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#21
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They will do this no matter what am I buying!? I mean, they won't order
tea if I'm buying souvenirs worth just 10 dollars? HERE IS THE TRICK TO BARGAINING. SEE SOMETHING YOU LIKE.. PICK IT UP LOOK AT IT. PUT IT DOWN WALK AWAY.. THE SELLER WILL OFFER AN OUTRAGEOUS PRICE. WALK BACK TO WHAT YOU WANT, PICK IT UP AND SAY "$$$ FOR THIS??--I WOULDN'T PAY $$$ (1/4 PRICE OR LESS) PUT IT DOWN, START TO WALK AWAY, IF THE SELLER DOESN'T OFFER YOU ANOTHER PRICE JUST KEEP WALKING AND FIND SOMEONE ELSE WHO SELLS THE SAME THING (YOU NOW KNOW THE PRICE OF WHAT IT SHOULD BE APPROXIMATELY) BARGAINING IS AN ART, IT CAN TAKE 5 MIN, IT CAN TAKE DAYS! THE MORE DRAMATIC (IN A FUNNY WAY YOU ARE THE BETTER THE BARGAIN) I BOUGHT THIS BEAUTIFUL CARVED WOODEN CHAIR IN HAITI FOR $25usd IT TOOK ME 2 DAYS TO GET THE PRICE DOWN FROM $250!! IN MALI IT TOOK AROUND 2HRS TO BUY A MUDPRINT CLOTH... HAD TO HAVE TEA, ASKED ABOUT THE SELLERS FAMILY, AILS, FRIENDS, ETC.. AND SHE ASKED ALL ABOUT MINE. THEN STARTED TO BARGAIN. Wait... Do I pronounce this LA infront of No Shukran or it's just No Shukran? NO=LA THANKS=SHUKRAN LA SHUKRAN=NO THANKS. O.k. Just what is a common bowl? Plate?! Dish?....IT'S A UTENSIL YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER PEOPLE WHEN EATING This about shaking hamds with your left hand is inpolite everywhere in the world. This I know.MOSTLY IN THE MUSLIM WORLD CAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE TOILET PAPER TO WIPE THIER BUTTS.. OH YEA BRING TOILET PAPER WITH YOU, SAVE NAPKINS IN A RESTAURANT ETC.. TOILETS ARE MOSTLY SQUAT. What is Sheesha? WATER BONG TO SMOKE What is PT, ant what is LE? LE IS POUND PT IS PIASTERS(SP) So it's fresh, then? ) VERY O.k. Good to know this. I usually tend not to trust people who try to "drag" you off the main street....MOSTLY THE TOUTS ARE AROUND THE MAJOR ATTRACTIONS. ONE GUY INSISTED WE FOLLOW HIM INTO A TOMB OF SORTS, WE WERE WEARY OF COURSE HE HAD A FLASHLIGHT WITH HIM AND WE WENT INTO THIS TUNNEL AND HE SHOWED US A HIEROGLYPHIC WITH SPECTACTULAR COLOR, A RARITY IN THOSE EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS. PAID THE GUY A FEW PIASTERS (MADE HIM VERY UPSET) GAVE HIM A LE AND HE WAS MORE HAPPY. By interesting expirience, you mean something positive, right? Like interesting shops and stuff? MOST OF THE TIME. O.k. Good to know. Can I get something if I drink (I know it's bad) local water? HEP A B C, CHOLERA, DIPTHIRIA.MMM JUST ABOUT ANYTHING THAT YOUR NOT IMMUNE TOO. I WENT SWIMMING IN THE NILE AND LOST MY VOICE FOR 3 DAYS!! JUST SAY NO TO ICE CUBES TOO. How do I know if the food I buy in the bazaar is cooked, boiled.....? WELL, RICE--BOILED, SOME STUFF DEEPFRIED, MEAT THAT'S NOT BLOODY ETC.. OH YEA, STAY AWAY FROM UNCOOKED VEGIES ALSO LIKE TOMATOES, LETTUCE.. PROBABLY WASHED IN LOCAL WATER. I CAN SAY THIS, IF YOUR GOING TO BE STAYING FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, INTRODUCE THE WATER TO YOUR SYSTEM SLOWLY, LIKE, BRUSH YOU TEETH AND RINSE(DON'T SWALLOW) WITH THE WATER DON'T HAVE CUPFULS OF THE STUFF THOUGH IT'S LIKE SYSTEM OVERLOAD WITH FOREIGN BACTERIA. So I should leave my suspicion that everyone will try to rip me off at home? NO, USE YOUR COMMON SENSE, GET A FEEL FOR THINGS BEFORE YOU JUMP INTO SOMETHING. EVERYONE WANTS TO MAKE A BUCK AND THEY ARE JUST LOOKING FOR THAT NAIVE PERSON TO GET IT. Did you give her this the first day when you came to the hotel? I ACTUALLY WANTED MY CLOTHES WASHED IN A WASHING MACHINE, NOT BY HAND. THE HOTEL CHARGES ARE EXPENSIVE SO I ASKED THE MAID, SHE SAID YES BUT THEY HAD TO BE AIR DRYED AND THAT I COULDN'T SAY ANYTHING TO ANYONE. AFTER I GOT ALL MY CLOTHES BACK, I GAVE HER THE $. -- "When one realizes that life is worthless he either commits suicide or travels. ~ Edward Dahlberg LIFE IS AN ATTITUDE! http://www.globosapiens.net/ta-shy "Big_B" wrote in message ... "Tashi" wrote in message news:nCf2e.842003$6l.78146@pd7tw2no... Good health and high spirits! some info for you. $1.00 US = approx 5.8 Egp Everything in Egypt is cheap comparitively.. you can buy cheap souvieners or expensive ones the trick is to Bargain....and bargain well. Don't haggle over a dollar though, keep in mind these people make hardly a thing. general rule.. if they say for example: $300 for something it is usually good to start the price at like $75 or so.. usually 1/3-1/4 of what they are asking. Wow?! 1/4 od a price! Good. This I will remember. (keep in mind, the mashed beans they serve for lunch, dinner *foul madas* is usually a breakfast dish for Egyptians). Oh.... I think I'll pass on beans for breakfast. --many shop keepers will order tea for you and talk for awhile before you strike up a bargain. They will do this no matter what am I buying!? I mean, they won't order tea if I'm buying souvenirs worth just 10 dollars? LEARN THESE WORDS: LA=NO SHUKRAN=THANK YOU