It was amazing to be able to visit Cairo. There are so many things I learned and experienced. Living over there is so different from living in the states. The people, lifestyle, culture is all unlike what I am used to. In my website I have various pictures and a list of what I think is the top things for teens to do if they visit Egypt.
There is so much stuff to do in Egypt. So I made a list of top 10 things to do when you visit.
10. Scuba dive in the Red Sea- there are many places to scuba dive. The Red Sea offers many diverse fish and wildlife. I saw stingless jellyfish for the first time here.
9. Go inside the tombs of Saqqara- a tour guide can take you around. Some tour guides you can pay and they will take you into different tombs.
8. Shop at Road Nine- there are many shops and places to eat here. A lot of silver jewelery shops, where you can find unique and beautiful things. Also, at Cafe Greco(not sure about the spelling) you can get great frozen drinks.
7. Drive in the City- and by drive I mean you actually driving. There are hardly any rules when driving, and it is quite an experience.
6. Visit CAC- Cario American College is an American school. It offers great programs and is very pretty.
5.Ride a Falluka- a falluka is a small boat that all the teens in Cairo ride. You can ride one on the Nile.
4. Ride a Camel- I finally got to ride a camel at the pyramids. They are really fun but kind of scary. Going up and down is really terrifying because, you feel like you are going to fall off.
3. Visit the Cairo Museum- the Cairo Museum has many statues, infomation, and artifacts. I recommand getting a tour guide through See Egypt Travel, they can show the museum in order, or else it is confusing. You can't take cameras in so don't bring one.
2. Go to the Khan market-the Khan market is a giant market place. I suggest going with someone who has been there before, it's easy to get discombobulated. Even if you don't buy anything, it is an awesome place to visit.
1. Visit the great pyramids at Giza-the most famous pyramids in the world. You have to pay to see them, but it is not very much, and it is worth it. You can see them from all around the city, but it is noting like seeing them up close. Then you can go to Pizza Hut across the street. Well there is my list.
Thankfully, I had locals and tour-guides with me when I went to Cairo, however you may not be so lucky. So, I have some tips that will hopefully help you.
If you are travelling from the US or somewhere else far away,and you are going Egypt on a plane, drink lots of water. It will help you through the jetlag. Jetlag didn't hit me when I fist went to Cairo, but the second time I really got jetlagged. I slept for 13 hours in a row.
In 2006 the currency was about 6 to 1. So 6 pounds equals 1 American Dollar. If you want to figure out what something cost in US money, then just divide by 6 and that will give you roughly the price.
When shopping try to bargain. A lot of dealers will bargain for you, and give you a better price. If you think it is too much, and they won't go lower, than don't buy, look around first. Be careful, some people will try to charge you more because, you are American.
If you are American try not to announce it. Most people don't care if you are American, but like anywhere else there are people who will harrass you.
Cairo is really dusty and dirty. It is sometimes hard to take pictures just because is is so dusty, so try to take pictures in the dawn or dusk when it is less muggy.
Don't try to pet random animals. There are plenty of stray cats and dogs, but don't pet them. They may have diseases. Animals who have been vacinated have their tails cut off, but I still wouldn't try to be friendly with them.
Like in the States, Cairo has an assortment of fast food resturants.My favorite place to eat there is Sbarros or Dominoes. They have great tasting pizza. Also, you could have Pizza Hut, Quiznos, Mcdonalds or Chinese food.If you don't want fast food you can look around for local resturants.
My last words of wisdom would be this - if you visit Egypt have fun and enjoy where you are at, but remember to be respectful and careful. Egypt is full of history and culture, so treat it with the respect it deserves.
Top Ten Things to do if you visit Egypt
My Favorite Web Sites
Angelfire - Free Home Pages
Great Website for more infomation on Egypt
Cairo American College website
To see my pictures
