It's a Shame About Egypt

Egypt has some of the most impressive sights I have ever seen. The pyramids, if you can believe it, are possibly the least so. The color and details in the tombs, the wealth of the pharaohs' belongings, the scientific feat of mummies, the sheer size of statues and hieroglyphic adorned columns mesmerize their audiences. Unfortunately the striking beauty and easy enjoyment ends at the gate where hundreds of aggressive vendors and scammers harass and hassle tourists by the bus load.


Most people visit Egypt by organized tours - 42 people at a time. They swarm together through the sights as if on a timed game show, seeing only the "musts." Most dress inappropriately for a Muslim nation (shorts, t-shirts, spaghetti straps) and don't take the time to learn about the culture or figure out if they are being swindled and paying up to 6 times the appropriate price for items being sold on the tourist track. The quick money and lack of cultural respect has taken its toll and has trained a nation how to treat Westerners...similarly. Take, take, take.

The end result is that Egypt leaves one with a fondness that is overshadowed by discomfort and anger. Souvenirs are tainted by memories and feelings of manipulation and worse, possible friendships are marred with lingering questions of distrust. Egyptians take advantage and tourists take tours. The cycle continues.