E'gipped

Where do I even begin with Egypt? It almost feels like the whole country has collectively decided to siphon every bit of your hard earned cash. Whether it be the Pound, the Yen or the Greenback the locals share the common occupation of trying to get a hold of your money. Sometimes you're lucky to walk away with some advice, a photo or if you're lucky, a souvenir. I was shocked to see a police man spend 2 minutes of his time to show me one particular vantage point, only to ask for money for his generous time. It's not hard to see why, the main bulk of the population look to be living under the poverty line and a couple of Egyptian pounds here and there can make a world of difference. Still, nobody likes to feel cheated, even if it is only a couple of bucks.

Egypt. Where buffets reign supreme. Where there's a DSLR everywhere you turn. Where it feels like tourism is driving the entire economy. Where a truck breaking down on the side of the road is the norm. Where you feel like that you're a statistic within the number of tourists. Then you see the Pyramids and learn of the rich history and suddenly you realise that being a statistic is all worth it. That the early starts and the habitual bus rides were minor in the greater scheme of things. That the food, the quality of accommodation and the conditions are probably a million times better than what most local Egyptians will ever experience. It's a grounding experience, you feel selfish, insignificant and ungrateful.

Jewels of the Nile Tour with Travel Talk

Day 1 Cairo, Cataract Hotel, Aswan Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, Mycrenos and Sakkara
Day 2 Aswan – Nile Cruise High Dam, Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk
Day 3 Abu Simbel,Aswan, Nile Cruise Komombo
Day 4 Nile Cruise, Edfu, Irish Pub
Day 5 Luxor, Balloon ride over west Bank, Donkey ride Disembark Nile Cruise,Temple of Luxor, Temple of Karnak NEW YEAR GALA DINNER IN LUXOR!
Day 6 Luxor, Cairo Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut,
Day 7 Cairo Egyptian Museum, Citadel of Saladin, Mosque of Mohamed Ali, the Hanging Church, Kahn El Khalili bazaar
Day 8 Cairo, 3rd January 2011

Currently reading 100 Years of Solitude.