Quote:
Originally Posted by Caroline_afifi
I thought I would open this as a topic for discussion as it maybe really valuable for anyone travelling to Egypt.
We can discuss other countries too, as I know nothing about the accepted norms in Yemen for example?
I think there are alot of misconceptions about what to do and accept as behavioual norms. I am often surprised at how many regular travellers still dont know the behavioural expectations from both sides.
What are your thoughts, experiences and areas of confusion?
|
Dear Gang,
Be prepared, if you travel outside of tourist areas, to meet with some hostility in the form of hard looks, no matter how conservatively you are dressed or how well you are behaving. Keep in mind that it has nothing to do with YOU, personally, but you as a representative of the the "foreign infidel". The word used is derogatory and it is "Hawaga" (even sounds bad!!) Hallah Moustafa has become the resident Hawaga in her neighborhood where she is the only foreigner living, and she has a few stories to tell. Fortunately, she has become a sort of inverted status symbol in the area where she lives. As she says, "I might be a Hawaga, but I am THEIR Hawaga!" This has saved her a couple of times when people in the neighborhood have rescued her.
Be respectful enough NOT to take pictures of people without asking. Do NOT ask unless you have some kind of acquaintance with them.
A big confusion for me was when you are not in tourist areas there is rubble everywhere in Cairo,and also to a lesser degree in Alexandria. It is so ubiquitous that I missed it in the desert!! It's like buildings have fallen down and no one cleared away the the remains. I am still a little perplexed about that, though several explanations have been given, mostly having to do with Mubarak not continuing the building efforts of Sadat....???
Regards,
A'isha