AboutJane Akshar Expertise I have extensive knowledge of tourism in Egypt, specifically Luxor, and Egyptology in general. I can answer questions on travel, hotels, restaurants as well as about the sites and dealing with the locals. I can tell recommend deserted sites where you are the only tourist, local guides who will take you walking over the hills, reliable drivers, taxis, donkey and camel men, sailing and motor boat captains.
I can answer questions on Egyptology(up to the end of the New Kingdom) as I have been involved with Egyptology for over 40 years and have contacts in the Antiquities department and with many of the Archaeological teams in Luxor.
Experience I have been coming to Egypt as a tourist since 1979 and moved to live in Luxor in 2003. I love to help people fall in love with Egypt. I guide guests around the sites in Luxor and run a small tourism business renting flats (apartments) to tourists. I am married to an Egyptian and have a bilingual teenage daughter. I write regular feature articles for Tour Egypt and run a News Blog on Luxor.
Organizations AEITB "Association of Egyptian Travel Businesses on the Internet"
Publications www.touregypt.net
www.luxornews.net
wikipedia.org/wiki/KV63
www.kv-63.com (photos)
Archaeological Diggings Magazine
The Cultured Traveller
Egyptian Cultural Heritage Organisation (ECHO)
The Undoctored Past
Education/Credentials 8 O levels, OND in Science, City and Guilds in Computing, 10 years Egyptology with the University of London Extra Mural Dept
Question Hi Jane,
I am marrying my egyptian boyfriend in a few months at the notary public office in Lazoghly Sq, Cairo. Could you tell me if we just arrive with all our paperwork at the notary office anytime and any day of week.....or do we have to book a day and time in advance....i asked the British Embassy, but they were not very helpful. I actually need to call the embassy again, not unless you are able to assist with this question also... to enquire if my boyfriend needs a passport before we marry, or if his egyptian id card will be enough for the time being
Thanks for any assistance you can offer.
Lorna
Answer The Ministry of Justice keeps normal office hours. His Egyptian ID card is enough but forgive me for saying so why on earth isn't he finding out about the Egyptian side of things. That is why the Embassy were not being very helpful they wanted to indicate that this was a warning sign. They will spend time with you making sure you know what you are getting into.
For example have you discussed whether he will insist on any daughters you have, having their clitoris cut off which is normal practice here. If he is a Muslim what does he feel about the Koran's instruction to beat you should you disagree with him. He is allowed to take 4 wives and there is nothing you can do about it. Has your Wali discussed the dowry with him, this is like a pre nup and every Egyptian girl has it, it protects her in case of divorce. I hope these are all things you have discussed.
