Fun Things to See and Do in Cairo & Giza
What to Buy and How to Bargain while Shopping in Egypt
Feb 5, 2009
Egypt’s capital Cairo and its town on the outskirts - Giza - are not just about history. A traveler can unearth fun experiences, by digging a little deeper with an Egyptian guide, even on a short trip.
Camel Ride at Giza Pyramids
Tourists can make like Lawrence of Arabia and ride a camel at the Giza Pyramids, for about LE400. A guide can arrange this, but both camel owner and the photo-taking assistant will expect to be paid. Pricey perhaps, but a camel ride makes a Cairo trip worthwhile. Camels are known as ships of the desert, as they seem to glide across the sands. Women are better off wearing trousers to the Giza Pyramids to make camel riding easier. For safety purposes, tourists should have someone waiting for their return, as robberies are known to take place when the camel or donkey is afar.
Cairo Museum and Mummy Rooms
Cairo Museum offers so many treasures that one can spend days exploring Tutankhamen’s sarcophagus, its tomb artifacts, visceral jars, seeds and jewelry. On a short visit, the Mummy Rooms should not be missed. Many tourists forget there are actually two rooms, not one, where mummified bodies are displayed. Queen Hatshepsut, King Ramesses II and their royal helpers’ bodies can be seen, even a nurse with her hair intact. Thousands of years on and these mummified bodies are well-preserved, thanks to a recipe that remains unknown.
Perfume Palaces in Cairo
Egypt’s place in history and Cleopatra’s seductive charms give it a sensuous reputation. Egypt is full of natural resources – as can be seen at their perfume factories. The range of natural oils is impressive. These oils are 100% pure sans alcohol, and last well. Guests can purchase single natural oils like lotus flower and papyrus (National Flowers of Upper and Lower Egypt), and blends with suitable names like ‘Ramses II’ for men and ‘Secret of the Desert’ for women. Egyptian craftsmanship is showcased in delicately blown perfume bottles that can be bought to contain the oils.
Papyrus Painting Galleries & Kartouche Shops
At a papyrus institute, one discovers the process of making papyrus paper. Papyrus plants were regarded as sacred because of the sun ray-shaped flowers and pyramid stem base. After days of soaking and pressing, papyrus paper is hardy and good for use. Brown papyrus paper is seen as more valuable as it takes longer to make it. Customers can personalize papyrus paintings by having hieroglyphic names inscribed for an extra LE20.
Or they can get themselves a kartouche. Royal Egyptians used to wear a kartouche for identification: an oval-shaped gold pendant with hieroglyphic name inscribed. Nowadays it is trendy for tourists to have even two names inscribed - on front and back of kartouche. Silver kartouches are cheaper, from LE300 onwards.
Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar
The Egyptian bazaar Khan Al-Khalili is not as terrifying as some travelers think, in terms of aggressive salesmanship. Shop owners know the bargaining drill, and so should the traveler. It is common practice for customers to haggle the price down. The trick is for the customer to look disinterested, so that the price quickly drops. Unlike a flea market, the bazaar is made of rows with shops lined up along alleyways, selling Egyptian scarves, perfume bottles, souvenir pyramids and jewelry. It is a good place for bargaining, and travelers may be surprised what good deals they can get. Like all the rest, this Egyptian hotspot is not to be missed.
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