wombat7

Have seen that Aida will be performed in Luxor in March 2005 - have not been able to get any information about ticket prices, availability, where to book etc.

Before I approach some Egyptian travel agents I thought I would ask the knowledgeable folks here, to see if anyone can shed light.

sandi

When we visited, AIDA was performed at the Pyramids in Cairo. And over the years AIDA has been performed in different venues. But why not inquire of a tour operator, either home country based or in Egypt for exact dates and current prices.

When we visited, the prices were $100 for foreigners/visitors (the going price for opera tickets in the States), for Egyptians about 30 Egyptian Pounds, and for resident aliens at $30.

wombat7

Thanks Sandi - I will do that - dates have been posted but not prices, how to get tickets etc.

I am planning a trip in 2005, was initially thinking Feb but am now thinking of changing so we can go to Aida in late March in Luxor - even though it will be warmer then.

How did you enjoy Aida at Cairo? Was the sound any good - or is it pretty much like a rock concert - i.e. you go for the experience but expect poor sound quality and a noisy audience?

sandi

Luxor will always be warmer than Cairo, especially at night. Though Egypt does provide a real desert environment in that the night temps do drop quite a bit from daytime temps. While cruising we found the night temps often dropped 30-degrees. But March isn't any warmer than Oct/Nov, though months of March/April can bring on sand storms, so reverify this.

Where is the performance taking place in Luxor? One of the temples? (Karnak or Luxor) or elsewhere?

In Cairo a special free-standing theatre was built, with comfy seats, with ushers directing you to your seats. The sound was outstanding and, of course, the Pyramids as background was just perfect. However, if you expect the performance to start on time - NOT! Sorry, but it's not the N.Y.Met, where if you're not in your seat, the performance starts and you wait in an anti-room and watch on a 12" TV screen and can't take your seat till after the first act. The performance in Egypt starts when the dignitaries take their seats, whenever that might be. Our performance started 30-minutes late. Intermission after the first act, which is a long act, makes one think the performance is over - it isn't - there's more to come. And better be back in your seat at beginning of Act 2, or others will move into your seats - gotta be quick.

The only issue many of us had, was those "always interrupting, damn, cellphones" - don't believe that the Egyptians knew they could request attendees to turn off their cellphones. Maybe they've finally decided to ask attendees to do so - then maybe they haven't, so be prepared for a few heated arguments to break out. A number of Westerners seated in our area, arranged with the usher that if she heard anyone's phone ring or anyone having a conversation during the performance to kindly escort the individual from their seat to the outter area, or just shut off their phone. The usher was surprised by our request, but probably said to themselve "oh, we can do that? great idea" After the first culprit was escorted from their seat, we didn't hear another cellphone or anyone talking during the performance.

As to attire - well, you could wear a shoe and a boot and no matter. There were those in formal attire, nice casual, and some even in shorts and t-shirts - a bit of everything. One nice thoughtful thing provided - carpets over the desert sand - very bedouin tent-like - especially for women wearing hi-heel shoes.

It's an experience that shouldn't be missed if you have the opportunty - so contact whomever to learn the dates and prices.

wombat7

Sandi
I am back to my planning again and just wanted to thank you for an extemely informative post. I have decided that I will move our trip to March - it is too much of an experience to passup. I look forward to your further wise counsel as I post more questions on my proposed route.