Xplore.Dream.Discover

St Catherine’s monastery in the Mt Sinai area has some very interesting history to Christians. It was built at the base of the mountain where Moses climbed to receive the 10 commandments. The burning bush in which God spoke to him has been moved to the inside of the monastery and people stick prayers into the nearby wall.

What is there not to say about this place. Culturally it is ground zero for half the things you learned in school when it came to history. From the egyptian empire to the greeks and everything in and around North Africa and the Middle East. There is a wealth of things to see here and do, from Alexandria all the way down the Nile into the other cities.

Day 1-3: Cairo 

Amazingly overcrowded and bustling metropolis which is considered the center city of the middle east(in Africa lol). Make sure you visit the Pyramids at Giza and Spinx. You could take a taxi there and get around on your own, cuz its really that small of a site or do a guided(and expensive) tour that includes a camel ride. From here head over to the the Cairo Museum, which is very poorly organized and little to no literature in the place but a wealth of artifacts. If you care about all the details, hire a guide as you walk in. Make sure to pay the little extra to see the mummy room. They don’t allow pictures inside the whole place. 

To do the typical tourist market, Khan El-Kalili market is it. Cheap unimpressive chinese made souvenirs that over aggressive sales people try to stick you with…which is the standard throughout the country apparently. The market is also near Al Azhar University, which is the oldest continuously running university in the world. It is also a mosque, so dress appropriately. Not much to see here other than the courtyard and people around studying. Get your pics in and leave. Check out Zamalek island, which is where the upscale nightlife, hotels and restaurants are. Beautiful place. 

Day 3-5: Luxor 

There is a wealth of history to see in Luxor. Its a nice little town but the first thing you want to square away if you haven’t already is a tour including Valley of the kings, Karnak temple and Queen Hatshepsuit temple. Memnon Collossi and Valley of the queens are somewhat a waste of time. The latter being because the main tomb is currently closed and has been for some time. The tour I went with and found exceptionally good was with Khaled at Nile Holiday, which can be reached at [email protected] / www.nileholiday.com. Oasis Hotel is a nice and cheap place to stay, which is a 5 minute walk from all restaurants, Luxor Temple(a waste after you see the others) and the train station. To get to Aswan walk to the train station and upon arrival get in the first car(first class). You may have to stand for 2-2.5hours but its 10000% better than being in the other cars with the locals. Trust me! 

Day 5-7: Aswan 

Really chill and relaxed city to visit. This is a launching place for day trips to Abu Simbel so be sure to check it out. I paid 110pp to join in with a group so I’m sure others can get less. Its a 3hr ride each way, requiring a convoy to go down there as I believe there is some conflict around the Sudanese border. No more than 1-1.5hrs is needed for a complete visit. Also be sure to catch a boat to Elephantine island and visit the other Nubian villages in the area. From here fly back north to Cairo. 

Extra Days: 

Sharm El Sheik 

I found sharm to be way over commercialized and hyped. Nothing special here. Simple beach town with tons of super expensive restaurants and hotels. I hear the nightlife is cool but thats if you’re 25 and into  trance/techno. I hear the diving is good and the island trips are ok too. Beaches are decent. 

Dahab

Real sleepy seaside tourist town. Has the infrastructure for a major tourist destination but not the people, so hotels and restaurants are extra aggressive and can be expensive. The diving there is great though. I recommend Big Blue Dahab if you decide to dive…especially if you have your advanced certification and want to do the blue hole. 

Jordan/Israel

If you decide to head to Eliat/Aqaba, a bus can be taken from any of these towns or from Cairo. You can also take a ferry from Nuweiba for $80usd to Aqaba. Just buy a ticket at the AB Maritime office to the right of the port. 

  Things to remember: 

- Egypt is an islamic country so women should dress appropriately. 

- Men outside of a woman’s family cannot physically touch them. Not even to shake hands. 

- Taking pictures inside the valley of the kings and some museums are forbidden, but if you happen to get caught taking a few, have a few small bills for bribe money…they will let it be known they want a payoff. Its best to use a camera with no playback screen, like a go pro. 

- Bring a bottle into the country with you from duty free as most places that serve(if you can find them) are expensive. You cannot bring this bottle onto another domestic flight in the country…without a bribe, of course. The baggage scan dude will let it be known, lol. 

- Saturday is their Sunday and our Sunday is their Monday. Dont try to schedule anything important or any transport for Saturdays. 

- Research tours before you buy. Dont book through your hotel. Most times this will be more expensive than going directly through a tour company. - Uber works in Cairo. Use it! 

- Egyptians don’t favor people with dark skin and also don’t consider themselves African. If you are of color, people will often refer to you as Obama or as a rasta 

- People who are engaged wear the ring on their right hand and move it to the left after marriage.