October 17
Cruise Disembarkation –
Aswan ~ Rest day at the hotel
Sinuouy curves
Things I knew already, some I learned the hard way, from my Egyptian travels
These are hints from my experiences, budget and what I’m interested in doing and not doing. You do your thing. If you have other hints, please share.
Cash is king, period. The Canadian dollar simply is not accepted. You don’t have to like it. The important three currencies are the local one, US dollar and Euro. This was the same in Jamaica, Cuba and Egypt.
When possible, pay in local currency with your credit card. There is a one time exchange fee based by your credit card company at the prevailing posted rates that day. If you elect to pay in your home currency, the merchant will likely charge a premium on that exchange rate. Also, be aware of the exchange rate between the local and US$. Part of the big picture, accept or challenge, it’s your choice.
This actually happened. Our first host said he had the ability for us to pay via credit card on Airbnb website. Our bill for the extra outings came to US$1,200. When we got there, he said we couldn’t because there was a limit placed by Airbnb. The second tour operator said we can do the same thing. When we saw him, he didn’t have a credit card machine. We had to go to his cousin, a merchant at the concession stand by the camel rides at the Pyramid to put a charge on the credit Had we known, we could have simply carried the cash, instead we used valuable time and considerable effort. Carry two to three times what you think you need.
Never skimp on yourself, you’re worth it. Your kids will be ok with whatever you leave them. They never had it in the first place. Pay for that business class ticket instead of the Sardine can seats.
Fly direct, instead of layovers, it is a ten and a half hour flight, don’t try and save dollars by getting two or three flights.
Give with a warm hand. Create experiences with your children and grandchildren. Don’t wait to die and hand over that opportunity to the lawyers after you’ve died.
When travelling across several time zones, book the arrival hotel an extra night. The one before you arrive. You can’t go go go from the minute you land. In Egypt, we were picked up at the airport at 5:45 AM, normal check in is 3:00 PM. Most places may not have the ability/willingness to accommodate an early check in. By booking our Airbnb a night earlier we were able to check in at six thirty and get settled in or rest or whatever. You don’t have the luggage as an anchor holding you back for the day. Same on departure date. What will you do with your luggage when you need to check out before ten AM and your flight is twelve hours later.
It cost more upfront, but worth the cost - I found out that Rogers have an international plan for $100 that’s less than $5.00 per day for our 21 day trip. That keeps the same number, but more importantly more secure than risking wifi breaches.
Check the fine print with your insurance provider. As you get past age thresholds, you won’t have the same coverage and likely face exceptions. Heaven forbid that you have a medical issue, that would exponentially increase the cost.
Visit a travel clinic well in advance. Some shots require multi dosages weeks in advance.
Check that your passport is valid more than six months in advance of expiry.
Hire professionals to assist you. We had someone assist us with the visa. It was was not difficult, but when we’re in a foreign place and have not gone through this ourselves, it was less stressful. Get it at the airport in Cairo, way less complicated than online. This person also walked us through all the steps.
Don’t get annoyed at the “Rules of engagement” of your host country. If you can afford to go to Egypt, you’re blessed enough to have extra money that allows you to travel to far and away exotic places. The children begging for handouts are struggling each and every day just to eat. The merchants work long and hard hours to stay in business. These people are not as fortunate as you are by the sheer fact you’re there. Be kind, considerate and thoughtful. You can say no and they eventually move on. There is no reason to be angry at them or rude. If you don’t like it - DON’T GO THERE.
There is no such thing as over communication to ensure you get exactly what you want. Be clear - confirm and double check. Things will happen, you can’t change that. The only thing you can do is control your reaction. Be kind to yourself and others around you by staying cool calm and collected.
Bring half the clothes. You can spend your valuable time laundering your clothes or have more time to visit that temple that you’ve always wanted to see. If you have the option to get laundry done, get it done. You’re helping someone less fortunate and taking advantage of the extra time.
Put things in perspective. Do your homework and learn about the place, temple and anything else. I divide each trip into three components: Prep, actual trip and recap. They are all important.
Respect and pay attention to your abilities and body. If you can’t go, go, go at home, why would you all of a sudden be able to do that on a two week or three week trip? Build in that R&R component - I still refuse to call it a nap😇
If the person preventing you from taking pictures in the “king tut”area is willing to give you an exception does not make sense. Nothing is free. Just as the person who is standing there with a smiling camel. Once you engage, he will expect a tip afterwards. You know that is what is happens all over the country. Understand, it’s a numbers game and that is their strength, they’ve done this before. So if you don’t want to pay for a camel picture politely say no and don’t put yourself in that position. If you engage, prepare to pay.
One and done is really hard to manage in a longer holiday. Stay two or three nights at a place. You simply cannot check out at ten and hold onto your luggage until three then see something every single day. Unless you have a tour bus on the go.
Tour guides have a sequence of story telling. In Egypt, everyone felt the need to tell us about the reunification of upper and lower Egypt, the dynasties and kingdoms. None of them know that you’ve had three other guides who told you the same thing. Unless you tell them that, be patient, they are doing their job. Of you can’t stand while they explain something for ten and twenty minutes at a time, tell them.
You’re not in charge, the police are. Don’t challenge them, they’re the one with the gun.
If you’ve got a complaint, you’ll get more with honey than with vinegar. You want to reframe things in such a way that the person on the other end wants to help you. They could very easily not answer their phone.
Treat everyone the way you want to be treated - with respect and dignity. No matter what their station in life.
The disembarkation and trip to Kato Dool
Time to say good bye
Kati Dool and environs
Dining area, Kato Dool
I don’t know how Monique found this place, it is truly unique. As we have experienced everywhere else the staff was wonderful.
The Sands of Egypt
Egypt described in one image
The different facets of Egypt
This image encapsulates Egypt. Desert with more sand than you can imagine. The lifeblood of the country, the Nile up the middle with a green belt. Old and modern cities. Haves and have nots. The tourists hordes and those that serve those hordes. Rugged and serene.
