Visiting Cairo & Giza Pyramids on Short Stay
Historical Sites Make an Enjoyable Trip for Well Prepared Travelers
Feb 5, 2009
Egypt is a riddle for most historians. The Pyramids of Giza is the only Ancient Wonder of the World that still exists, and many debate about their meaning and construction. Modern Egypt is also an enigma, and travelers with ideas about exotic and sensuous ancient Egypt may find themselves unprepared for what will they will encounter.
What to Pack for Egypt Holiday
Hot weather in Egypt can go up to 40°C. When heat and air-conditioning come together, this can cause stomach problems for travelers. Visitors should pack tablets for stomach troubles like diarrhea and bloated tummy. Sunscreen and insect repellent are important, in case of mosquitoes. Summer and formal clothes are both useful, but women should be aware that wearing less may not be safe, if venturing into Cairo without a guide - they are better off covering upper arms and legs, up to the knees. It is pretty safe within touristy areas.
How to Tip when Asked for "Baksheesh"
A big culture shock is the amount of tipping expected. Landing in Cairo airport, the toilet assistant may be the first to expect a tip. It is important for tourists to find ways of breaking down that LE100 as soon as possible, upon landing. Porters and drivers have to be tipped, but the rest is at one's discretion. Toilet assistants and waiters tend to get LE1 (£0.10) or more, and porters and chambermaids from LE5 to 10 (£0.50 to £1). Visitors cruising on the Nile will have a tip suggested to them for the whole trip, such as £4 per night (LE40).
Getting an Egyptian Guide
An Egyptian guide is useful even on a short stay, and can be booked through one’s travel agent or hotel. These guides are qualified Egyptologists, well-versed in Egyptian history. The guide usually organizes trips to ancient sites and shopping trips to the perfumeries and papyrus painting galleries. They explain what to look out for, such as when buying a gold Kartouche (Egyptian hieroglyphic pendant).
Visiting the Saqqara Pyramid
Saqqara Pyramid (Step Pyramid) was built by Pharaoh Djoser more than 3,000 years ago, when Memphis was Egypt’s capital. Djoser asked Imhotep the architect to build him a tall structure over his tomb, to stand out from previous Pharaohs’ box-shaped tombs. Imhotep found the pyramid shape most enduring and constructed the pyramid in steps.
It is a historically beautiful site, but visitors must not let their guard down! Sellers are particularly aggressive at Pyramid sites. An aggressive vendor could carry a tourist onto a donkey, and expect to be paid! Generally vendors start being friendly by asking questions like: “Where do you come from?” but once the traveler’s attention is gained, they move in quickly. Fending off vendors is a necessary skill when travelling in Egypt.
Saqqara Oriental Carpet School Excursion
Carpet making schools help children from poor families gain a living. Students spend months on oriental carpets, painstakingly knotting or weaving wool or silk. It is amazing to watch, as most children work with carpet designs learned by heart! A good design Saqqara carpet, such as with the Judgment Day or Tree of Life picture, costs from about LE750 and makes a beautiful item in the house.
Giza Pyramids & Great Sphinx
Giza pyramids and Great Sphinx are set in the desert on postcards, but in reality they lie in urban landscape! The Great Pyramid (Pyramid of Khufu, or Cheops) is most renowned, though the second pyramid looks large, being on a hill. The smooth outer casing has fallen away, revealing the Pyramids’ underlying structure. Guests choosing to stay at a Giza hotel may be able to see the Pyramids from their window!
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