Cairo- accomodations and cuisine concerns

I have learned that travel to Egypt is not easy, even for the intrepid adventurer. I feel that Egypt almost requires that you visit via a group experience for the first time- so that you can get a feel for the country and her people. Otherwise it can be daunting. I have also discovered that, in order to secure "culinary safety", a group trip should be all inclusive when it comes to room and board. Although "the names are changed to protect the innocent", Mummy tummy, the Curse of the Pharaoh, Shishak's Revenge, can all be debilitating, devastating, when a journey like this may be your once in a lifetime shot. As a result, a five-star journey can allow you to focus on your goal; the glory of Egypt, past and present.

So, how about a hotel where every room has a view? The Sofitel Gezira is the place to be. Centrally located, it is in the heart of the Cairo/Giza Metropolis on Gezira Island. A circular hotel refurbished in 2007, it is located on the island's southern tip. There's nothing like it to get settled in, get a good night's sleep, in preparation for the adventure to begin in earnest. We stay one night at first, only to return to the hotel at the end of the journey for two more nights and Cairo touring before returning back to the States. What a way to unwind from the trip over!

In addition to comfortable accommodations, food can also become an issue that is debilitating to say the least. A very good friend and colleague, who had been to the Middle East dozens of times, was a case in point. We both had groups of students in Egypt several years ago, and discovered that we would be "overlapping" our journeys at the Giza train station- he was going south and I was returning north. So, we looked for each other on the platform. It was a warm welcome, even for just a few moments. As I got off the train, there he was, smiling, with a felafel in pita in his hand. If you are unaware, felafel is the ubiquitous Middle East fast food sandwich. A mixture of chickpeas, cumin, cracked wheat, garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, egg and olive oil that is deep fried, it then can be served "on the go" in a pita, with salad and harif, or hot sauce. I looked at him, he grinned sheepishly...." I know, I know," he said. "But it smelled soooo good I couldn't resist." I looked at the can of oil adjacent to the fryer. It's label said, " Expiration date: Ramses II". OK, so I'm kidding. The fact is, no matter how good something smells, you just can't take the risk in Egypt. He ended up with the kind of usually non-lethal yet stays in your body forever Hepatitis C. The moral, watch where and what you eat, regardless of your experience and global acumen.

This takes me to another concern..........nature's most perfect food.......... water. The water supply in Egypt, as is the case for most nations, is ok to drink- if you are going to live, study, there for a couple of months! The filtration system is alien to what we are used to. For that matter, the filtration system of Boston or New York is alien to what someone from Minnesota is used to as well. Drinking it will cause discomfort and the necessity for being in close proximity to King Tut's Throne for a few days. But after that, you will be fine. BUT ON A 12 DAY JOURNEY......... it makes absolutely NO SENSE to run the risk. At $1/day for 1 1/2 litre bottle of water, drink it enthusiastically with no worries. However, if you are staying away from local tap water to save discomfort, remember that this needs to be extended to both ice and toothbrushing. STAY AWAY from iced beverages- you never know where the water comes from to make the cubes. RINSE the toothbrush and your mouth with bottled water as well. I had a student come down with Mummy Tummy. She swore that she drank bottled water and had only refrigerator chilled drinks. So I asked if she brushed her teeth every night. The "light bulb" went off! And she kicked herself for "spacing out" toothbrushing. It happens to the best of travelers though. (I'm in the process of inventing a "Travel Toothbrush" that's built into the cap of a water bottle!)

Stay tuned for the first full day of touring- Giza, here we come!