Hello sandi

Thanks for your advice,

I was hoping that a lot of the attractions you mention would be walkable?.I'm a great walker,despite my age..lol

Best if i talk to someone at my hotel...

Believe me, these days 62 "isn't old"

Well, not quite in Methuselah's age group i must admit.

I can still walk the Ringstrasse in Vienna once a year ;-)

.....best wishes Sandi

Hello Mahler...no problem in Cairo alone but you mentioned "walking" to the sights in Cairo...really not a walking city and you will see that immediately upon arrival. While I realize you are an experienced traveler...I consider myself the same...different ballgame here. I would encourage you to either prebook with a guide to see the highlights...they will provide the transportation (not a group) or do it with your hotel once there. A good guide will facilitate your sightseeing and share their culture with you...just wandering around on your own could be pretty frustrating in this city...just my opinion and I generally avoid any tour like the plage...some time on your own is fine in certain areas but time with a guide is really beneficial in Cairo.

Cairo is definitely not a walkable city! The sites are spread out, the traffic is horrid, the metro is there but not necessarily easy....then there are the crowds, the construction, the sheep.....

Well, a private guide would be best!

Thanks Turaj for your advice.

I think i'm making the mistake of treating Cairo like a European city,ie user friendly.That isn't the case in Cairo is it? What we have here,is a completely different culture,and therefore should be treated as such.

I've heard of the horrific road congestion and the horrendous crowds in the city.I would imagine that with the heat to contend with as well it can be very tiresome.Especially as the major attractions are far apart.On holiday, I'm so used to doing everything on foot that it's become second nature to me.It looks like that i will have to revise my strategy whilst in Cairo.

In the light of what you and others on here have said,i think i'll work out what i want to do each day and book a taxi accordingly.I'll speak to someone at my hotel as soon as i arrive.

...........nahler77

Hello Grc,

The consensus of opinion on here seems to be that Cairo isn't a walkable city.You concur on this issue.

If the metro isn't as good as it should be,this only adds weight to the taxi option.

Thank you for your help Gcr.Your advice is appreciated.

<<I think i'm making the mistake of treating Cairo like a European city,ie user friendly.That isn't the case in Cairo is it? What we have here,is a completely different culture,and therefore should be treated as such.>>

This is exactly right! With this understanding - and of course the wonderful advice you'll get here - you're on your way to having a fabulous trip!

Hi Mahler

Thats the first time I heard it called the Old Soldiers Farewell. lol

I will remember that for the future.

We also have a further advanced method in the west of Scotland called the Glasgow Kiss. Did you hear of this one before.

It involves placing your head against the nose of the offender in a quick movement so as to cause initial shock and mild pain lol

Scotsgirl

if you need a private guide and a private car to get you around you could try the company that I recommend which is Egypt Quality Tours. They are real good. That way you wouldnt be a solo solo

Scotsgirl

Hi Scotsgirl how are you my dear?

Yes i've heard of the famous 'Glasgow kiss': It's likely to occur when Billy meets Dan.A difference in opinion ensues,which is settled-one way or another- when bone meets soft tissue,and it's quite painful so i'm told.

Yes i do need a private guide in Cairo,everyone on here has offered that opinion.

...........mahler77

Can you help me Scotsgirl?

I'm in possession of loads of 200 e/pound notes.Where can i change them into smaller denominations?

Hi Mahler

Yes, on the private guide you could try the one I suggested above, they are great. And they will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel each day. They will give you itineraries and if you want you can add things and take things out.

On the 200 LE Notes, yes just take them with you and get smaller notes when you arrive. Any bank will change them for you or any exchange point. your hotel will do the same. Or what I do, is I find a reputable place, buy something small and let them stare me out as they give me the change back grudgingly lol

Scotsgirl

be careful of the 50 notes, make sure they are 50 pounds and not 50 piastres thats the equivalent of say a £5 and a 50p if it were in UK. So dont get caught out with that, just have a skim through your notes to ensure they are pounds in your change. Ive heard of someone before who got scammed that way.

Scotsgirl

Hi Scotsgirl,

Thanks again for your help and advice.

A private guide looks to be the best option.I'll enquire when i get to my hotel.

I've been told of the 50 notes money scam.I think this scam gets a mention on vt too .I'll have to be on my guard.A lucrative little business isn't it when they can get away with it.

Best wishes Scotgirl...mahler77

.....I'll look at your private guide recommendation too.....
"Egypt quality tours"