Either way -- short sleeves or long sleeves, foreigners will still be "center" of attention regardless. If out on my own, I will be more conservative. Among a group of students or Wikipedians, then I will be more relaxed about all this. It's also possible to wear shorter/half sleeves and bring a scarf, if you need it. Anyway, bring both conservative, long-sleeve tops and short sleeves. Once here, you will find what's comfortable for you.
It's been quite hot in Cairo (37-40 C / ~100 F) during the daytime, though Alexandria is quite a bit cooler than that (~30 C / 86 F). The best way to deal with the heat is to do things (e.g. see the Giza pyramids) very early in the morning. Arriving at the pyramids at 6 or 7 am is ideal, and be done by 9 am. Or do things in the evening (e.g. Khan al-Khalili). Also, I find the heat tolerable if I stay in the shade. Another factor is the pollution in Cairo, and to some extent in Alexandria. I don't think the pollution is any worse than Taipei was, but it's still an issue here. As for taxis, it's best to go in a group when riding a taxi. When on my own, I have been okay, but will pay them a little bit more to avoid argument. It's also good to be dropped off right in front of my building, hotel, or other places which will all have security staff. Our security staff has come out on occasion to talk with problematic taxi drivers. Everyone walking away is the best thing to do. What Diana does will also work. Do what works for you. -Aude On Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 12:12 PM, Diana - Sumaq Peru Travel < [EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I have some more advice as a foreigner in Egypt > > I will advice all the foreign girls to wear long sleeve t-shirts to avoid > sexual harrasment and bad moments. > The Alexandria society is very conservative, I have been in the Alexandria > Library wearing a normal t-shirt (because it is very hot) but I felt very > uncomfortable and I was the "center" of attention so it is better to avoid > such undesire attention ;) > > Also as a foreigner I always make a deal with the taxi drivers before > accepting the ride, you will see that the taxi drivers will always make > problems because they want more money, even when I arrange the price > beforehand they ask more money. Make sure you tell the price and that he > understand clearly to avoid problems at the end. Some taxi drivers may even > become somehow violent and it is not good. (And I always give them more than > average) > > Diana > >
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