Wait... Do I pronounce this LA infront of No Shukran or it's just No Shukran? NEVER SHAKE OR EAT OUT OF A COMMON BOWL WITH YOUR LEFT HAND. O.k. Just what is a common bowl? Plate?! Dish?.... This about shaking hamds with your left hand is inpolite everywhere in the world. This I know. These were some of the prices when I was there. However you should look to see if these attractions are covered in your tour. Usually they are. Yeah. I have very similar attractions list on my tour. I stayed at the Pharaohs Hotel CAIRO Citadel Of Salah Al-Din--20LE The Egyptian Museum--20LE The Royal Mummies Hall--40LE The Cairo Tower--30LE Scarabee Papyrus (where they sell Papyrus paper) Can be pricey.. I bought around 5 pcs at a price of 138 LE (these prices are set) The Third Pyramid, Giza--10LE Giza Pyramids--20LE Well, thease prices seem reasonable. ASWAN Train to Aswan from Cairo. 14HRS 69LE. checked out the market, the dam and just hung out for a couple of days exploring. ASWAN sells the cheapest Sheesha's. 14 hours!? Than God for sleeping carts. ) What is Sheesha? TAKE THE TIME AND THE $ TO FLY TO ABU SIMBLE.. WORTH IT. At that time it was I think about $100 to fly there. 200 PT. for local fees 400 PT for Guide fees at Abu Simble temple 30LE Abu Simbel Two Temples What is PT, ant what is LE? I thought LE was Egyptian pound, but now.... Stayed at the WINDSOR HOTEL in Luxor. Eat at local places, try the pigeon--usually in a cage as soon as you enter the restaurant. So it's fresh, then? ) (Many *touts will be around to show you things.. if you follow one do pay them a dollar or something.. that is usually how they make their $) They are not out to rob you. O.k. Good to know this. I usually tend not to trust people who try to "drag" you off the main street.... To go to Hurghada you have to go by Convo... No ship route cause it's through the desert. Hurghada is a huge tourist area so expect to pay more, there are many clubs and restaurants etc.. take the time to go on a side trip into the eastern desert. while there find a unique store called the MEYA MEYA. It is the only place I found that sells nice unique souviners that are not the typical tourist trash souvieners. The owner of the store is called Sam very nice guy.. O.k. So a trip to east sahara, meya meya store... I know we have an option to go to east sahara so I will defenetly use this option. Don't be fooled by people who *lead you to someones store, sometimes the store can be good.. these people get commisions to get people to the store... can be an interesting experience. By interesting expirience, you mean something positive, right? Like interesting shops and stuff? In restaurants/souks... Make sure that YOU break the seal on the water bottle... refuse it if it is already opened.. they like to refill the bottle with local water in some places. O.k. Good to know. Can I get something if I drink (I know it's bad) local water? When ordering food you can look at what someone else is eating and say "I want that".. That is very uneuropean, but I'll try it.... http://touregypt.net/recipes/ Thanks for the link. Very useful. Do try foods at markets and bazaars.. just use your common sense, if the guy who is handling your food is picking his nose or has very bad hygiene skip O.k. it.. make sure though that ALL food is throughly cooked, boiled. How do I know if the food I buy in the bazaar is cooked, boiled.....? Oranges, bananas, mangos good choices.. nuts, cheese, figs etc. also good. O.k. So Fruits that can be peeled off are all o.k., everything else try to skip. most of all relax and have fun, explore and don't take things too seriously... realize that these people are all trying to make a living, not to rip you off.. well not always!! Tourism is the leading job for most and some people are degraded to handing out toilet paper to tourists as a job!! So I should leave my suspicion that everyone will try to rip me off at home? If you want superior service in hotels.. tip your cleaning person generously.. I gave her $10 for 3days and I got my clothes washed, dryed ironed, chocolates, flowers, fancy towels all made up in the shapes of animals and shells. Impressive! All this for 10 dollars! Did you give her this the first day when you came to the hotel? Also,, tip the Person you want to tip IN PERSON Don't give the $ to the manager or someone... the person who you want to get the $ won't get it usually. O.k. I'll try to remember all this. Thanks a lot for this post(s). You have been extreamlly helpfull. |
#22
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They will do this no matter what am I buying!? I mean, they won't order
