AboutDebbie Senters Expertise I am quite familiar with Cairo, Alexandria and most of the popular tourist areas. I can answer questions on transportation, places to stay (meaning hotels, or cities), sites to see, how to handle the natives, where to eat, you name it. I am the type of person that likes to do things and I`ve experienced quite a bit in Egypt from riding the metro (I can give a detailed description of how to do that from buying a ticket to finding the womens only car) to how to find your way around town without a guide. I have lots of friends now around Egypt that are happy to meet foreigners and help out, if the people with questions will be tourists and want additional assistance when they arrive.
Experience I have traveled to far corners of the country, and still have many places I need to see. If you are coming to Egypt and need a guide or a travel companion, please think about asking if I'm available. I can't leave until I've seen it all. I LOVE IT HERE!
Question I have a few questions regarding Cairo & Luxor.
My partner and I are going to Cairo in September of this year, we have a total of 8 days there and are aiming to spend the first 3 days in Cairo, then overnight train to Luxor, 2 days there and overnight back for the remainder of the time in Cairo (with possible day trip to Alexandria). Regarding the overnight train, how complicated is it to get tickets for this? I've tried faxing the company in charge and cannot get through, yet I've heard that it does sell out occasionally, is it safe to wait until we arrive to get tickets?
Regarding clothing: How tolerant are the locals of a male wearing (long) shorts in September? Its obviously going to be very hot and I can't bear the thought of wearing anything else - Is this being a bit deluded?
Thank you
Rafer
Answer September should not be very difficult to manage Sleeping Train tickets for as long as you don't want to go at the end of the month when the Eid holiday after Ramadan will begin.
If you go to the Sleeping Train office on your first day here, you should be able to get on the train of your choice, most likely. If you prefer, you can go to the Nile Hilton and buy your tickets at the American Express office. I find that one a bit easier to use as everyone there speaks clear English, and they take credit cards which might be helpful.
If the Sleeping train is not what you want or it is full, there is always the seated first class train that goes at night as another option. The price is less and although you sit up for the whole trip, it is doable. The bathrooms on the Sleeping Train are significantly better than the other train, as are the beds and food, but if you must get to Luxor and other options are full, this train is much better than the bus option.
You (the male) can get away with wearing long shorts. That should not be a big deal. Be respectful in other ways, especially because it is going to be Ramadan, and the shorts won't be a big deal at all. Try to avoid butt cracks showing and please no sleeveless shirts.
