Traveling to new countries can be an amazing experience but when you get to experience world wonders with no one in sight, that's almost on another level. I didn't pay anything extra or have to sign any fancy paperwork like a VIP member, I just showed up.
SHOULD I REALLY TAKE A TRIP TO EGYPT? SERIOUSLY?
One word, YES! We all hear stories of extreme activity and violent acts from time to time in countries in the Middle East and it's understandable. Remember there are a lot of individuals, families and groups that have and do venture there on a regular basis for decades. Half the excitement of going here is to welcome your sense of adventure and run with it.
As a traveler who has ventured to over 64 countries I have learned one thing. People around our amazing planet are usually just like you and me. Yes there are some places that are more extreme than others but in general the world is more common than you think, no matter what country, religion or culture you come from.
HOW DID I GET ALL ALONE WITH THE PYRAMIDS? Here are helpful hints:
Go in June, July when it's the hottest. Yes it's hot but it's not as bad as you think
Try to go in the heat of the day from 11-1pm or late afternoon before closing
The grounds are vast with 3 huge pyramids & 3 baby pyramids, go explore other areas and stay away from the crowds
Just go and stop listening to all the negatives about why not to go
WHEN TO GO?
Go in June, July or August and beat the crowds. Yes it's hot but I had the experience of going then and I can tell you first hand, it was unbelievable to be alone with the Great Pyramids. If you have some severe health conditions then obviously I'd advise against this plan. We went in June and it wasn't as hot as I thought (still around 85-90F).
ANY ADVICE ON HOW TO DEAL WITH THE HEAT / STOMACH ISSUES THERE?
Yes, just try and get some exercise by taking longer walks before going and bring some adequate gear. A hat, sun glasses, sun tan lotion, long pants with adjustable zippered shorts, long sleeves to protect your arms (I brought sport sleeves that were removable) and my clothing was very breathable. Bring plenty of water and take your time seeing the sights.
At some point during the trip I had some Egyptian food and after a number of tasty dips I got a bad case of diarrhea which made me think twice about hiking around. I learned that eating lots of bananas is a nice cure. My parents previously met a field nurse and she recommended that home remedy which took care of the problem almost overnight. Let's just say she knows her stuff.
HOTEL OR HOSTEL IN CAIRO?
I highly recommend a hotel but I had friends staying in hostels and they actually met quite a few people. I stayed a hotel near the back entrance of the Pyramids and it had a rooftop restaurant with an insane view of the area for $46 a night including tax. Also if you stay in that area you'll get to see a free laser light show that most people pay around $50 for, including dinner. (To be honest the laser light show is not recommended). I attached my hotel's view below.
IS IT SAFE TO WALK IN CAIRO?
I suggest to take a walk in downtown Cairo and stick to the tourist areas. There is something surreal to be walking the streets of a city you've only seen in movies. I spent 2 days walking around with my head on a swivel but only encountered sales people who were a bit pushy. I didn't run into anyone grabbing or pushing me in a certain direction but I did have an interesting scam-like experience. Keep scrolling below to see the story.
WHAT ADVICE CAN I GIVE TO TRAVELERS GOING ABROAD?
I've accompanied various friend who travel around the world and a great piece of advice is "Anyone who approaches even though they are extremely friend usually wants something from you." It's sad but true. Yes I've met outgoing ladies or curious guys who just want to strike up a conversation in English to sharpen their skills but outside of Southeast Asia I would just smile and say no thank you as you go on your way.
The Egyptian Museum (The Grand Egyptian Museum is being built near the pyramids)
WHAT ELSE IN CAIRO IS WORTH SEEING?
Egyptian History Museum
Saladin's Palace/Citadel
Nile River boat ride
Sakkara & Memphis Temples
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar
SCAMS HAPPEN EVERY DAY, DON'T LET IT HAPPEN TO YOU. HERE IS MY STORY:
So I was trapped inside the shop for a moment with a heavy set man starring at me as he blocked the entrance.
In my short time there in Cairo I did happen to talk with a young Egyptian man who approached me and started speaking to me very politely. Everyone there starts with the saying, "My friend." This guy in particular said "Listen before you go over the bridge you might want to go a different way because there is some soccer fans rioting a bit and its better if you go that way. He was very persuasive and said you don't have to listen to me but I'm just trying to help. The gent continued saying he studied in Canada and his family had an art shop and as we kept the conversation going his shop was eventually right in front of us. It was definitely an art and decor shop with handmade carpets and rugs. He said if you want to take a peak its fine or you can keep going on your way.
I thought about it and after a lengthy and nice talk he offered me hibiscus tea and I viewed the various pieces of art (reasonably priced). As he asked about my family he gave me some papyrus rolls with mythological Egyptians figures and wrote in Egyptian my mother's and father's name. Now as he did that he said these were free and if I could just tell my friends about his shop, like free advertising. I said sure and before I knew it he said how much are you going to pay me for the pieces? I of course was shocked and his other friend, a larger Middle Eastern man brought over a credit card machine. I sat in front of him as our eyes were in a stale mate and I said, "Nothing, you said it was free."
The other older man in his early 50's rose his voice and said, "Don't be rude, don't insult us."
At this point I paid $5 for the "free" tea and said sorry guys this isn't what we talked about. I made my way out of the shop and even though I was in the midst of a good old Egyptian scam, the two guys didn't lay a hand on me. Now I could be wrong but I feel as if some Egyptians in the tourist areas will try every trick they can to take your money and pressure you but if you leave they respect you enough to let you go without getting physical. It's almost a game to them to see if they can pressure you into paying them.
Now on the positive side once I continued walking in other areas and ignored any random people trying to approach me I didn't have any issues. #scaminegypt
IS IT OK TO TAKE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS WALKING DOWN THE STREET IN CAIRO AND SURROUNDING AREAS?
Definitely. Bring a go pro or a capable phone with a good camera and take plenty of photos or videos as you walk through. Obviously be respectful and kind but you'll snap some shots that will blow you away and you'll remember them forever. I also find later I can use my photos to make other blogs, how to's or just provide killer content for my IG or FB posts. It's always the same as I get back to the hotel room and find 2 or 3 shots that I thought were going to be horrible but turned out to be iconic.
- ALL THE PHOTOS ON THIS POST WERE TAKEN BY THE WRITER -
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