tea if I'm buying souvenirs worth just 10 dollars? HERE IS THE TRICK TO BARGAINING. SEE SOMETHING YOU LIKE.. PICK IT UP LOOK AT IT. PUT IT DOWN WALK AWAY.. THE SELLER WILL OFFER AN OUTRAGEOUS PRICE. WALK BACK TO WHAT YOU WANT, PICK IT UP AND SAY "$$$ FOR THIS??--I WOULDN'T PAY $$$ (1/4 PRICE OR LESS) PUT IT DOWN, START TO WALK AWAY, IF THE SELLER DOESN'T OFFER YOU ANOTHER PRICE JUST KEEP WALKING AND FIND SOMEONE ELSE WHO SELLS THE SAME THING (YOU NOW KNOW THE PRICE OF WHAT IT SHOULD BE APPROXIMATELY) BARGAINING IS AN ART, IT CAN TAKE 5 MIN, IT CAN TAKE DAYS! THE MORE DRAMATIC (IN A FUNNY WAY YOU ARE THE BETTER THE BARGAIN) I BOUGHT THIS BEAUTIFUL CARVED WOODEN CHAIR IN HAITI FOR $25usd IT TOOK ME 2 DAYS TO GET THE PRICE DOWN FROM $250!! IN MALI IT TOOK AROUND 2HRS TO BUY A MUDPRINT CLOTH... HAD TO HAVE TEA, ASKED ABOUT THE SELLERS FAMILY, AILS, FRIENDS, ETC.. AND SHE ASKED ALL ABOUT MINE. THEN STARTED TO BARGAIN. Wait... Do I pronounce this LA infront of No Shukran or it's just No Shukran? NO=LA THANKS=SHUKRAN LA SHUKRAN=NO THANKS. O.k. Just what is a common bowl? Plate?! Dish?....IT'S A UTENSIL YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER PEOPLE WHEN EATING This about shaking hamds with your left hand is inpolite everywhere in the world. This I know.MOSTLY IN THE MUSLIM WORLD CAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE TOILET PAPER TO WIPE THIER BUTTS.. OH YEA BRING TOILET PAPER WITH YOU, SAVE NAPKINS IN A RESTAURANT ETC.. TOILETS ARE MOSTLY SQUAT. What is Sheesha? WATER BONG TO SMOKE What is PT, ant what is LE? LE IS POUND PT IS PIASTERS(SP) So it's fresh, then? ) VERY O.k. Good to know this. I usually tend not to trust people who try to "drag" you off the main street....MOSTLY THE TOUTS ARE AROUND THE MAJOR ATTRACTIONS. ONE GUY INSISTED WE FOLLOW HIM INTO A TOMB OF SORTS, WE WERE WEARY OF COURSE HE HAD A FLASHLIGHT WITH HIM AND WE WENT INTO THIS TUNNEL AND HE SHOWED US A HIEROGLYPHIC WITH SPECTACTULAR COLOR, A RARITY IN THOSE EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS. PAID THE GUY A FEW PIASTERS (MADE HIM VERY UPSET) GAVE HIM A LE AND HE WAS MORE HAPPY. By interesting expirience, you mean something positive, right? Like interesting shops and stuff? MOST OF THE TIME. O.k. Good to know. Can I get something if I drink (I know it's bad) local water? HEP A B C, CHOLERA, DIPTHIRIA.MMM JUST ABOUT ANYTHING THAT YOUR NOT IMMUNE TOO. I WENT SWIMMING IN THE NILE AND LOST MY VOICE FOR 3 DAYS!! JUST SAY NO TO ICE CUBES TOO. How do I know if the food I buy in the bazaar is cooked, boiled.....? WELL, RICE--BOILED, SOME STUFF DEEPFRIED, MEAT THAT'S NOT BLOODY ETC.. OH YEA, STAY AWAY FROM UNCOOKED VEGIES ALSO LIKE TOMATOES, LETTUCE.. PROBABLY WASHED IN LOCAL WATER. I CAN SAY THIS, IF YOUR GOING TO BE STAYING FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, INTRODUCE THE WATER TO YOUR SYSTEM SLOWLY, LIKE, BRUSH YOU TEETH AND RINSE(DON'T SWALLOW) WITH THE WATER DON'T HAVE CUPFULS OF THE STUFF THOUGH IT'S LIKE SYSTEM OVERLOAD WITH FOREIGN BACTERIA. So I should leave my suspicion that everyone will try to rip me off at home? NO, USE YOUR COMMON SENSE, GET A FEEL FOR THINGS BEFORE YOU JUMP INTO SOMETHING. EVERYONE WANTS TO MAKE A BUCK AND THEY ARE JUST LOOKING FOR THAT NAIVE PERSON TO GET IT. Did you give her this the first day when you came to the hotel? I ACTUALLY WANTED MY CLOTHES WASHED IN A WASHING MACHINE, NOT BY HAND. THE HOTEL CHARGES ARE EXPENSIVE SO I ASKED THE MAID, SHE SAID YES BUT THEY HAD TO BE AIR DRYED AND THAT I COULDN'T SAY ANYTHING TO ANYONE. AFTER I GOT ALL MY CLOTHES BACK, I GAVE HER THE $. -- "When one realizes that life is worthless he either commits suicide or travels. ~ Edward Dahlberg LIFE IS AN ATTITUDE! http://www.globosapiens.net/ta-shy "Big_B" wrote in message ... "Tashi" wrote in message news:nCf2e.842003$6l.78146@pd7tw2no... Good health and high spirits! some info for you. $1.00 US = approx 5.8 Egp Everything in Egypt is cheap comparitively.. you can buy cheap souvieners or expensive ones the trick is to Bargain....and bargain well. Don't haggle over a dollar though, keep in mind these people make hardly a thing. general rule.. if they say for example: $300 for something it is usually good to start the price at like $75 or so.. usually 1/3-1/4 of what they are asking. Wow?! 1/4 od a price! Good. This I will remember. (keep in mind, the mashed beans they serve for lunch, dinner *foul madas* is usually a breakfast dish for Egyptians). Oh.... I think I'll pass on beans for breakfast. --many shop keepers will order tea for you and talk for awhile before you strike up a bargain. They will do this no matter what am I buying!? I mean, they won't order tea if I'm buying souvenirs worth just 10 dollars? LEARN THESE WORDS: LA=NO SHUKRAN=THANK YOU Wait... Do I pronounce this LA infront of No Shukran or it's just No Shukran? NEVER SHAKE OR EAT OUT OF A COMMON BOWL WITH YOUR LEFT HAND. O.k. Just what is a common bowl? Plate?! Dish?.... This about shaking hamds with your left hand is inpolite everywhere in the world. This I know. These were some of the prices when I was there. However you should look to see if these attractions are covered in your tour. Usually they are. Yeah. I have very similar attractions list on my tour. I stayed at the Pharaohs Hotel CAIRO Citadel Of Salah Al-Din--20LE The Egyptian Museum--20LE The Royal Mummies Hall--40LE The Cairo Tower--30LE Scarabee Papyrus (where they sell Papyrus paper) Can be pricey.. I bought around 5 pcs at a price of 138 LE (these prices are set) The Third Pyramid, Giza--10LE Giza Pyramids--20LE Well, thease prices seem reasonable. ASWAN Train to Aswan from Cairo. 