One of the ports of call on our cruise was Alexandria, Egypt, with an overnight stay to give us plenty of time to go to Cairo — a 3-hour bus ride. I have always wanted to see the pyramids and was so excited at the prospect.
Let me tell you — seeing the ancient treasurers of the pharaohs is the ONLY reason to go to Egypt. (Even the tour guide admitted that Cairo is an ugly city.)
As soon as you step outside the port gate there are men there aggressively hawking souvenirs or their services as guides. One woman I talked to who ventured out — in a group of 6 — was pestered for blocks by a man who actually went inside a store they had just frequented to claim his “cut” for “guiding” them there. Another told me that she and her husband went for a walk and she was verbally harassed by men in the street — despite being conservatively dressed.
At the pyramids and the sphinx, there are men everywhere trying to part you from your money. Some of them are selling souvenirs, some of them are riding camels and if you want to take a photo, you have to pay them. Sometimes men try to step into your photo frame so they can claim payment.
The poverty is pervasive, and I understand that the economic and political realities have created this situation. I can’t comment on the status of women here except to tell you about our tour guide. This young woman was an educated engineer for whom there were no jobs except tour guide.
