Job Discussion Forums

[dudeteacher]

I am an ESL teacher and thinking of visiting Cairo and maybe Alexandra for a holday.

I put if off one year ago because of the then recent revolution.

I was wondering how things are now. I plan to come in late march for about 10 days.

Dude

[veiledsentiments]

Things are still unsettled. I would stay away from anywhere that there may be demonstrations as they are often turning to violence these days. There are few, if any, tourists around, so you will have the sites to yourself. I would probably avoid the museum near Tahrir... and the area for blocks around it. Take particular care on Fridays after the mosques empty...

VS

[OzMak]

Egypt is fine, sure it has its unpredictability factor but that makes it all more enjoyable to live here huhauhauhauhau *sigh*...

My advice, you SHOULD have come here when the revolution took place and done as many tourism related activities as possible as it was relatively good in terms of the financial situation. Had a few friends come over during that period from Australia and had an enjoyable time.

Just stay away from Tahrir as well as its surroundings and you will be fine. What's your itinerary like?

[veiledsentiments]

Hey Ozmak... where are the "regular" demonstrations being held in Alex?

VS

[dudeteacher]

My plan is to visit a lot of pyramids and a few museums and maybe go over to Alexandria.

I really want to have a proper experience as this would be my first time in Cairo.

Dude

[veiledsentiments]

I must say that the pyramids are one of the most boring of the many antiquities to see in Egypt. Many of us have/had them on our bucket list, but the temples and tombs - mostly in Luxor - are so much more.

VS
(Have you checked to see if the museum is open? It is rather in the middle of the action on Tahrir Square)

[It's Scary!]

[veiledsentiments]

The touts will be even more aggressive with the lack of tourists.

The Step Pyramid in Sakkara and its surrounding field of antiquities are more interesting than the Giza Plateau.

VS

[dudeteacher]

[justcolleen]

Pack your bags and your sense of adventure and, please, do come.

Generally, it's safe, particularly for foreigners as we do still hold a bit of rock star status and extra protections. However, as VS pointed out, tourism is down so there is a high level of desperation, safe to say desperation on steroids, in any area that involves tourism and tourism dollars.

While you're in Cairo, avoid crowds - all crowds as there are political rallies, never-ending sit-ins, strikes, and demonstrations going on, as well as struggles between Egyptians to get gasoline, cooking gas, and bread.

In both Cairo and Alexandria, demonstrations are typically around government buildings. On a non-scheduled demonstration day, you can even visit Tahrir. And, yes, the museum is open.

If you do choose to visit the Pyramids (and, really, they need your money), do not accept an offer for a horse or camel ride as this could lead to an unwelcome situation. Instead, if you would, give the minder a few L.E. with which he can feed his family and maybe his animal.

Travel between Cairo and Alexandria is best done during daylight hours. The cover of darkness has given people a sense of bravado they wouldn't otherwise have.

Avoid travel into the Sinai at all costs.

And, if you think you want to stay and look for work, there is ample opportunity.

[dudeteacher]

Thanks justcolleen.

Dude

[meteacher]

Justcolleen,

I visit Egypt every 8 weeks and believe it or not would like to move there.

What opportunities are there in Egypt these days for teachers? I really want to move to Egypt to teach, but I'm not sure where.

Any advice?

MT

[justcolleen]

It depends on your credentials and who/what you're interested in teaching.

If you could tell me that, I could give you better advice.

[meteacher]

Just Colleen - I've pm'd you

[dudeteacher]

Just Colleen,

I just seen your pm, thanks a lot and I've replied to you.

Thanks,
Dude