring. ASWAN sells the cheapest
> Sheesha's.

14 hours!? Than God for sleeping carts. )
What is Sheesha?


> TAKE THE TIME AND THE $ TO FLY TO ABU SIMBLE.. WORTH IT. At that time it
> was I think about $100 to fly there.
> 200 PT. for local fees
> 400 PT for Guide fees at Abu Simble temple
> 30LE Abu Simbel Two Temples

What is PT, ant what is LE?
I thought LE was Egyptian pound, but now....


> Stayed at the WINDSOR HOTEL in Luxor. Eat at local places, try the
> pigeon--usually in a cage as soon as you enter the restaurant.

So it's fresh, then? )


> (Many *touts will be around to show you things.. if you follow one do pay
> them a dollar or something.. that is usually how they make their $) They
> are not out to rob you.

O.k. Good to know this. I usually tend not to trust people who try to "drag"
you off the main street....


> To go to Hurghada you have to go by Convo... No ship route cause it's
> through the desert.
> Hurghada is a huge tourist area so expect to pay more, there are many
> clubs and restaurants etc.. take the time to go on a side trip into the
> eastern desert.
> while there find a unique store called the MEYA MEYA. It is the only
> place I found that sells nice unique souviners that are not the typical
> tourist trash souvieners. The owner of the store is called Sam very nice
> guy..

O.k. So a trip to east sahara, meya meya store...
I know we have an option to go to east sahara so I will defenetly use this
option.


> Don't be fooled by people who *lead you to someones store, sometimes the
> store can be good.. these people get commisions to get people to the
> store... can be an interesting experience.

By interesting expirience, you mean something positive, right?
Like interesting shops and stuff?


> In restaurants/souks... Make sure that YOU break the seal on the water
> bottle... refuse it if it is already opened.. they like to refill the
> bottle with local water in some places.

O.k. Good to know. Can I get something if I drink (I know it's bad) local
water?


> When ordering food you can look at what someone else is eating and say "I
> want that"..

That is very uneuropean, but I'll try it....

> http://touregypt.net/recipes/

Thanks for the link. Very useful.

> Do try foods at markets and bazaars.. just use your common sense, if the
> guy who is handling your food is picking his nose or has very bad hygiene
> skip

O.k.

> it.. make sure though that ALL food is throughly cooked, boiled.

How do I know if the food I buy in the bazaar is cooked, boiled.....?


>Oranges, bananas, mangos good choices.. nuts, cheese, figs etc. also good.

O.k. So Fruits that can be peeled off are all o.k., everything else try to
skip.


> most of all relax and have fun, explore and don't take things too
> seriously... realize that these people are all trying to make a living,
> not to rip you off.. well not always!! Tourism is the leading job for
> most and some people are degraded to handing out toilet paper to tourists
> as a job!!

So I should leave my suspicion that everyone will try to rip me off at home?


> If you want superior service in hotels.. tip your cleaning person
> generously.. I gave her $10 for 3days and I got my clothes washed, dryed
> ironed, chocolates, flowers, fancy towels all made up in the shapes of
> animals and shells.

Impressive! All this for 10 dollars!
Did you give her this the first day when you came to the hotel?


>Also,, tip the Person you want to tip IN PERSON Don't give the $ to the
>manager or someone... the person who you want to get the $ won't get it
>usually.

O.k. I'll try to remember all this.


Thanks a lot for this post(s). You have been extreamlly helpfull.

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Location:
Posts: N/A

Good health and high spirits!
3 days, mmm well depending on where your hotel is located you can..
probably do all these things.
you should however check out the Khan el Khalili bazaar. you can easily
kill a day there.

> Citadel Of Salah Al-Din--20LE
> The Egyptian Museum--20LE
> The Royal Mummies Hall--40LE
> The Cairo Tower--30LE
> Scarabee Papyrus (where they sell Papyrus paper) Can be pricey..
> I bought around 5 pcs at a price of 138 LE (these prices are set)
> The Third Pyramid, Giza--10LE
> Giza Pyramids--20LE

--
"When one realizes that life is worthless
he either commits suicide or travels. ~ Edward Dahlberg
LIFE IS AN ATTITUDE!
http://www.globosapiens.net/ta-shy
"Alan S" <nothere@there.com> wrote in message
news:2dpj41drpi4jbusccrr17fp4ecedmh9osf@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 29 Mar 2005 16:45:07 GMT, "Tashi" <tashi@nospamshaw.ca> wrote:
>
> |Good health and high spirits!
> |some info for you.
>
> Thanks for that. Could be very useful.
>
> I will be in Cairo for only three nights, probably May 2006. Not on a
> tour. Extension of time may be possible, but not likely.
>
> Any suggestions for a three-night, incl two days, stay would be
> appreciated. I know it's too short, but I wish to at least see the
> Pyramids and the Museum, plus whatever else of Ancient Egypt I can in
> that short time.
>
>
> Cheers, Alan, Australia

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