14HRS 69LE. checked out the market, the dam and just hung out for a couple of days exploring. ASWAN sells the cheapest Sheesha's. 14 hours!? Than God for sleeping carts. ) What is Sheesha? TAKE THE TIME AND THE $ TO FLY TO ABU SIMBLE.. WORTH IT. At that time it was I think about $100 to fly there. 200 PT. for local fees 400 PT for Guide fees at Abu Simble temple 30LE Abu Simbel Two Temples What is PT, ant what is LE? I thought LE was Egyptian pound, but now.... Stayed at the WINDSOR HOTEL in Luxor. Eat at local places, try the pigeon--usually in a cage as soon as you enter the restaurant. So it's fresh, then? ) (Many *touts will be around to show you things.. if you follow one do pay them a dollar or something.. that is usually how they make their $) They are not out to rob you. O.k. Good to know this. I usually tend not to trust people who try to "drag" you off the main street.... To go to Hurghada you have to go by Convo... No ship route cause it's through the desert. Hurghada is a huge tourist area so expect to pay more, there are many clubs and restaurants etc.. take the time to go on a side trip into the eastern desert. while there find a unique store called the MEYA MEYA. It is the only place I found that sells nice unique souviners that are not the typical tourist trash souvieners. The owner of the store is called Sam very nice guy.. O.k. So a trip to east sahara, meya meya store... I know we have an option to go to east sahara so I will defenetly use this option. Don't be fooled by people who *lead you to someones store, sometimes the store can be good.. these people get commisions to get people to the store... can be an interesting experience. By interesting expirience, you mean something positive, right? Like interesting shops and stuff? In restaurants/souks... Make sure that YOU break the seal on the water bottle... refuse it if it is already opened.. they like to refill the bottle with local water in some places. O.k. Good to know. Can I get something if I drink (I know it's bad) local water? When ordering food you can look at what someone else is eating and say "I want that".. That is very uneuropean, but I'll try it.... http://touregypt.net/recipes/ Thanks for the link. Very useful. Do try foods at markets and bazaars.. just use your common sense, if the guy who is handling your food is picking his nose or has very bad hygiene skip O.k. it.. make sure though that ALL food is throughly cooked, boiled. How do I know if the food I buy in the bazaar is cooked, boiled.....? Oranges, bananas, mangos good choices.. nuts, cheese, figs etc. also good. O.k. So Fruits that can be peeled off are all o.k., everything else try to skip. most of all relax and have fun, explore and don't take things too seriously... realize that these people are all trying to make a living, not to rip you off.. well not always!! Tourism is the leading job for most and some people are degraded to handing out toilet paper to tourists as a job!! So I should leave my suspicion that everyone will try to rip me off at home? If you want superior service in hotels.. tip your cleaning person generously.. I gave her $10 for 3days and I got my clothes washed, dryed ironed, chocolates, flowers, fancy towels all made up in the shapes of animals and shells. Impressive! All this for 10 dollars! Did you give her this the first day when you came to the hotel? Also,, tip the Person you want to tip IN PERSON Don't give the $ to the manager or someone... the person who you want to get the $ won't get it usually. O.k. I'll try to remember all this. Thanks a lot for this post(s). You have been extreamlly helpfull. |
#23
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They will do this no matter what am I buying!? I mean, they won't order
tea if I'm buying souvenirs worth just 10 dollars? HERE IS THE TRICK TO BARGAINING. SEE SOMETHING YOU LIKE.. PICK IT UP LOOK AT IT. PUT IT DOWN WALK AWAY.. THE SELLER WILL OFFER AN OUTRAGEOUS PRICE. WALK BACK TO WHAT YOU WANT, PICK IT UP AND SAY "$$$ FOR THIS??