Comments on: The train trip North

By: David Farrar

David Farrar — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:31:24 +0000

Most of the people here are wonderful. Several people have helped translate for me, when they could tell I was not being understood. The staff at the hotels are great, and the professional guides have been excellent also.

The touts are what spoil it somewhat. Can’t blame them for trying to make some money, but they do harm the country overall as it does put you off return visits.

Turkey had some touts also, but not as bad as Egypt. However again, they are just a minority – I have met and talked to many wonderful people here.

By: Murray M

Murray M — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:24:31 +0000

Yep spent seven days in Cairo once. The Egyptians are the most devious, dishonest, corrupt, horrible little bunch of arabs I have ever had the misfortune to meet. The Turks on the other hand are great.

By: Richard

Richard — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:42:00 +0000

Yeah .. well I was a tad shocked with this too when I was there

They I relaised they all earn almost nothing, so they are just trying to make a living. Just keep your tips (baksheesh) to $E 5 or so

For $E2 you can take pictures in places you are not supposed to, so $E 5 is heaps.

You do get to the point where you just say “No” to everyone offering you help. I cant remember the word for it, but there is a nice “No thanks, leave me alone” phrase, but I am sure a friendly local will tell you it (for baksheesh of course!)

Did you get stung as you got off the train? Normally that’s $E 20 – by then we were sick of it … so spent 5 minutes carefully crafting our exit to avoid the conductor (esp since we paid a proper rate of $US 60 for the ride).

Richard

By: Johnboy

Johnboy — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:18:48 +0000

“And yes of course I gave him one ”

Tut tut tut (not Pharoah Tut). Still whatever it takes!

[ 5,000,000 demerits]

By: Johnboy

Johnboy — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:41:23 +0000

Yeh at last.

Its taken a long time I might add.

Thank you for your generosity David both in allowing me to go this long without a score and the magnificence of your judgement when the mood took you.

Have I achieved any sort of record by the way like 1600 without demerit?

No negative karma yet——-?

By: Kris K

Kris K — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:27:51 +0000

*Pop* goes little Johnny’s cherry.
(And quite a loud pop it was, too)

By: Johnboy

Johnboy — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:54:27 +0000

Obviously you are not hugely ugly (like their wimmin) and were not wearing the hijab. Same reason murris like raping blondies. A change is as good as a rest! Come in negative karma. TRUTH WILL OUT!

[DPF: That isn't truth but vileness. 50 demerits]

By: Interested Party

Interested Party — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:32:18 +0000

I have loved your posts on turkey and Egypt. I found in my extensive travels that the egyptions were the most in your face and slimey hosts to deal with. At least with some other countries they did it with humour. Female travellers have a worst experiance. I recall on a ferry trip from israel to Jordan we had a crowd of men five deep just standing there watching us, they were fascinated with us westerners, especilly the girls amongst is, although this crowd weren’t unfriendly.

By: Sushi Goblin

Sushi Goblin — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:28:57 +0000

The tip would have been worth it if DPF said “Mazel Tov” as he handed the cop his baksheesh.

By: Kris K

Kris K — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:19:58 +0000

At Luxor train stations I spent several minutes telling various touts no I did not need their assistance. But then as I get to the train track, a Police Officer politely asks what train I am on. I tell him, and he (so I thought) kindly took me down to the right carriage. Just as I am thinking how nice that was, he tells me that I can “reward” him if I am grateful.
I couldn’t believe it – even the effing Police want a tip. And yes of course I gave him one …

So, DPF, you weren’t tempted to tell him his reward would be in heaven?