What is it like to live here in Egypt?
well born here i would know...
I'm 10 years old living in Cairo,Egypt personally i think Egypt is a great place !!
but we all have our ups and downs right?
here in Egypt i have 2 best friends one of them goes to school with me and the other one i met through my next door neighbor.
I go to C.I.S.E as a joke we say cise ( pronunciation seese) which means lame so we say hey we go to the cise school!
Fun places to go are family land play area there all kinds of fun stuff
katameya heights
sakara country club
maadi house
and road nine!
so today me and my dad walked down to road nine and took our dog whiskey for a walk
we met some people and whiskey went crazy!
my dad even gave whiskey a sip of beer wouldn't it be weird if we said The drunk whiskey??
No we don't no we don't ride camels everywhere !
we have cars! we are not ancient Egyptians
kefaya ( enough)
ill be posting soon
Iris
A wee bit of something mixed with whole bunch of nothing
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Egyptian Prices and converisons
The Egyptian Currency is LE or pounds (and sometimes you will hear word "guinea" a hold over from past). Issued as 100 LE, 50 LE, 20 LE, 10 LE, 5 LE,1 LE, 50 piaster and 25 piaster notes, notes and recently a 200 LE note has been added and a 1 LE coin (see rarely)
Some price examples as of today 29/5/08
Beer in 5 star hotel - about $8 US, 4.5 Euros, 3.5 UK pounds (rounded) as of 29/5/08.
Buy same beer at off sales shop - $2 US, 1.2 euros, 1 UK pound.
Cigarettes are ridiculous prices and they just when up about 15%
USA brand names about little bit less than can beer off sales at 8 LE, L&M and this type 4.75 LE and local brand Cleopatra ? (forget it to cheap and smell like it). Killer prices eh!
These are made in Egypt under license and are pretty good. Egypt is a smokers paradises, but not so good for those wanting a smoke free area. Keep in mind the pollution downtown is likely equivalent to a few packs a day so those with Asthma chose a hotel more outside the city center area.
Beer and Wine are OK but your favorite whiskey, bourbon, vodka is not and prices at 5 star bars are formidable. As a tourist you can go to duty free and get 3 bottles booze and 200 cigarettes,(unless they changed the quantities recently) but you must do this within 24 hours of arrival by presentation of your passport. Shops are at Airport and I know of 2 in Maadi but other areas I am not sure.
Here is link that should be set up to help more easily with converting your currency from/to LE.
Kate, hope this helps.
Currency Converter Link
Some price examples as of today 29/5/08
Beer in 5 star hotel - about $8 US, 4.5 Euros, 3.5 UK pounds (rounded) as of 29/5/08.
Buy same beer at off sales shop - $2 US, 1.2 euros, 1 UK pound.
Cigarettes are ridiculous prices and they just when up about 15%
USA brand names about little bit less than can beer off sales at 8 LE, L&M and this type 4.75 LE and local brand Cleopatra ? (forget it to cheap and smell like it). Killer prices eh!
These are made in Egypt under license and are pretty good. Egypt is a smokers paradises, but not so good for those wanting a smoke free area. Keep in mind the pollution downtown is likely equivalent to a few packs a day so those with Asthma chose a hotel more outside the city center area.
Beer and Wine are OK but your favorite whiskey, bourbon, vodka is not and prices at 5 star bars are formidable. As a tourist you can go to duty free and get 3 bottles booze and 200 cigarettes,(unless they changed the quantities recently) but you must do this within 24 hours of arrival by presentation of your passport. Shops are at Airport and I know of 2 in Maadi but other areas I am not sure.
Here is link that should be set up to help more easily with converting your currency from/to LE.
Kate, hope this helps.
Currency Converter Link
Having a Drink in Egypt: Boozers Guide
Beer, Wine, Alcohol are readily available in Egypt. Locally made but don't let put you off. The favorite beer by far for all expatriates living here is Sakara (bottle or can), Heineken, followed by Stella ( the original beer and was nasty) but all changed a few years ago with introduction of El Gouna Brewery, who started up in direct competition to local brewery. They did so well, the local brewery bought them out. And even though there is a anti-monopoly law - this buy out went ahead. Beer in 5 star hotels can get to 35 LE(or more), pub restaurants about 25 LE, my private club 12 LE and at the booze off-sale stores 6 to 9 LE. (For purchases, Drinkies is most known but there are others). Also be advised in most establishments there is a 10% sales tax plus a 12% service charge on top of menu price- and they still expect a tip!