--I WOULDN'T PAY $$$ (1/4 PRICE OR LESS) PUT IT DOWN, START TO WALK AWAY, IF THE SELLER DOESN'T OFFER YOU ANOTHER PRICE JUST KEEP WALKING AND FIND SOMEONE ELSE WHO SELLS THE SAME THING (YOU NOW KNOW THE PRICE OF WHAT IT SHOULD BE APPROXIMATELY) BARGAINING IS AN ART, IT CAN TAKE 5 MIN, IT CAN TAKE DAYS! THE MORE DRAMATIC (IN A FUNNY WAY YOU ARE THE BETTER THE BARGAIN) I BOUGHT THIS BEAUTIFUL CARVED WOODEN CHAIR IN HAITI FOR $25usd IT TOOK ME 2 DAYS TO GET THE PRICE DOWN FROM $250!! IN MALI IT TOOK AROUND 2HRS TO BUY A MUDPRINT CLOTH... HAD TO HAVE TEA, ASKED ABOUT THE SELLERS FAMILY, AILS, FRIENDS, ETC.. AND SHE ASKED ALL ABOUT MINE. THEN STARTED TO BARGAIN. Wait... Do I pronounce this LA infront of No Shukran or it's just No Shukran? NO=LA THANKS=SHUKRAN LA SHUKRAN=NO THANKS. O.k. Just what is a common bowl? Plate?! Dish?....IT'S A UTENSIL YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER PEOPLE WHEN EATING This about shaking hamds with your left hand is inpolite everywhere in the world. This I know.MOSTLY IN THE MUSLIM WORLD CAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE TOILET PAPER TO WIPE THIER BUTTS.. OH YEA BRING TOILET PAPER WITH YOU, SAVE NAPKINS IN A RESTAURANT ETC.. TOILETS ARE MOSTLY SQUAT. What is Sheesha? WATER BONG TO SMOKE What is PT, ant what is LE? LE IS POUND PT IS PIASTERS(SP) So it's fresh, then? ) VERY O.k. Good to know this. I usually tend not to trust people who try to "drag" you off the main street....MOSTLY THE TOUTS ARE AROUND THE MAJOR ATTRACTIONS. ONE GUY INSISTED WE FOLLOW HIM INTO A TOMB OF SORTS, WE WERE WEARY OF COURSE HE HAD A FLASHLIGHT WITH HIM AND WE WENT INTO THIS TUNNEL AND HE SHOWED US A HIEROGLYPHIC WITH SPECTACTULAR COLOR, A RARITY IN THOSE EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS. PAID THE GUY A FEW PIASTERS (MADE HIM VERY UPSET) GAVE HIM A LE AND HE WAS MORE HAPPY. By interesting expirience, you mean something positive, right? Like interesting shops and stuff? MOST OF THE TIME. O.k. Good to know. Can I get something if I drink (I know it's bad) local water? HEP A B C, CHOLERA, DIPTHIRIA.MMM JUST ABOUT ANYTHING THAT YOUR NOT IMMUNE TOO. I WENT SWIMMING IN THE NILE AND LOST MY VOICE FOR 3 DAYS!! JUST SAY NO TO ICE CUBES TOO. How do I know if the food I buy in the bazaar is cooked, boiled.....? WELL, RICE--BOILED, SOME STUFF DEEPFRIED, MEAT THAT'S NOT BLOODY ETC.. OH YEA, STAY AWAY FROM UNCOOKED VEGIES ALSO LIKE TOMATOES, LETTUCE.. PROBABLY WASHED IN LOCAL WATER. I CAN SAY THIS, IF YOUR GOING TO BE STAYING FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, INTRODUCE THE WATER TO YOUR SYSTEM SLOWLY, LIKE, BRUSH YOU TEETH AND RINSE(DON'T SWALLOW) WITH THE WATER DON'T HAVE CUPFULS OF THE STUFF THOUGH IT'S LIKE SYSTEM OVERLOAD WITH FOREIGN BACTERIA. So I should leave my suspicion that everyone will try to rip me off at home? NO, USE YOUR COMMON SENSE, GET A FEEL FOR THINGS BEFORE YOU JUMP INTO SOMETHING. EVERYONE WANTS TO MAKE A BUCK AND THEY ARE JUST LOOKING FOR THAT NAIVE PERSON TO GET IT. Did you give her this the first day when you came to the hotel? I ACTUALLY WANTED MY CLOTHES WASHED IN A WASHING MACHINE, NOT BY HAND. THE HOTEL CHARGES ARE EXPENSIVE SO I ASKED THE MAID, SHE SAID YES BUT THEY HAD TO BE AIR DRYED AND THAT I COULDN'T SAY ANYTHING TO ANYONE. AFTER I GOT ALL MY CLOTHES BACK, I GAVE HER THE $. -- "When one realizes that life is worthless he either commits suicide or travels. ~ Edward Dahlberg LIFE IS AN ATTITUDE! http://www.globosapiens.net/ta-shy "Big_B" wrote in message ... "Tashi" wrote in message news:nCf2e.842003$6l.78146@pd7tw2no... Good health and high spirits! some info for you. $1.00 US = approx 5.8 Egp Everything in Egypt is cheap comparitively.. you can buy cheap souvieners or expensive ones the trick is to Bargain....and bargain well. Don't haggle over a dollar though, keep in mind these people make hardly a thing. general rule.. if they say for example: $300 for something it is usually good to start the price at like $75 or so.. usually 1/3-1/4 of what they are asking. Wow?! 1/4 od a price! Good. This I will remember. (keep in mind, the mashed beans they serve for lunch, dinner *foul madas* is usually a breakfast dish for Egyptians). Oh.... I think I'll pass on beans for breakfast. --many shop keepers will order tea for you and talk for awhile before you strike up a bargain. They will do this no matter what am I buying!? I mean, they won't order tea if I'm buying souvenirs worth just 10 dollars? LEARN THESE WORDS: LA=NO SHUKRAN=THANK YOU Wait... Do I pronounce this LA infront of No Shukran or it's just No Shukran? NEVER SHAKE OR EAT OUT OF A COMMON BOWL WITH YOUR LEFT HAND. O.k. Just what is a common bowl? Plate?! Dish?.... This about shaking hamds with your left hand is inpolite everywhere in the world. This I know. These were some of the prices when I was there. However you should look to see if these attractions are covered in your tour. Usually they are. Yeah. I have very similar attractions list on my tour. I stayed at the Pharaohs Hotel CAIRO Citadel Of Salah Al-Din--20LE The Egyptian Museum--20LE The Royal Mummies Hall--40LE The Cairo Tower--30LE Scarabee Papyrus (where they sell Papyrus paper) Can be pricey.. I bought around 5 pcs at a price of 138 LE (these prices are set) The Third Pyramid, Giza--10LE Giza Pyramids--20LE Well, thease prices seem reasonable. ASWAN Train to Aswan from Cairo. 