Aw, thanks for your comment! I reckon you’re the appropriate gender and — dare I say it? — hue, to have a relatively easy time of it in Cairo. Every time I was with an Egyptian, part-Egyptian or even vaguely Egyptian-looking man, the hassle disappeared.

In the middle of my research on Egpyt and Cairo for a brochure that I am writing, I stumbled on your blog “Egypt?! What Was I THINKING?!” in the Lonely Planet. Gosh, I almost fell of my chair, sometimes giggling and sometimes laughing. I could almost visualise the 7 Security officers going for the ‘one’ key at ‘one’ place. Wonderful stuff.

But your blog, made some fabulous reading I must say. Though I have always wanted to go to Egypt (haven’t yet gone though), I’ll be wary of Cairo when I finally get there.

Peace and Regards
Narayanan Vincent
Bangalore, India

It’s changed a lot since Zac and I were there in 2001 — but it still has some of the same soul. These were my first impressions coming back after ten years — http://www.escapeartistes.com/2012/03/02/on-the-roof-in-dahab-egypt/ — the place we stayed in had sand floors, also, but did have electricity. They still do use the plastic water bottle candles, though…

Standard pick-up price (airport collect) to Dahab is 150. When I picked up Z this morning (which reminds me, we must both go to bed), the guy started at 250, I was told 150, and we settled at 200, and I tipped him, but that was the return fare.

It was ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY TO THE BUS STOP that made me break out in large, angry capitals. But, yeah, you’re right, it’s 150-200 d2d: we paid 200 from Sharm the first time we were there, so 100 was good.

Hoping to see you while we’re in the area again, btw…

On the bright side, 100 to Dahab is quite a deal (well not a really that good considering he was going back anyway…)but still! good job! normal price would’ve been at least 150-200 I’m guessing…