Wine I avoid as don't like what seems to be a formaldehyde flavor with exception of Grand Marquis.
Local spirits, whiskeys, gin, etc are lethal and I do not know anyone that has gone beyond the sample taste.
If you want to find a Drinkies, (ph 19330) or company called Cheers (19131) to find closet location, or get delivery phone. Not sure hotels with bars agree to delivery, but there are ways. Also, if you have cell roaming on mobinil dial 8000 for assistance for finding places or numbers. Also for travellers - recently announced the Grand Hyatt no longer serves alcohol - their 5 star rating and actually being able to keep Hyatt name is in question. If going there check ahead. Also do not know status of Hard Rock Cafe which is located at the Grand Hyatt - check ahead. Correction - the Croc advises the hard Rock cafe is wet for alcohol drinks and intends to stay that way.".
When in Cairo, keep your eyes open for a small book called Croc Free guide - wealth of great information for all including those of us living here.
I was going to write a bit more about Beers and Wine in Egypt but found this site that does a good job on the subject Link
Below is a listing of pubs found in Croc Free Guide. My favourites not included as they are Fusion(japanese - shusi etc.), TGIF, Grand Cafe (outdoors and favourites are shisha smokers), all located on Corniche (on Nile) at Entrance to Maadi (pronunced Ma-adi). All in same complex and all serve beer wine. In Maadi there are so many other pubs and restaurants you would need a guide dog.
Click on images to enlarge.
Wine I avoid as don't like what seems to be a formaldehyde flavor with exception of Grand Marquis.
Local spirits, whiskeys, gin, etc are lethal and I do not know anyone that has gone beyond the sample taste.
If you want to find a Drinkies, (ph 19330) or company called Cheers (19131) to find closet location, or get delivery phone. Not sure hotels with bars agree to delivery, but there are ways. Also, if you have cell roaming on mobinil dial 8000 for assistance for finding places or numbers. Also for travellers - recently announced the Grand Hyatt no longer serves alcohol - their 5 star rating and actually being able to keep Hyatt name is in question. If going there check ahead. Also do not know status of Hard Rock Cafe which is located at the Grand Hyatt - check ahead. Correction - the Croc advises the hard Rock cafe is wet for alcohol drinks and intends to stay that way.".
When in Cairo, keep your eyes open for a small book called Croc Free guide - wealth of great information for all including those of us living here.
I was going to write a bit more about Beers and Wine in Egypt but found this site that does a good job on the subject Link
Below is a listing of pubs found in Croc Free Guide. My favourites not included as they are Fusion(japanese - shusi etc.), TGIF, Grand Cafe (outdoors and favourites are shisha smokers), all located on Corniche (on Nile) at Entrance to Maadi (pronunced Ma-adi). All in same complex and all serve beer wine. In Maadi there are so many other pubs and restaurants you would need a guide dog.
Click on images to enlarge.
Cairo Egypt Touristy Blog
Here is another blog by tourist to Egypt - a good read and notes about being a pedestrian in Cairo - can be a scary experience!
Link
Link
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Getting around
Cairo traffic is highly congested. Chaotic is a good description
-Painted traffic lanes are for decoration No one follows them in Cairo and there is a poor attempt on the faster ring roads. Locals refer the painted lines as "something the British left behind"
-Driving here is "who dares first".
-Newbies to Cairo are always shocked. It is proven here 2 lanes can be made to hold 4 lanes - or more.
-Horns are used for any reason. Local joke "to protect your car from theft - disable the horn and vehicle will be abandoned within 50 meters".
-Many vehicles do not use there lights at night, only to flash them at you on high beam about 50 meters away.
-Pedestrians are a nuisance.