14HRS 69LE. checked out the market, the dam and just hung out for a couple of days exploring. ASWAN sells the cheapest Sheesha's. 14 hours!? Than God for sleeping carts. ) What is Sheesha? TAKE THE TIME AND THE $ TO FLY TO ABU SIMBLE.. WORTH IT. At that time it was I think about $100 to fly there. 200 PT. for local fees 400 PT for Guide fees at Abu Simble temple 30LE Abu Simbel Two Temples What is PT, ant what is LE? I thought LE was Egyptian pound, but now.... Stayed at the WINDSOR HOTEL in Luxor. Eat at local places, try the pigeon--usually in a cage as soon as you enter the restaurant. So it's fresh, then? ) (Many *touts will be around to show you things.. if you follow one do pay them a dollar or something.. that is usually how they make their $) They are not out to rob you. O.k. Good to know this. I usually tend not to trust people who try to "drag" you off the main street.... To go to Hurghada you have to go by Convo... No ship route cause it's through the desert. Hurghada is a huge tourist area so expect to pay more, there are many clubs and restaurants etc.. take the time to go on a side trip into the eastern desert. while there find a unique store called the MEYA MEYA. It is the only place I found that sells nice unique souviners that are not the typical tourist trash souvieners. The owner of the store is called Sam very nice guy.. O.k. So a trip to east sahara, meya meya store... I know we have an option to go to east sahara so I will defenetly use this option. Don't be fooled by people who *lead you to someones store, sometimes the store can be good.. these people get commisions to get people to the store... can be an interesting experience. By interesting expirience, you mean something positive, right? Like interesting shops and stuff? In restaurants/souks... Make sure that YOU break the seal on the water bottle... refuse it if it is already opened.. they like to refill the bottle with local water in some places. O.k. Good to know. Can I get something if I drink (I know it's bad) local water? When ordering food you can look at what someone else is eating and say "I want that".. That is very uneuropean, but I'll try it.... http://touregypt.net/recipes/ Thanks for the link. Very useful. Do try foods at markets and bazaars.. just use your common sense, if the guy who is handling your food is picking his nose or has very bad hygiene skip O.k. it.. make sure though that ALL food is throughly cooked, boiled. How do I know if the food I buy in the bazaar is cooked, boiled.....? Oranges, bananas, mangos good choices.. nuts, cheese, figs etc. also good. O.k. So Fruits that can be peeled off are all o.k., everything else try to skip. most of all relax and have fun, explore and don't take things too seriously... realize that these people are all trying to make a living, not to rip you off.. well not always!! Tourism is the leading job for most and some people are degraded to handing out toilet paper to tourists as a job!! So I should leave my suspicion that everyone will try to rip me off at home? If you want superior service in hotels.. tip your cleaning person generously.. I gave her $10 for 3days and I got my clothes washed, dryed ironed, chocolates, flowers, fancy towels all made up in the shapes of animals and shells. Impressive! All this for 10 dollars! Did you give her this the first day when you came to the hotel? Also,, tip the Person you want to tip IN PERSON Don't give the $ to the manager or someone... the person who you want to get the $ won't get it usually. O.k. I'll try to remember all this. Thanks a lot for this post(s). You have been extreamlly helpfull. |
#24
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On Wed, 30 Mar 2005 20:31:08 GMT, Tashi wrote:
HERE IS THE TRICK TO BARGAINING. SEE SOMETHING YOU LIKE.. PICK IT UP LOOK AT IT. PUT IT DOWN WALK AWAY.. THE SELLER WILL OFFER AN OUTRAGEOUS PRICE. WALK BACK TO WHAT YOU WANT, PICK IT UP AND SAY "$$$ FOR THIS??--I WOULDN'T PAY $$$ (1/4 PRICE OR LESS) PUT IT DOWN, START TO WALK AWAY, IF THE SELLER DOESN'T OFFER YOU ANOTHER PRICE JUST KEEP WALKING AND FIND SOMEONE ELSE WHO SELLS THE SAME THING (YOU NOW KNOW THE PRICE OF WHAT IT SHOULD BE APPROXIMATELY) BARGAINING IS AN ART, IT CAN TAKE 5 MIN, IT CAN TAKE DAYS! Oh, this I will have to try! Could be fun. THE MORE DRAMATIC (IN A FUNNY WAY YOU ARE THE BETTER THE BARGAIN) I BOUGHT THIS BEAUTIFUL CARVED WOODEN CHAIR IN HAITI FOR $25usd IT TOOK ME 2 DAYS TO GET THE PRICE DOWN FROM $250!! Wow! Now this is good business. IN MALI IT TOOK AROUND 2HRS TO BUY A MUDPRINT CLOTH... HAD TO HAVE TEA, ASKED ABOUT THE SELLERS FAMILY, AILS, FRIENDS, ETC.. AND SHE ASKED ALL ABOUT MINE. THEN STARTED TO BARGAIN. And this bargain went the same like the above? They gave you an outrageous price, then you cut it for 2/3.....? NO=LA THANKS=SHUKRAN LA SHUKRAN=NO THANKS. Ok. Now I got it. OH YEA BRING TOILET PAPER WITH YOU, SAVE NAPKINS IN A RESTAURANT ETC.. TOILETS ARE MOSTLY SQUAT. So if I go into a toilette in a bar in Cairo I shouldn't hope for toilette paper? Oh.... PAID THE GUY A FEW PIASTERS (MADE HIM VERY UPSET) GAVE HIM A LE AND HE WAS MORE HAPPY. So piasters are to a le like cent to a dollar? 