Re: Experiences in Jerusalem

Turby <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...

> The pyramids are full-on tourism, no doubt. But you _must_ go there.

Of course you don't have to go there. If you are keen enough to see
them on close hold to go through lots of annoying attention then do,
if not there are litterary hundreds of alternative ways to get
interesting and exciting experiences in Egypt. Easy as that.

> >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.

Very true!
 
> >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.

Thank you for giving some first hand balanced and sensible advice on
this issues. They have been hard to find so far.


Best regards,

Jan.