Instanbul
So far Instanbul has been beautiful. Its very clean and very modern/western. I would suggest Istanbul before heading to Egypt. It’ll give you a introduction into the Islamic culture.
A brief off topic observation–I’ve noticed that in the countries with Islam as the dominating religion that people, especially women are treated completely different. And not in a good way. I say this only as an observation. Women are treated horribly. Women sould be advised that dressing with clingy clothing (clothing that defines any curves in your body) or clothing that shows skin anywhere beyond the ankles, elbows and neck is asking for extremely rude comments, leering, touching, and outright disrespect. Some may find some of these things slightly flattering at first, but guaranteed, it WILL get worse. Another observation is the need for bargaining. You won’t need to worry about that in other countries. Getting ripped off only seems to happen in these countries–that is all for now.
I apparently didn’t learn my lesson. I accepted the help of a “kind” man as I got off the bus from the airport. I was looking for the Tram. He informed me–as usual–that the destination I’m heading for is closed. He also informed me it was too long and too dangeous to walk at this time of night and that a taxi was cheaper than the Tram, but that he wasn’t a Taxi driver, he just worked for the same copmany as the shuttle bus. Yeah right.
He threw my bags into a taxi and told me to get in as he (looked like he was) negotiating my taxi fee for me. After I got in, he got in instead of the other guy. I immediately asked how much it would cost to get there. He said the Tram was 12 Lira and–as usual–I could pay him whatever I felt was fair. 2 minutes later we arrive “near” the hostel. He said “Now you pay me”… I said I’d pay him the fair I would have paid for the Tram since that was apparently more than a Taxi. He turned evil, like the guy from the horse and carraige. He said in broken english “Excuse me, a taxi is normally 27 Lira to here and now its night time so it’s double.” He wanted 57 Lira. I again informed him that I was very disappointed that he was being dishonest with me and that I’d only pay him after he got my bags out of the trunk. I gave him 50 Lira and told him that’s all he’ll get. He took it with out much of a fight, only protesting once.
I wasn’t really near my hostel. I had to ask for direction and walk a few blocks. When I arrived I asked how much I should have paid. Reception told me 12 Lira. ARGH!
Basically here’s the long lesson I’ve learned, that I will pass on to you. Do NOT enter a taxi without getting a price solidified. Repeat it to them and have them repeat it, multiple times if you have to. Find out before hand approximately how much you should pay from someone at an information booth or someone YOU approached first. Put that amount and maybe a few extra small notes or coins in your wallet, put the rest somewhere else. NEVER LET THEM SEE HOW MUCH YOU HAVE. When they inevitably try to screw you at the end of the trip and ask for more money than agreed apon, of course argue until you get your way, or you may use your now empty wallet as a scape goat. “I’m sorry that’s all I have! Take it or leave it!”