-Parking space is a premium - cars can be seen parked 2 to 3 deep beside each other and does cause some major confrontations. Having a driver is fairly common so he can stay with car when dropping you off.
- Egypt highways are dangerous (reportedly 6000 deaths per year country wide). Personally I never drive any highway at night, and even avoid the lighted ring roads unless no other choice. I will update accident reports as they happen.
- A car without dents and scratches must be withing 100 meters of showroom where purchased.
- Black and white taxis are everywhere - no meters, tell destination to be sure he will take you and discuss fare first. Prices are reasonable if not downright cheap compared to Europe. Bear in mind the new law states to no taxis license can be renewed if cars is older than 20 years. Speaks for itself. The newer yellow cabs (phone for pickup) are metered and by all reports are very good with AC but expect them to usually be late to collect you.
- Minibuses drive like they are the "king of the road". Avoid! bigger city buses are for locals and usually terribly packed to even they are tilting and persons hanging our the door.
-Metro in Cairo is OK, but can be smelly in heat of summer (no AC) and can be very crowed at peak times (which lately seems to be all the day).
-Buses to other destinations (e.g. Sharm, Hurghada) are available and been told the El Gouna buses are best. Avoid night travel.
- Trains to Alexandria are barely OK but avoid other destinations unless you want a real experience you may not like.
-car rentals are available but first timers should be wary - traffic lights in Cairo are ignored (policeman will stick out his arm for traffic to stop), streets are poorly marked, and forget any in-car navigation system
But after all said - I drive without problems but only around my area Maadi and to New Cairo and Giza on ring roads, (but have 4 scratches on new car 6 months old as locals DO NOT know how to park etc.) Egyptian wifey drives a big black jeep and goes everywhere.
-Painted traffic lanes are for decoration No one follows them in Cairo and there is a poor attempt on the faster ring roads. Locals refer the painted lines as "something the British left behind"
-Driving here is "who dares first".
-Newbies to Cairo are always shocked. It is proven here 2 lanes can be made to hold 4 lanes - or more.
-Horns are used for any reason. Local joke "to protect your car from theft - disable the horn and vehicle will be abandoned within 50 meters".
-Many vehicles do not use there lights at night, only to flash them at you on high beam about 50 meters away.
-Pedestrians are a nuisance.
-Parking space is a premium - cars can be seen parked 2 to 3 deep beside each other and does cause some major confrontations. Having a driver is fairly common so he can stay with car when dropping you off.
- Egypt highways are dangerous (reportedly 6000 deaths per year country wide). Personally I never drive any highway at night, and even avoid the lighted ring roads unless no other choice. I will update accident reports as they happen.
- A car without dents and scratches must be withing 100 meters of showroom where purchased.
- Black and white taxis are everywhere - no meters, tell destination to be sure he will take you and discuss fare first. Prices are reasonable if not downright cheap compared to Europe. Bear in mind the new law states to no taxis license can be renewed if cars is older than 20 years. Speaks for itself. The newer yellow cabs (phone for pickup) are metered and by all reports are very good with AC but expect them to usually be late to collect you.
- Minibuses drive like they are the "king of the road". Avoid! bigger city buses are for locals and usually terribly packed to even they are tilting and persons hanging our the door.
-Metro in Cairo is OK, but can be smelly in heat of summer (no AC) and can be very crowed at peak times (which lately seems to be all the day).
-Buses to other destinations (e.g. Sharm, Hurghada) are available and been told the El Gouna buses are best. Avoid night travel.
- Trains to Alexandria are barely OK but avoid other destinations unless you want a real experience you may not like.
-car rentals are available but first timers should be wary - traffic lights in Cairo are ignored (policeman will stick out his arm for traffic to stop), streets are poorly marked, and forget any in-car navigation system
But after all said - I drive without problems but only around my area Maadi and to New Cairo and Giza on ring roads, (but have 4 scratches on new car 6 months old as locals DO NOT know how to park etc.) Egyptian wifey drives a big black jeep and goes everywhere.
A Tourists Blog
see this interesting blog by plebian, as work in progress as they travel in Egypt doing usual touristy things.
Link
Link
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