"EGYPT. THE MONUMENTAL HUSTLE." a Egypt Travel Page by janicewilson

My Final Take

I found Egypt unsettling. Every moment of every day my senses were overwhelmed. From being in the belly of 4800-year-old pyramid tomb to exploring the feverish streets of Cairo, I was daily humbled and empowered. Not all my experiences in Egypt were positive, but all of the experiences offered opportunities for personal growth.

Things To Do: Enormous. In the realm of architecture and history, I can't imagine another single country offering more.

Hotels and Accommodations: Having stayed in a flat, a boutique hotel, a specialty chain hotel, a resort hotel and the desert, I am both pleased and disappointed to report that our best accommodations were provided in the desert. With two exceptions, one of which was surprising, the accommodations generally did not meet my expectations and none superseded.

Restaurants: If you travel for the purpose of experiencing culinary delights, Egypt probably isn't the place. With few exceptions (kofta at Africa, karkade at Panorama, chickpeas at the Moghul Room) the cuisine was more comforting than delightful, pleasing but not memorable.

Nightlife: Active and rich. From seedy belly dance clubs, to fashionable lounges and discotechqes, both Cairo and to a lesser degree Luxor had plenty to offer.

Off the Beaten Track: Given our vacation was a cursory two weeks; I was surprised how often we were able get off "The Track". Little adjustments such as cycling in Thebes (as opposed to taking a minibus), an overnight desert tour (as opposed to a quick jaunt to Alexandria) and a quick off season excursion to a beach town that is not Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada are all that's necessary to create an intimate experience in Egypt.

Transportation: Comprehensive and reliable. Not always clean. Smoking is allowed on trains and the decks of the ferries.

Shopping: Loved the ethnic jewelry and silk rugs. Oils and papyrus paintings were satisfactory.

Sports Travel: Egypt's varied landscape allows for challenging hikes, unique desert camping and limited cycling.

Warnings: Watch out for the hustle. Like everything else in Egypt the hustle is monumental. And if you're not part of a pre-packaged tour group, this point cannot be overemphasized.