Extort Like An Egyptian

If The Bangles had done real research prior to performing the song “Walk Like an Egyptian”, they would have realized that those silly arm movements are a waste of time. Instead, if they were to walk like actual Egyptians, they would invade your personal space and demand money for simple things like breathing their air.
We spent two days in Egypt. One in Cairo, and the other in our port city of Alexandria. I was never so happy as when our ship was pulling away.

I can safely say that my feelings for Egypt mirror many of the people on this ship. I can also safely say that, until the Egyptians really get it together, I will never want to return. This is really disappointing to have to say, and I was remorseful at the thought that I did not see all that I had hoped in both sites and people.
Cairo started out pleasant enough. We stopped at the pyramids and Sphinx in Giza. It was pretty awesome to be standing there gazing at these Ancient Wonders of the World. I’m sure you have the same picture in your head that I did – in the desert, this desolate place with nothing around. Wrong!

There are lots of people around, and, in fact, they are all contemptible. There are vendors all around pretending to want to give you some item that you know they will somehow get money from, you just don’t realize the game quite yet. There are nomads telling you that you can take a quick ride on a camel for just one dollar – they just don’t explain that they will expect fifty to dismount!

We had been warned about these ploys before getting there. We were not however warned about the way we were scammed. We were wandering around the Great Pyramid in awe. The tourism police officer (you know, the men hired to guard this site and all the tourists flocking there, in light of the fact that Egypt is just not a safe place) approaches and offers to take our picture for us. Sure, why not! He is an officer of the law, right? Well, something felt strange, so I made sure to get my camera back ASAP. He then demanded cash. And, he got really hostile about it when we said that we just had fifty euro cents. Livid, in fact. Luckily, Chris is large, and the guy backed down.

But, this is how the day went everywhere in Cairo. We did get to spend a little time in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and got to see the Tutankhamen exhibit, which was cool. And, the Egyptian Museum lies in the shadows of the headquarters for the Arab League, FYI.

When we got off the ship to explore Alexandria, we made it to the modern Library, which is supposed to represent the great thinking and traditions of the ancient Library of Alexandria which was famous for its massive size and sheer volume of ancient writings. I made every effort to dress modestly, but I was still flooded by children who wanted to touch me and practice their English. At a certain point, our group of friends just felt uncomfortable and we went back to the ship. There were great things to see, I’m sure, but the feeling of fear just overwhelmed our experience. The city has recently found the submerged palace of Cleopatra, and is planning to build the first underwater museum. That would eventually be cool to see, but I doubt I will ever return.

I’m thankful for what we saw, but will never recommend Egypt as a travel destination. Not so long as you need armed guards and the people have not picked up on how to treat visitors. We are at sea today, and are traveling back to Greece for Corfu, Olympia, and Athens!