Laura

Hi, <BR> <BR>Myself and a friend will travel to Egypt in November. We will be in a group for part of the time, but alone in Cairo for two nights. Can we expect to be hassled all the time by Egyptian men or is there a standard reply that you can give that will make them leave you alone? <BR> <BR>Is it safe to eat cooked food from street vendors or should we only eat in hotels or large restaurants? <BR> <BR>We will be staying at Mena House Hotel, is the restaurant there good, or should we venture into Cairo in the evenings or is that dangerous for two women? <BR> <BR>Any advice? <BR> <BR>Laura

Tony Hughes

I was there last november/december: <BR> <BR>I would expect you to either get hassled or, failing that, some pretty hard stares from the men. <BR> <BR>I wouldn't eat any cooked food from vendors, I have the sort of stomach that gets upset very easily. Everyone is different, though. <BR> <BR>Cairo is very, very big but the underground (with newly opened Giza section) is clean and efficient. However, Cairo is probably best viewed in daylight. <BR> <BR>regards

Ali

Hi, Tony. You mentioned the underground to Giza. How far is the last stop from the Pyramids? Sounds like a cheap and safe way (there are cars on the trains for women only) to get to the Pyramids. Laura, I have done extensive reading in guide books and have read many postings from women on different bulletin boards and they are all so reasuring as to the safety of women traveling in Egypt. I will be traveling solo for a few days at the end of the year before joining a tour group. Most of the advice given is to use common sense as you would in any large city, follow Tony's advice, and don't drink the water or any beverage with ice in it. From what I've read the Mena House is preemo and has great but expensive restaurants. Can't beat its location - at the foot of the Pyramids! Have a Great Trip. <BR>

Rosemary

Laura, here's a different perspective on the hotel you will be using in Cairo. We had friends who stayed out there and were not happy with the location. This was just a few years ago. They said there was nothing to do around the hotel - no restaurants, etc. <BR>The advantage, of course, is that you can view the sunrise and sunset over the pyramids. <BR>Hope you enjoy your trip. I've been there just once and am getting ready to try it again in a few months. <BR> <BR>Rosemary

Kevin

<BR>Laura <BR> <BR>The Mena House Hotel is absolutely fantastic. Try to get a room with a pyramid view. I was there about three years ago and had a superb time. the restaurants are pretty good, especially the Indian restaurant in the hotel which is excellent, and if you get up early in the morning before all the tourists get out you can go horse riding round the deserted pyramids from one of the local stables. <BR>I agree that it is a bit out of the city, but Cairo is so noisy and crowded that I find it very tiring and it is nice to get away from it a bit. The cabs in Cairo are very cheap, but you will need to bargain fiercely with the cab drivers.When i arrived at the airport I shoopped around for a decent taxi driver, got him to drive us from the airport to the Mena House, stopping off to have a look at the citadel on the way, wait while we got showered and changed, drive us out to Saqqara, wait while we did the tombs, the Bulls and the step pyramid, and drive us back to the hotel. This cost about $30-$40. He came back for us the following day so I don't think he felt that he'd been ripped off. <BR> <BR>Enjoy your holiday <BR> <BR> <BR>Kevin

Kevin

I actually shopped around at the airport, but if you fancy a shoop, feel free!! <BR> <BR>Kevin <BR>

Paula

Women in Egypt are relatively safe. However, modest attire is required - no tight clothes, short shorts, short skirts. Covering of the shoulders - no Tees or halters is also required. Men are men everywhere. If they think they can get away with anything they will try it. Since you have a companion, there is safety in numbers. Use your common sense - if the area looks risky or you feel uncomfortable stay away. <BR> <BR>The Mena House is a block from the Pyramids and its charm lies in that fact. It is an hour away from Cairo (on a good commute) but again because it is set away from the road you are not annoyed by the street noise. There are plenty of activities in the Mena house including golf, swimming, and a small casino. It is a a 5 star hotel so expect to pay those prices. There are several restaurants in the vicinity - Peace is right near there. <BR> <BR>Never eat food in the street nor drink the water - Mummy Tummy is nothing to fool around with. Should you be unfortunate enough to run into it contact the hotel physician because the common cure of Pepto Bismol is not sufficient and you can become dehydrated very quickly. <BR> <BR>I would venture into Cairo by night - take a taxi from the Mena House so the fellow can log your destination and go to another large hotel say the Nile Hilton. Once there just ask around where the shopping or nightlife is - they have their own nightclub. <BR>