Re: Experiences in Jerusalem

On 21 Oct 2003 07:18:03 -0700, [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Bjorn Olsson) wrote:

>[EMAIL PROTECTED] (?ystein) wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Ben Sharvy) wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
>> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] (?ystein) wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
>> > > [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Ben Sharvy) wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
>> > > > [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Øystein) wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
>> > > > > "Will" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
>> > > > > > "C-II" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
>> > > > > > news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>>  
>> > > > > > I recommend all 3 (although Egypt was a bit too touristic for my
>> > > > > > liking).
>> > > > > 
>> > > > > I plan to go to Egypt as well, and have been asking for advices from
>> > > > > friends that have been there. When it comes to problems with heavy
>> > > > > tourism, you should follow one pice of advice: Stay away from the
>> > > > > pyramids and the area around! From what I have heard, you should focus
>> > > > > on the area around The Nile and The Red Sea.
>> > > > > 
The pyramids are full-on tourism, no doubt. But you _must_ go there.
They are incredible. There is no way to describe the awe they inspire.
The simple perfection, the size, the historical meaning, the fact that
a simple stone mason five _thousand_ years ago made the stone that you
are touching - it's an amazing experience. It's worth playing the
tourist game for that.

The Red Sea, OTOH, is one of the world's best dive spots. Nature's
wonders there underwater are equally amazing.

Going up the Nile to Luxor is worth it, too. I'd probably spend a few
days in Cairo, then head for Luxor.
 
>> -People situated inside the pyramids, ask you to follow them because
>> they want to show you something. Then they ask you for money in order
>> to not leave you inside the labyrinth.
>
>You should generally ignore people who turn up unasked for to "show
>you something". Without possession of that little piece of common
>sense, you shouldn't travel anywhere.

Balderdash. I've been "befriended" numerous times and had good
experiences seeing things that most tourists don't. You just have to
have a good sense about the situation and know that it's extremely
rare for a local in the 3rd world to approach you without an ulterior
motive.

>> -Visitors report about men hiding in the dark touch female tourists
>> legs as they pass
>
>Wear trousers. 

In Moslem countries a long skirt is better.

>> -Tourist in the areas of the pyramids report that when they paid
>> locals for a trip on the back of a camel, they made up lots of extra
>> payments that they din't told them about in front, includig food for
>> the camel. The guide also enjoyed touching the female tourist on parts
>> of the body that he 'accidently' came near because he was siting
>> behind her on the camel.
>
>So just avoid the camels. The attraction at Giza is the pyramids and
>other monumental buildings, not the stupid camels.

How often do you get the chance to see a camel at home, much less the
chance to ride one? Seeing strange animals up close is one of the joys
of travel, and can be at least as enjoyable as looking at
architectural monoliths. I'll admit, though, camels _are_ stupid.

>> If you don't care about such things or the situation has improved go.
>> If you don't think it is worth it, don't. The situation isn't anything
>> close to this any other place than in the area of th4e pyramids.
>
>I actually thought the Giza area was absolutely fine. No problems at
>all. In Luxor, on the other hand, we were slightly annoyed by a couple
>of obnoxious "guides" who wouldn't get the message and kept following
>us.
>
>Outside of a couple of small, well-defined, over-touristed areas,
>Egypt is one of the most friendly and hospitable countries you will
>ever find. You should definitely go _both_ to the Giza pyramids _and_
>to the non-touristy areas of Egypt to get the full experience.

In all my travels, there are only two countries where people have
thrown stones at me - Morocco and Egypt. (Those goatherd punks have
major league arms, too.) I found both countries to be incredible
places to visit, from historical sights, to food, culture, arts and
landscape. But they are also two of the oldest tourist destinations in
the world, and as 3rd world countries, they've had a long history of
seeing the disparity between their poverty and tourist wealth. They
have many tried and true ways of parting tourists from their money.
Dealing with Egyptians can be a real hassle. Especially for western
women. It helps to know local custom, treat others the way you'd like
to be treated, and comport yourself in a way that discourages abuse or
harrassment.