100 piasters = 1 Le So if I tip people one Le that is enough? It isn't stingy? HEP A B C, CHOLERA, DIPTHIRIA.MMM JUST ABOUT ANYTHING THAT YOUR NOT IMMUNE TOO. Thanks. This just made me feel better. I WENT SWIMMING IN THE NILE AND LOST MY VOICE FOR 3 DAYS!! JUST SAY NO TO ICE CUBES TOO. Why did you lose your voice? You drank the water....? So, no to ice, also. That goes for any ice? In the hotels, also? WELL, RICE--BOILED, SOME STUFF DEEPFRIED, MEAT THAT'S NOT BLOODY ETC.. OH YEA, STAY AWAY FROM UNCOOKED VEGIES ALSO LIKE TOMATOES, LETTUCE.. Damn. I love tomatoes. But then again, I also love rice. Oh well, I gues rice it is then.... PROBABLY WASHED IN LOCAL WATER. I CAN SAY THIS, IF YOUR GOING TO BE STAYING FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, INTRODUCE THE WATER TO YOUR SYSTEM SLOWLY, LIKE, BRUSH YOU TEETH AND RINSE(DON'T SWALLOW) WITH THE WATER DON'T HAVE CUPFULS OF THE STUFF THOUGH IT'S LIKE SYSTEM OVERLOAD WITH FOREIGN BACTERIA. Why would anyone swallow watter when washing your teeth?! Luckully I never do this. I ACTUALLY WANTED MY CLOTHES WASHED IN A WASHING MACHINE, NOT BY HAND. THE HOTEL CHARGES ARE EXPENSIVE SO I ASKED THE MAID, SHE SAID YES BUT THEY HAD TO BE AIR DRYED AND THAT I COULDN'T SAY ANYTHING TO ANYONE. AFTER I GOT ALL MY CLOTHES BACK, I GAVE HER THE $. Well, this sound very fair. But I don't think I will need to wash any clothes. Although, I do like to travel light.... ) |
#25
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On Wed, 30 Mar 2005 20:31:08 GMT, Tashi wrote:
HERE IS THE TRICK TO BARGAINING. SEE SOMETHING YOU LIKE.. PICK IT UP LOOK AT IT. PUT IT DOWN WALK AWAY.. THE SELLER WILL OFFER AN OUTRAGEOUS PRICE. WALK BACK TO WHAT YOU WANT, PICK IT UP AND SAY "$$$ FOR THIS??--I WOULDN'T PAY $$$ (1/4 PRICE OR LESS) PUT IT DOWN, START TO WALK AWAY, IF THE SELLER DOESN'T OFFER YOU ANOTHER PRICE JUST KEEP WALKING AND FIND SOMEONE ELSE WHO SELLS THE SAME THING (YOU NOW KNOW THE PRICE OF WHAT IT SHOULD BE APPROXIMATELY) BARGAINING IS AN ART, IT CAN TAKE 5 MIN, IT CAN TAKE DAYS! Oh, this I will have to try! Could be fun. THE MORE DRAMATIC (IN A FUNNY WAY YOU ARE THE BETTER THE BARGAIN) I BOUGHT THIS BEAUTIFUL CARVED WOODEN CHAIR IN HAITI FOR $25usd IT TOOK ME 2 DAYS TO GET THE PRICE DOWN FROM $250!! Wow! Now this is good business. IN MALI IT TOOK AROUND 2HRS TO BUY A MUDPRINT CLOTH... HAD TO HAVE TEA, ASKED ABOUT THE SELLERS FAMILY, AILS, FRIENDS, ETC.. AND SHE ASKED ALL ABOUT MINE. THEN STARTED TO BARGAIN. And this bargain went the same like the above? They gave you an outrageous price, then you cut it for 2/3.....? NO=LA THANKS=SHUKRAN LA SHUKRAN=NO THANKS. Ok. Now I got it. OH YEA BRING TOILET PAPER WITH YOU, SAVE NAPKINS IN A RESTAURANT ETC.. TOILETS ARE MOSTLY SQUAT. So if I go into a toilette in a bar in Cairo I shouldn't hope for toilette paper? Oh.... PAID THE GUY A FEW PIASTERS (MADE HIM VERY UPSET) GAVE HIM A LE AND HE WAS MORE HAPPY. So piasters are to a le like cent to a dollar? 100 piasters = 1 Le So if I tip people one Le that is enough? It isn't stingy? HEP A B C, CHOLERA, DIPTHIRIA.MMM JUST ABOUT ANYTHING THAT YOUR NOT IMMUNE TOO. Thanks. This just made me feel better. I WENT SWIMMING IN THE NILE AND LOST MY VOICE FOR 3 DAYS!! JUST SAY NO TO ICE CUBES TOO. Why did you lose your voice? You drank the water....? So, no to ice, also. That goes for any ice? In the hotels, also? WELL, RICE--BOILED, SOME STUFF DEEPFRIED, MEAT THAT'S NOT BLOODY ETC.. OH YEA, STAY AWAY FROM UNCOOKED VEGIES ALSO LIKE TOMATOES, LETTUCE.. Damn. I love tomatoes. But then again, I also love rice. Oh well, I gues rice it is then.... PROBABLY WASHED IN LOCAL WATER. I CAN SAY THIS, IF YOUR GOING TO BE STAYING FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, INTRODUCE THE WATER TO YOUR SYSTEM SLOWLY, LIKE, BRUSH YOU TEETH AND RINSE(DON'T SWALLOW) WITH THE WATER DON'T HAVE CUPFULS OF THE STUFF THOUGH IT'S LIKE SYSTEM OVERLOAD WITH FOREIGN BACTERIA. Why would anyone swallow watter when washing your teeth?! Luckully I never do this. I ACTUALLY WANTED MY CLOTHES WASHED IN A WASHING MACHINE, NOT BY HAND. THE HOTEL CHARGES ARE EXPENSIVE SO I ASKED THE MAID, SHE SAID YES BUT THEY HAD TO BE AIR DRYED AND THAT I COULDN'T SAY ANYTHING TO ANYONE. AFTER I GOT ALL MY CLOTHES BACK, I GAVE HER THE $. Well, this sound very fair. But I don't think I will need to wash any clothes. Although, I do like to travel light.... ) |
#26
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since you will only be in cairo 3 days you will ONLY be able to see the
museum and the pyramids in that time. they are on the same metro line so that is not a problem. you may want to get a cheaper hotel in giza(pyramid area) |
#27
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since you will only be in cairo 3 days you will ONLY be able to see the
