Things we've learned about Egypt

1. No one will tell you they don't know where something is. They'd rather point you in the wrong direction than not know.

2. Everyone wants baksheesh (tips) but mostly in the larger cities. Good to keep small bills (1LE) in your pocket for this purpose.

3. Nothing is free. If something is offered to you (tour, soda, etc.) be prepared to pay or say "no, thank you" (laa shukran)

4. 90% of men are named Mohammed

5. Egyptians work on a different time schedule, which we've dubbed EET (Estimated Egyptian time)

6. Crossing the street is a bit like the game, "Frogger," only real, and therefore scarier.

7. People love to honk their horns. For any occasion. They put Chinatown drivers to shame.

8. If you're going to try and take photos in a forbidden area (tomb, museum, etc), be prepared to have them deleted or pay a 1000LE fine. (Luckily hasn't happened to us...touch wood.)

9. For many purchases, there are two prices: Egyptian and tourist. Know how much something should cost and bargain hard.

10. A bottle deposit is worth 1LE each. If you get a Coke, you have to drink it before you leave so they get the bottle back. If you find a store that sells beer (rare), take the bottles back for a refund!

11. It's very easy to buy tissue packets on the streets from both women and children as young as four, for 1LE each.

12. Said tissue packets double as toilet paper in the W.C.'s that almost never provide it.

13. The Nubian people like to have a good time, are a lot more relaxed, and won't hassle you to buy things from them.