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The Triumphant City, Cairo,
known officially as Al-Qāhirah is one of the world's largest
cities and promises many sites to see for visitors. It is
the administrative capital of Egypt and, and is very close
to almost every Egyptian pyramid, such as the Great Pyramids
of Giza on the very edge of the city.
Cairo, Egypt is a spectaculay city full of life and
movement, and it is always that way almost 24 hours every
day, with the noisy beeping of horns, children playing in
the streets and merchants selling their items and services.
And here, modern Egyptians feel most at home in this
powerful, modern and yet ancient city.
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Cairo, Egypt offers great culture, including art
galleries and music halls, including the Cairo Opera
House. As well it should, Cairo being one of the
largest cities in the world. It also offers some of
the grandest hotel accommodations and restaurants in
the world, such as the Four Seasons and the Cairo
Marriott.
Cairo provides locals and tourists alike an
incredible selection of shopping, leisure and
nightlife activities. Shopping ranges from the
famous Khan el-Khalili souk, (or bazaar) mostly
unchanged since the 14th century, to modern
air-conditioned centers showcasing the latest
fashions. |
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All the wealth of the East
can be seen here. Particular good buys are spices, perfumes,
gold, silver, carpets, brass and copperware, leatherwork,
glass, ceramics and mashrabiya. Sample some of the famous
street markets, like Wekala al-Balaq, for fabrics, including
Egyptian cotton, the Tentmakers Bazaar for appliqué-work,
visit Mohammed Ali Street for musical instruments and,
although you probably won't want to buy, the Camel Market
makes a memorable trip. This part of the word has been for
over a thousand years, a true shopper’s paradise.
Cairo’s city streets are
redolent with black-and-white taxis (usually Fiats or Ladas)
so getting a cab is never a problem. Simply stand at the
side of the road and at the sight of an approaching taxi
point one hand towards the road.
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The taxi driver will
slowly go past you. When he does, yell out a
district or landmark near your destination (eg. “Al-Azhar”)
and if the driver wants to take you there, he will
stop for you.
Single males should
sit in the front seat next to the driver. It is
customary for single females to stay in the back
seat. Once in the cab, name your specific
destination. Only newbies discuss price at this
point, as to do so ensures that the driver will
spend the entire trip negotiating for a high fare.
If the driver insists on knowing how much you will
pay, give him your price. If he does not agree with
you, you can get out and find another cab.
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Meters are usually turned off or not
in use. The meter rate is really a disadvantage for taxi
drivers as it is really too low, having been installed years
ago and not in-keeping with the rising costs of operation.
This is why Cairenes ignore the meter and instead pay the
going market rate for the distance covered.
It is not unusual for taxis to pick up extra passengers
going in the same direction, so don’t be afraid if you
should find yourself sharing the ride. |
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