museum and the pyramids in that time. they are on the same metro line so that is not a problem. you may want to get a cheaper hotel in giza(pyramid area) |
#28
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"Big_B" wrote in message ... "Tashi" wrote in message news:h5D%d.749962$6l.430669@pd7tw2no... Been there done that.. Questions for you.. when r u going? where r u from? I'm going in three to four week. In mid April. I'm from Europe. what is your experience travelling (backpacker or luxury) Does luxury count when you travel on organised tours? This is an organised tour. How long are you going? 12 days. Where are you staying in each of the places and finally Hotels in Hurgada, Cairo and Asuan, ship while on the Nile. How r u moving around Egypt (alone or with a grp/car/train/plane) Moving around Egypt with train and ship. This is the route: CairotrainLuxorshipAsuanshipHurgada So any help on anything would be appriciated! Prices, food, tips, what to buy for gifts.....anything.... Having had much experience in Egypt I can tell you the following. As you are on an organized pre paid trip you should find that food is included and you will eat at your hotel etc. When eating out on organized tours you will be taken to a restaurant that has been pre chosen and if you have to pay for your meal there it will probably be less than Western prices. If you have time off from organized itinerary you will find that local cafes selling Egyptian food are very cheap and good if you go to the correct ones, choose eating places that are relatively busy as the good ones attract lots of local clients. A good plate of ful (beans) including bread, salad and other things should cost you about £3 average, but, prices can vary drastically. Buying: you will probably be taken to markets to wander around for a while so you will probably end up at the main tourist markets. Bargain strongly, Egyptians are excellent at business and can sell you a cheap Japanese made trinket for much money and you will go away happy thinking you have a valuable antique :-) It's a game, play it well and enjoy yourself. You will also find that you end up visiting papyrus shops, carpet factories, perfume shops, ceramic shops etc. as part of your tour to such an extent that it can often interfere with visiting sites. Tour companies have to do this as part of their license agreement so don't bother complaining...you don't have to buy anything in them and often you get some refreshments there as well. Treat an organized tour as a taster and if you like Egypt (most people do) plan to go back there by yourself so as to see the real Egypt, hang out in coffee shops and meet people. Enjoy yourself, Rob |
#29
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"Alan S" wrote in message ... On Tue, 29 Mar 2005 16:45:07 GMT, "Tashi" wrote: |Good health and high spirits! |some info for you. Thanks for that. Could be very useful. I will be in Cairo for only three nights, probably May 2006. Not on a tour. Extension of time may be possible, but not likely. Any suggestions for a three-night, incl two days, stay would be appreciated. I know it's too short, but I wish to at least see the Pyramids and the Museum, plus whatever else of Ancient Egypt I can in that short time. Cheers, Alan, Australia You will be hard pushed to do much more in three days. Unless you are doing a flying visit to places so you can say "seen that, done that" then you need a day for the museum and a day for the Giza Pyramids (El Haram). Try to get to the Dashur pyramid site near the southern suburbs of Cairo which have two spectacular pyramids. There is the Red Pyramid which you can go down into and while you are in the bottom chambers take note of how they are constructed. They used large blocks carved perfectly around corners which add nothing to the structural strength of the pyramid, but, would have been very difficult to do...no one can say why they did it, but, you find this construction technique on only the very oldest structures. The there is also there the Bent Pyramid with much of its white facing stone still intact, a marvel to behold and gives you a true idea what they all must have been like at one time. Dashur is not frequented too much by tourists so the atmosphere is more sublime. Rob |
#30
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"peaceofmind" wrote in message ... since you will only be in cairo 3 days you will ONLY be able to see the museum and the pyramids in that time. they are on the same metro line so that is not a problem. you may want to get a cheaper hotel in giza(pyramid area) The Giza pyramids are not on a metro line at all. You either go by taxi or if you know what you are doing take a mini bus from the bus station behind the museum. There are no cheap hotels near the pyramids, there are in down town Cairo where you can easily get transport to the pyramids and also be in the right area for night life. Rob |
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