Tourist Trapped

After the cruise I had a couple of days in Cairo, one whole day of which was taken up going to the pyramids of Giza and surrounding sights. In retrospect, I rather recklessly booked a 'tour' with the hostel, turned out to be a driver who spent most of the day on one of his two mobile phones. On the plus side, I got to visit everything I wanted to and ride a pony round the pyramids - the highlight of the day.

All the hassle I had been experiencing didn't stop in Cairo, I felt like a walking dollar sign and I didn't really want to stop anywhere. Everybody wants baksheesh - a tip, I have no problem giving a tip, but it got really annoying when everyone expected one and I was constantly reminding me that I should be giving one at the end of any tour. Was shooed out of a grocery shop when looking for hibiscus tea, grocery shops seem to be the place where you don't bargain. The weekend I was in Cairo was The Feast that happens at the end of Ramadan, from the early evening to the small hours of the morning the street was hustle and bustle, everyone seemed to be out and about on the streets. 

The driver from the airport pointed out a 'bad' Muslim women, she was covered up except for her eyes, with a man who she was pushing away when he tried to put his arm around her. The driver went on to describe some women use this type of headscarf to go out so no one recognises them so they can sneak off to see their boyfriends in secret. It is a whole world I just don't understand. The men and women would stare at me, I think, even if I wore any kind of headscarf, I would still be on my own and attract suspicion.

Another day was taken up at The National Museum where there are loads of exhibits with, I assume, their original type written descriptions, it needs a little refurb and an up grade. I quite liked the Egyptian jewelry room, beaded necklaces and pretty colours.

I really enjoyed visiting the ancient pyramids and temples, it's pretty amazing to think people build these monuments. If you're planning a trip to Egypt, you will be hassled, try to think of as many ways as possible to say 'no thank you.'

Rest of the photos from my day at the pyramids.