Who's been to Egypt ?

[Alpha_7]

Hey everyone,

I've just had an offer to go on a 15 day tour of Egypt at the beginning of next year. I sounds like a great opportunity but it's all happening really fast so I haven't done any of my usual homework. I know Wendell has been there and saw some of his great photos, has anyone else been ?

I get the impression I probably want to be travelling fairly light (not too much camera gear) so I don't make myself to much of a target is that a fair assumption ? Yikes.. I'm all excited and scared at the same time, but will have to act fairly fast to take up the offer if thats what I decided (given it might be the only chance I get I think I'd be stupid not to go).


Any thoughts, comments, suggestions, whatever are welcome.

[macka]

Hey Craig,

I went to Cairo for a couple of days on the way back from Europe. It's an incredible place, so I would say go for sure!

I'd share some photos, but they are all negatives, and I don't have a scanner.

I was there with my family and we were lucky enough to be shown around the pyramids etc by a local, which meant we weren't constantly hassled by tourist predators, and he was able to bargain/speak for us etc, which made life much easier. He told us that in Egypt, there are always two prices: one for locals, and one for tourists. I guess that's true of a lot of places. Be prepared to be constantly hassled by peddlers; they are pretty relentless.

I would recommend not skimping on the hotel, though I guess your work will be paying. And yes, travel light always!

[PiroStitch]

My brother has and he said it's a great place. Just watch out though as everyone wants to be your friend...and you might end up missing a few things after meeting these new found friends (seriously).

[Alpha_7]

Thanks Kris and Wayne,

Well things have moved far quicker then I expected and Katie has booked flights and a tour for me from last Jan to Feb next year, I'll be meeting up with a friend who's trip involves a few months in Kenya and then a final leg in Egypt so I won't be travelling alone and the tour sounds well organised and safer then trying to do it by myself. That said my security, followed by the security of my gear is a big concern, so I'm considering my options, a few that have been floated about are only to take Kate's point and shoot but that's pretty crippling photography wise, another is to take the D70 it's smaller lighter and would attract slightly less attention then the D200, could pick up a D40/40x to reduce that further..and lens wise.. if I can get away with it only take the 18-200VR, but given how big some of the stuff is the 10-20 might have to come along as well, but I've got plenty of time to think that through..

[PiroStitch]

D70, SB800, 18-200 and 10-20 and you're packed

[Onyx]

Craig, grab the opportunity! Think of the amazing life experience, as well as the potential picture taking opportunities.

You don't want to be sitting on a porch of a retirement home in a rocking chair when you're 75 and regret passing up the chance to visit Egypt fifty years ago...

Likewise, don't ditch your DSLR at home. Take your D70 or D200, and snap on a relatively low profile (for its reach) 18-200.

Personally I'd be more worried about health - esp when it comes to potential food poisoning. Beware of what you eat and drink. ie. don't drink brown tap water with bugs floating in it, etc.

[Wocka]

Craig,

A mate's brother and his wife went to Egypt 2 years ago. They had their video camera + some other stuff stolen from their hotel room. When they advised the police, they weren't allowed to use the word "stolen". Go figure.

Even if you think the hotel room is safe, it isn't. If the room has a mini safe, use it. Or use the hotel's one at the receeption desk.

Cheers

[virgal_tracy]

Can not recommend Egypt highly enough. 15 days and you will be wanting to come back for more. Aswan, Luxor KArnak and Abu Simbel are all musts and I would assume they will be part of the tour.

Walking up Mt Sinai to view the sunrise is an unparalleled experience if you get the chance. The markets are also a msut do if you want hand made clothing at a fraction of Western prices, just need a day or so for them to be made.

If your time allows outside of the tour, some time spent in Dahab or Sharm el Sheik is also a must do.

A storage viewer eg, epson or digimate will be a must as well as the camera gear unless you plan on taking multiple storage cards.

You are literally going to have the time of your life. Enjoy.

p.s. drink bottled water, much safer. After about day 4 you will want to get some powdered flavouring (similar to the old Tang) to give it some taste.

[Mal]

Awesome place, enjoy the experience, just be a smart traveler and don't let your worries wreck the trip!
Has the most amazing traffic of any country I have been to. Makes India look peaceful!
Only place that you need to be aware of is the camel drivers at the pyramids. These guys are very clever and know how to part you and your money. Best advice is to set the price BEFORE you ride.
Oh and don't forget your ear plugs, Egypt is a true city that never shuts down.......ever

[Suri]

Everyone needs to experience this place sometime in their life.

My wife and I based ourselves out of Egypt for a large part of our 9month backpacking experience through the Middle East and eastern Africa in 1988.

We flew from Athens to Cairo and experienced the first major Culture Shock of our travels. Such things only ever happen once in life. Nothing can prepare you for that wonderful feeling of landing on Mars and meeting your first Martians.

Live it, because the Mars experience prepares you for Venus, Pluto and the planets which follow.

15 days
- isn't enough time to take it slowly.
- Egypt like alot of Africa works at a different pace, which can not always be hurried. We were young and poor, and had the time to waste for the beaurocatic bullys which can create headaches for the uninitiated in this part of the world.

Good luck, and have a great time.

By the way - from our experience in the pre-digital era this was not what I would describe as a DSLR photography friendly location. If you like the National Geographic candids - be prepared to pay for them. If I ever did it again, I would seriously consider a discreet camera as well as the bigger kit.

And Yeah - gotta agree with Mel. Don't get on a Camel unless you know how to get off.

Remember this word "Bakshish" - your world will revolve around it.

Steven Hight

[DVEous]

... Obsolete ...

[DavidR]

dont debate, just go, Eygpt is amazing! go in their winter thou and its a pleasant 30 degrees everyday and be prepared to drink lots of tea, they go crazy for it! also make sure you get away from the capital and head down south, the country and people are amazig, so friendly. we ended up going around to peoples houses, meeting the family and having lunch! also if time permits try and get over to the sinai penisula to a place called Dahub which is specatular. you can see Saudi Arabia from the beach. its also super close to Mt Sinai which makes for an amazing late night climb so you can see the sunrise from the summit. go to Eygpt!

[!~DeViNe~DaRkNeSs~!]

My brother has and he said it's a great place. Just watch out though as everyone wants to be your friend...and you might end up missing a few things after meeting these new found friends (seriously).

My mum just got back from a European trip which included Egypt and she said exactly the same thing!