The very first week after I moved to Egypt I met a guy named Sherif. I was walking around Tahrir Square in the center of Cairo with some friends, taking in the magical chaos of one of the largest cities in the world and getting accustomed to our new home for the next year. As we strolled along the street in front of the Egyptian Museum, a man approached us. His name was Sherif. … [Read more...] about Dr. Sherif and the Great Papyrus Scam
Beware
All About Camels… and the Pyramids Camel Scam
What’s the first you think of when you think of Egypt? Pyramids. Ok. Yes. But what comes after that? CAMELS! Camels are awesome creatures. Most of the time they’re cute and funny, but they can also be dirty and clumsy. But they’re some seriously incredible animals when you really get to know them. There are two primary types of camels - dromedary and Bactrian (yes the … [Read more...] about All About Camels… and the Pyramids Camel Scam
What NOT to Wear in Egypt
Even the most liberal of Arab countries is pretty socially conservative by the standards of every other region of the world. Whether it be the "West," east Asia, the former Soviet republics, eastern Europe, or Latin America, nearly every other part of the planet would consider shorts, especially in hot weather, to be perfectly appropriate attire in public spaces. In the Arab … [Read more...] about What NOT to Wear in Egypt
Cairo’s Chaotic Traffic
Visitors to Egypt have told me that they’ve seen equally chaotic traffic in places like India and China, but I’ve yet to witness an equivalent level of vehicular insanity anywhere else in the world myself. Most, however, are like me in swearing that Cairo’s traffic is the worst they’ve ever seen. But what’s so funny and strange about it all, though, is that there’s still a sort … [Read more...] about Cairo’s Chaotic Traffic
Taking the Right Type of Taxi in Cairo
Cairo is one of the easiest cities in the world in which to hail a cab, as its crowded and chaotic streets are literally flooded with taxis. But there are two types of taxis always buzzing around, and tourists should always try to find the type that will reduce the likelihood of getting ripped off in Cairo yet again… and again… and again. Yes, it’s part of the experience of … [Read more...] about Taking the Right Type of Taxi in Cairo
Taxi Jumpers at the Giza Pyramids
Unlike Europe and North America, many developing countries are better experienced with the helping hand of an experienced travel company or tour operator. This is especially the case for a country like Egypt, which continues to struggle with post-revolutionary challenges in the way of economics, infrastructure, and governance. Travel and tourism within Egypt has always been a … [Read more...] about Taxi Jumpers at the Giza Pyramids