About ME
Hi!
I'm Mara, thanks for visiting my blog! I will be traveling around the world for the next years and explore amazing places in different countries! I am always seeking Adventures, Good Food, Martial Arts Experiences, Unique and sometimes Weird Stuff. \(^o^)/
CAIRO
Cairo, old home of Pharaohs with an amazing history. The city itself had a strong India vibe to me and also the vendors are quite similar to those in India. I have read some stories about travelling to Cairo and I can confirm, that the people try to get their advantage out of the tourists. But can you blame them? Anyways, I was glad to find a male companion right at the first day, because they sometimes were shameless and even grabbed my sleeve roughly and almost teared me in their Rickshaws. Don't make this stop you from visiting the amazing Treasures of Egypt, just don't go there alone :-) Better save than sorry!
The historical sites are amazing and I do not regret a second of travelling to Egypt. It’s another country with a fascinating history and impressive relics from long gone times. Just like the very popular pyramids, that were built to stand for an eternity, what they certainly do.
TIPS & TRICKS
If you decide to hitch a Cab or get into a Rickshaw to reach the Pyramids, they might not understand you. Use the Arabic word HARAM to make clear, where your destination is. Even with sign language I had a hard time explaining the driver the triangle formed pyramids, even though I gave my everything, starting from putting my fingers together until using my whole arm length.
Some of my Uber driver wanted to start a conversation, but sadly even the engineer student couldn’t really speak English. Luckily, we met a local in a bar, who used to be a professor and spoke several languages. We had such an interesting conversation over a few STELLA’s.
HOW TO GET AROUND IN CAIRO
If you don’t want to be overcharged and also don’t like to barging, I recommend you to use UBER. You can either pay in advance or cash and the drivers are usually professional and the cars are very clean.
DOWNSIDE
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Don’t underestimate Cairo’s size, I usually like to explore a city by foot, but it was hot, too far and men wouldn’t stop hitting on me.
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One of my Uber driver made a crash because he couldn't stop staring at me.
TRAVELING THROUGH EGYPT
There are really good train connections to do the GOLDEN CIRCLE!
PYRAMIDS
Naturally; visit the PYRAMIDS OF GIZEH! I don’t recommend you to go inside, because there is nothing really to see just a big, dusty empty room and the ticket costs almost double if you want to go inside. Be careful with the people trying to “hey I met you before”, and “I make you Egypt price”. Also try not to ride a horse or a camel because those animals are treated really poorly. Instead, have enough water with you and explore the desert around the Pyramids by foot. We easily found the VIEW on all NINE PYRAMIDS without a guide.
SPHINX
The SPHINX is right there too. Did you know that Napoleon, this nasty little runt had shot her nose away?
UPDATE: It was not Napoleon, who actually admired Egypt, but a little too enthusiastic Sheikh, who jumped up and hugged her. He got killed by the angry crowd afterwards.
MUMMIES
Absolutely visit the EGYPT MUSEUM CAIRO. I was blown away by the ancient statues with their amazing size, the detailed and beautiful drawings and, the somewhat, actually really, creepy REAL MUMMIES! The Mummies are in a separate room, where you will need an extra ticket, just buy it, you will not see something like this again in your life! The TUTANCHAMUN chamber is in this museum, which is included in your ticket.
Watch out; there are two museum, luckily we didn’t have time to visit the one closer to the pyramids because I thought Tutanchamun was there – check his location before you decide in which museum you want to go. Tickets 60 EGP Museum, 100EGP Royal Mummies
MADBOULY BOOKSHOP
Visit the MADBOULY BOOKSHOP, a nice and old bookstore for book lovers and the KHAN EL KHALILI Souk for the Bling-Bling Lovers! The souk is magical at Sunset time where pretty lights are guiding you through the hidden alleys.
EXPLORING THE CITY
Stroll through the CHAN EL-CHALILI market and discover unique things! If you have enough time visit the SAINT SAMAAN, TANNER MONASTERY.
EXPLORING THE CITY
Enjoy the incredible VIEW from the CITADEL, which was built during the 12 century by Saladin to protect the city from Crusader attacks. There are many things to see behind the walls like the EGYPTIAN MILITARY MUSEUM, the POLICE MUSEUM and the AL-GAWHARA PALACE.
Ticket 60 EGP
Escape the noisy streets in the AL-AZHAR PARK. Beautiful gardens, water features and flower beds will expect you.
If you have enough time visit the PHARAONIC VILLAGE.
Try KOSHARY and SHAWARMA while you are in Egypt, both delicious and of course also the classic Falafel TA’MEYA for breakfast.
Enjoy some drinks along the NILE RIVER accompanied by smooth jazz music in one of the more exclusive restaurants.
RECOMMENDATIONS
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If you enjoy some beer from time to time visit the STELLA BAR. The owner is a funny guy, moves through the tables and just presses a new beer in your hand before you can stop him, it’s already open. We had a great time there!
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Take a Trip to ALEXANDRIA or do the famous GOLDEN ROUTE to LUXOR, VALLEY OF KINGS (which is absolutely impressive), ESNA, EDIFU, KOM-OMBO, ASWAN.
