travel to egypt

How I did it: I was attending a regular day of classes in college, when I passed a table for "Study Abroad." I stopped in my tracks when I saw the flier "Archaeology and Anthropology in Egypt." From the beginning of my life (20 years ago), I  have been fascinated with Egyptian architecture and culture. I called my mom, totally enthusiastic about this, she told me to go for it. I signed up for the course that day.  I also looked around for scholarships for studying abroad. I submitted personal essays about "what I wish to learn from this trip." It won the top scholarship. We read a few books before the actual trip (May 2009), and had a few lectures. Then we were off. I was excited the entire trip there even though it took 31 hours of travel time, including layovers in airports. It did not actually hit me that I was actually in Egypt, until our pilot asked everyone on my side of the plane to look out the window.... The Great Pyramids of Giza. I have aerial pictures!
 [[ I attached an aerial pic to this post, look to the left! ]]

Lessons & tips:

1. Definitely tour Cairo, but venture to other cities, like Luxor and Aswan. They both have lots of cultural and historical significance also. I think the rural areas were the best to experience.
2. Take a cruise boat along the Nile for a few nights. It is the best way to travel from city to city in Egypt. The night-trains are way too cramped, and you can't get off in different places to explore. On the Cruise ships, you get to stop at all the major cities.
3. Visit a Nubian Village! Don't know what "Nubian" is? No need! Find a good tour guide and you'll get a few good hours to actually walk around a village. Our tour was even set up to go inside a typical house and meet the family.
4. Bring lots of extra little bills, because everyone will be asking for baksheesh (tips). If you are asking for directions, have someone take your picture, or use a restroom outside of the hotels... they WILL expect you to give them a tip. They prefer your own currency over Egyptian Pounds.
5. Bring toilet paper! All you'll find are bidets. So if you
   prefer paper over water, bring it.  ;p
6. Don't look around at vendors' booths unless you are truly looking to buy. Or they will all push their merchandise on you. Keep a blank face and stare straight ahead if you do not want to deal with them, and say "La'a" (no) when they approach you. However, please do not be rude, they are trying to make a living.
7. Take thousands of pictures, but not so many as to not "enjoy the moment." Sometimes I'd get so wrapped up in taking the pictures that I'd forget to be in them. Do both!
8. Camel Ride! Just BE SURE that it is at a place that is approved by your guide / security! I cannot stress this enough! They will try to charge you way more than discussed before the ride or even take you back to a different place to filter traffic to a certain store!! Never leave the site of your guide / security unless they tell you its safe. Oh, and expect it to be the most uncomfortable animal ride ever. It really can be, but worth doing once! haha.

Resources: Look everywhere for the opportunities! Go to your local University or College (or even their website) and ask about their study abroad programs. Even if you are NOT a student, a lot
of programs are available to you. My mom went with us on the trip. All
she had to do was enroll as a "non-degree seeking student" (10 minute process) and pay for the trip. It's usually a lot cheaper this way than through a normal tour agency.

Sep 11, 07:36PM PDT | 0 comments | 3 cheers