Something came up and am on my way to Cairo for a few days with thursday and Friday (morning) "free".
Some suggestions.
the message board for Dubai English speaking community
zam wrote:hey Doggg,why not try the pyramids?
edited: just saw the other topic you post....take some pics and show us later ok? tc
Nick81 wrote:Definitely go to the Museum which is a must-see if you go to Cairo...
You could also check out the Citadel and Khan El Khalili which is one of the most entertaining parts of Cairo. It's one of the most ancient shopping areas (souks) in Cairo... Shopping is optional as what's really nice is just to wander in the narrow streets there. There was a famous coffee shop there who's been there for something like 200 yrs... Don't really remember the name, Fishawi or something like that...
Anyway enjoy your stay there!
Anonymous wrote:pyramids I thought that was a hotel in vegas (lexur or something)
MaaaD wrote:Concord are you back ? you need to fill us in on your trip.
excellent post.. it is so interesting for one to read people's feed back on his own country, the place he was born, raised and SUFFERED.Concord wrote: Also had dinner at one of the "river boats". Walking distance to the Hotel it was calle "La Chapa". Good live music (international songs, etc.) upper deck on your left.
Finally but not least. If you think Dubai traffic is nuts; you ain't seen nothing yet. It was amazing how people drive, no signals whatsoever, but traffic moves like a well chorographed ballet. Many beople also walk on the roads (even highways) totally oblivious to traffic!
Anonymous wrote:welcome back
So now u know why i tell you guys that traffic here is very smooth compaired to cairo.
sara_uk wrote:cairo traffic is mad, .
Concord wrote:MaaaD wrote:Concord are you back ? you need to fill us in on your trip.
I'm back. Worked like a donkey but managed a day and 1/2 for touring. My work was within a great view of the pyramids. So while at the office working 14 hr days (for 2 days) I saw the pyramids each time I lifted my head.
I stayed at the Marriott (Omar Khayyam Casino) - on the Nile. Huge hotel with a lot to do inside and at central location.
I Got a recomendation for a reliable taxi driver from someone I met during my business meeting. I would recommend the driver I have his mobile #, etc. (Zezo).
First went to Saqqara where there are a few step pyramids and a number of tombs and temple.
The journey to Saqqara was an experience onto itself. Lots of beople on the road. Zezo's taxi is not the latest model automobile. It is in fact 30 years old. Zezo did not mentioned this but I was warned the night before not to lean on the doors for fear of flying out of the cab! The air conditioning was perfect, except if you closed the windows in which case it might be a bit uncomfortable. There was no need for AC as the weather was cool and breezy (compared to Dubai it was "freezing").
On the way we saw the first, second and third worlds in the span of maybe 50 KM along with "out of this world" things. I was glad I did not travel on "tour" bus as I know the route would have been different but Zezo wanted to get there on time and via the best route (petrol comsuption being a consideration). Defenetily get the sights, sounds and smell of life in Cairo.
At Saqqara I had a guide ($15) and spent about 3 hours there. There are two tickets: one for the pyramdis etc. and a separate one to see the tombs (discovered in the 1980's). No need to have a guide but since it was my first site I hired the guide. I normally don't but...
We next went to the great pyramids. I when inside the great pyramid - very warm inside). Great stuff. They only let 300 people inside the pyramid daily. 150 in the morning and 150 in the afternoon. One you go inside you know why - it is uncomfortable to climb as you crouch for about half the journey. Hot and humid inside. Worth the climb however. I imagine most tours don't go inside the pyramid as it takes more time and they need to move the tourist along. Without Zizo I would have missed the opportunity.
The only problem is that every other person is selling you something (guided tour, head scarf, post cards, etc.) - a bit of a turn off but "everyone has to eat"
Also had dinner at one of the "river boats". Walking distance to the Hotel it was calle "La Chapa". Good live music (international songs, etc.) upper deck on your left.
The second day, yesterday, spent half the day at the Egyptian museum. There is also as separate ticket to see the "royal" mommies - also worth the price of admission. You could spend days at the museum.
Finally but not least. If you think Dubai traffic is nuts; you ain't seen nothing yet. It was amazing how people drive, no signals whatsoever, but traffic moves like a well chorographed ballet. Many beople also walk on the roads (even highways) totally oblivious to traffic!
If any of you want to go I can give you Zizo's number, his english ability is just sufficient for the tourist stuff. Again not a luxury ride but worth the experience. And he was very reliable with time, etc. The person who recommended him uses him exclusively specially to transport his female employees everywhere and at all times.
I will be back to Cairo in November as a tourist with my wife. I'll bring a camera then.