Egypt is an amazing place. Below is my honest review of the country, not so much a “things to do and see” guide, but things that really stuck out to me. I can only write what it is like from my prospective, so if you disagree, I happily encourage you to go experience it for yourself.

The Good

The Changes: If you weren’t aware, there was a revolution that took place in recent history. A new government was formed (I’m trying really hard not to digress into my political self here), and an attempt to re-build government services happened. The problem is that while the “revolution” was happening, nothing happened. Government services on almost every level didn’t exist. Fast forward to today: the new president is really on his game (according to the majority of locals I talked with). Roads are getting fixed, mail is being sent, etc. While there is a very well orchestrated campaign attacking this president, I believe that even his most staunch of opponents will agree that things are now getting done.

The Food: All the Egyptian food I tried here was amazing! From Kushari, ful Medames, Om Ali, and my favorite Fatta (which is quite fitting because it is quite fattening). It would really be a disservice for me to try to describe all of them, so I will just refer you to this website…Had it not been for a couple of other dishes disagreeing with my stomach, this would have made the “amazing” category. I will just say, be careful where you eat and always try to get reviews prior to sitting down.

The Bad

The Extortionists: There is a saying that I heard quite often in Cairo, “Everyone gets paid”. This saying was usually following a questioning look from me as to why these people were being paid. Let me explain. When you park somewhere in Cairo, usually there will be some guy mulling around that will come up to the driver and ask him (actually demand) payment. This guy isn’t any kind of parking enforcement; you aren’t parking on his property. So when I asked my friend why he pays him, he explained that if no payment was received, then he might find his car damaged when he came back (keyed, slashed tires, on fire, etc). When I heard this, it automatically made me think of a dozen or so mob movies that had some hoodlum going up to a business owner, offering to “protect” the business for a fee. If the business owner declines, the hoodlum comes back with some of his friends and shows why protection is needed.

This isn’t just happening for parking. This happens at tourist sites, government buildings, etc. What is most unsettling is that I witnessed many times where these thugs would be right next to police doing this. WHAT THEY ARE DOING IS VERY ILLEGAL IN EGYPT. Still, the police don’t want to disturb the status quo (and I’m told that some of them receive compensation for this)…Which leads me to my next category.

The Crooked Police (Not all police): Just like anywhere, there are a couple bad apples that can ruin the name for a whole bunch; it just so happens that the “couple” in Egypt are really bad. The stuff that they turn the other way from is hurting the image of their country very badly. Quite a few locals spoke about how much tourism has declined since the revolution. This is to be expected, to a point; but the average decline quoted was 95%. Let me say that again: 95%. Could you imagine if the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry lost that much in your country? Now, I’m not saying that the crooked police are completely responsible for this, but they certainly aren’t doing anything to help their image. Luckily, the new president is pretty hip to the game and has sent in the military to bolster some of the important areas. While I am usually against any internal deployment of military, you have to look at it through the Egyptian lens, and see why the Egyptian military is the one organization with the best moral compass.

The Traffic: Oh. My. Goodness. Think of any terrible road condition you have witnessed. DOESN’T EVEN COME CLOSE to the “Average Day” in Egypt.

One lane roads being used for three vehicles. Traffic lights not being utilized unless someone is directing traffic. It’s very common for vehicles to go the wrong way on a one way streets. ROUNDABOUTS (Terrible idea no matter what country you’re in). Broken down vehicles being abandoned right where they broke down (sometimes indefinitely. Seriously)…I could go on and on, but I will just sum it up with the understood “logic” while on the street: Vehicles always have the right of way; it is the job of the pedestrian to get out of the way.

TIP: When crossing the road in Egypt, hold your hand out in a “stop” position, always make eye contact before starting across, and NEVER hesitate. You will get hit. It will be seen as your fault. Sucks.

The Amazing

The Places: I’m not going to lecture anyone on the history of Egypt. What I am going to do is point out that this ancient society has influenced almost every major civilization and religion in history. Their architecture, symbolism, and rituals are world renown, and if you look closely at your country or religion, you will find remnants of ancient Egypt.

To actually be in the presence of these historical places is quite mind blowing.

TIP: The pyramids are basically the same in the inside. I would suggest you go inside the Red Pyramid, it’s least expensive. Also, make sure you bring water and prepare for your legs to hate you. There are steps. A LOT OF STEPS.

The People: The majority of Egyptians are great people. They have been through a lot, especially lately. They have hard expressions on their faces, but the warmth of their souls are known the minute you have a conversation with one or ask one for help. The “common person” is quite extraordinary. Hospitality is a staple of life here. I am very thankful for all the people I got to meet, but I am extremely grateful for all those who helped me along the way.

Mina Samir – Egypt Tour Guide: Mina is AMAZING!  My tour guide Mina, is the only one I will recommend in Egypt. His website is: www.msegypttourguide.com. He’s a great guide for the whole country that has worked with journalists from national geographic, group tours, or lone travelers like me. Very reasonably priced, and knows about everything! Mina is so much more than a tour guide, and I consider him a friend.

Conclusion: Visit Egypt, just be smart about it. 

You are awesome!

-Mike

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