What to wear in Cairo and Jerusalem
 

We will be spending 2 days in Cairo and 2 days in Jerusalem at the end of September.I am concerned about what type clothing to wear. Do you think Capri's would be okay and short sleeved blouses?It will be hot and I don't want to overdress.

We will be in Cairo next week (we leave Friday, finally!!), and I asked the same question. The advice was (for women) capris and sandals are okay, no shorts, no no-sleeve tops. In general, the word was "no knees, no breasts, no shoulders". I plan to wear capris and a matching t-shirt with walking shoes (yuck) during the day, and a dress with a cover (long-sleeve top) or just-below-the-knees skirt and top, with sandals, in the evening. The person who gave me the advice said to be careful if wearing a skirt that it doesn't ride up when you sit down.

In Cairo, legs and upper arms are to be covered. Capris are fine; camp-type loose fitting shirts are good as they might be more comfy with the heat and brutal sun beating down. Have a scarf in your bag for use on entry into a mosque.

In Jerusalem, somewhat more liberal when shopping, museums and most residential areas. However, at religious sites, you also keep legs and arms covered. There are many religious sites and/or religious communities where bare skin in frowned on. And again, keep that scarf handy.

Sandi, is the suggested scarf for covering your head, or something else?

Head coverings are required in mosques and synagogues = scarf!

Thanks -- my bag is <i>almost</i> packed. We leave Friday!

Kevlar.