One of the perks of working internationally is my ability to take vacations in exotic locations. I took advantage of three nights away by flying to Cairo.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly:
My day-trip to the pyramids and sphinx were unforgettable. These colossal structures are even bigger when you stand next to them and the 360 degree perspective changes with every change in degree. The Bad: I booked my tour with a guide and when she realized that I was an unmarried expat, she had someone bring her daughter to come with us and arranged for us to have dinner. When I politely refused she increased the pressure and I ended up getting out of the car at a busy intersection just to escape). The Ugly: Everywhere I went in Cairo, I was surrounded by scam artists and high-pressure hustlers. There wasn't a street corner, taxi cab or shop that was safe and it got old really quick. Taxi's from and to the airport were controlled by what seemed like an Egyptian Mafia and both ways, half way to my destination, I was told I had to pay more. I told them to pull over and let me out but of course they didn't do that and we had serious arguments....
I enjoyed a Nile River Dinner Cruise on a wooden boat. All good; even the belly dancers.
I stayed at the famous landmark hotel The Intercontinental in the old part of town near the banks of the River Nile. (Typically I enjoy wooden boats in my travels) but having learned what I learned about being hustled so severely in this area, I understand I would have done better to have stayed
on Gezira Island, where the hotels cost more but the tourists are hassled less.
