Quote Originally Posted by Slaine
My Egypt stories:

My wife and I honeymooned there a fair few years ago, things may be different now - but they sure were dodgy back when we visited.

Our hotel was in Luxor. We hired a couple of push bikes for the day and set out riding through the town. When it was time to return we were a little lost. We knew we were on the right road but not sure where the turning for the entrance to the hotel was - so we carried on riding. Eventually the road led through a large set of fields, with native Egyptians working in them. As we ride on a great number of them started to wave at us. How nice we thought, the locals are Jolly friendly - on onward we peddled. Eventually a small boy (about 7 or 8 years old) came running up to us and asked us to stop. He then said (in perfect English) didn't you see all the people telling you to go back, go further and you will get to a village that doesn't like tourists, you will be shot!".

We were quite shocked, the boy was friendly enough and we explained our problem - he then proceeded to escort us back the way we had come and to our hotel.

--------

We visited Cairo for a few days, and went on a trip to one of the large mosques there. As is Islamic tradition you are required to remove your shoes before entering the mosque - which we dutifully did, and left in the safe hands of a man, who can only be described as a complete vagabond. Our guide informs us that he is nothing to do with the mosque, but earns a small living from tips people give him for looking after their footware and we should offer 50 piastres (0.5 egyptian pound = about 10p GBP). As we wonder round the mosque I got to thinking. The mosque gets at least 1000 visitors a day, each tipping him 50 pias. that is £500 a day. Say he only works 5 days, thats £2500 a week. That guy was probably an Egyptian multi-millionaire!

--------

The week after we returned to England there were reports that a coach of tourists had been attacked and fired upon killing several of the people inside.

--------

My advice? Go somewhere else.
I think after your story and more Muslim Flare ups I will definatley not by visiting Egypt this year.