Eclipses and Pyramids

There is time for seeing the Oases and the Nile Valley (and the pyramids)... Our loose plan is to arrive in Cairo, get a permit, and then get to Saloum in time to see the eclipse that takes place 10:40am Wednesday March 29, 2006.

Here's a sweet news article on the event - http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2006/780/tr3.htm

Nights 1 and/or 2 -- Cairo

We have reserved a hotel room reserved as a meeting place for everyone (Dustin is on a different flight). Here are the details (about $5 night). We reserved 2 nights -- mar 26th (sun) and mar 27th (mon).

Meramees Hostel

32 Sabri Abou Alam Street

Cairo

p. +202 3962318/ +202-0103154412

Booking Confirmation (2332-3899740)

Word on the street - Don't forget to check out Islamic Cairo, Coptic Cairo was not all that impressive. The Citadel was worth a visit just to check out the mosques. Just please dress appropriatley for any mosque. don't feel you need to jam pack your days with visiting every museum, every temple, every pyramid, every tomb, unless they hold personal meaning for you.

most foreign countries don't have fixed price systems and you are forced to bargain for the fair price. This is very true in Egypt. But what I found different about it was that it takes a lot longer and they are more hospitable, when you first walk in somewhere they will offer you a drink--coffee, water, soda, tea (I was a huge fan of the hibiscus tea!). Then you're offered to sit and then the bargaining can begin. As a rule of thumb, go for a 1/3 of what they are asking. They'll seem like you just insulted them but chances are that's still more than what a local would pay. Bottom line is...don't be in a hurry when you shop or you'll wind up paying way too much

Our Arabic teacher recommends that we go to Khan al-Khalili as the best market in Cairo to pick up souveniers and such!

Saloum (aka Sallum)

Looks like travel from Cairo to Saloum would be via car or bus -- no other airports that are closer. That worries me a little since there will be an unusually high volume of tourists looking to head out there (just gauging by a google search on 'Saloum' turning up more 'eclipse tours' than actual information about Saloum. There are some oases nearby that would be really neat. Some of the pictures seemed like they were out of Star Wars desert scenes or something... sadly, the best online info I could fine was on this cheesy tour: http://www.farhorizon.com/Africa/oases-of-egypt-eclipse.htm

Nile Valley

The pyramids and all the good stuff is in the 'Nile Valley' which is quite accessible from Cairo.

Here's a sweet Google Earth Model of the pyramids & sphinx: Download this Google Earth 3D Model

Nile Cruise

Several people have brought up the idea of a cruise on the Nile that cannot be missed. Diya has gone on the nile cruise before and strongly recommended 'The Hotep' from this cruise agency:

http://dim.com/~travel/Egypt/Nile_Cruises/body_nile_cruises.html

The Eclipse itself

In Arabic, the word for Eclipse is kousouf. If you haven't seen one, you probably don't know what to expect. But I won't preach, just link:

• The basics
• The Experience

It seems like Saloum (aka Sallum) is a good spot after all:

• Awesome Google Earth Overlay (Windows PCs only)
• Eclipse Weather

Alternative Ideas

Alejandro and his wife have signed up for a tour package; which pretty much means we won't see them en route to places, but might be able to meet up on site at Saloum, the Pyramids, etc. They got a deal through this website(s)

http://www.kt-travel.com/ http://www.eclipse2006.net/

They have different lengths of time and dollar amounts to cover just the eclipse journey, or a complete 2 week spree including a Nile Cruise, pyramids, and Eclipse. Of all the tours I have seen, this was the cheapest by far. Something to think about.

Diving

Perhaps we have time to get diving certification before going? Supposedly egypt holds some of the best diving in the world, so it would be a shame to miss it. This diving instruction company (Austin, TX) comes highly recommended from Sylvia and Ricardo. They say, you get certified by PADI for its 'life long' cerfication:

http://www.scubaland.com/classes.asp

Word on the street - If you've ever thought about getting your scuba diving certification, the Red Sea is the place to do it. Keep in mind if you do decide to do the scuba certification, it takes a full 4 days. - in the resort town of Hurghada. the resort towns are where you'll find most bars and the Red Sea is gorgeous.

Permits and VISAs

Egyptian Frontier Permit

Those wishing to visit areas near Egypt's frontiers, including the borders with Libya, Sudan, and Israel and off-road areas in the Sinai, must obtain permission from the Travel Permits Department of the Ministry of the Interior, located at the corner of Sheikh Rihan and Nubar Streets in downtown Cairo.

Egypt VISA

You will need a tourist visa for Egypt. Attached is the application from the visa company that NI uses. It appears to be best to just get it in Cairo, however ($15 USD):

Note: Most travelers obtain their Visa upon entry to Egypt, and need not use the forms below to obtain a visa. Visa applications are normally passed out by airlines prior to landing at an Egyptian airport. Source: TourEgypt.net

• G3 VISA Request Form (.doc)
• Egypt VISA Application (.pdf)

Flight Info

Everybody should grab an AAdvantage number and be sure Andrea at Adelman gets it (or your travel agent of choice) so you get the 14,000 frequent flier miles. That's a lot. You can almost get a free low-end domestic flight with that.

• Departure Date: Mar 25 2006
• Departing From: Dallas/Ft Worth
• Airline: American Airlines, Egypt Airlines, Iberian Airlines
• Record Locator: DXEWSH
• Country(s): United Kingdom and Gibraltar, Egypt, Spain and Andorra

Safety

I'm thinking about taking out a policy to cover a variety of the mishaps that can happen while traveling overseas. Let's discuss the different Insurance options... Thru World Nomads I got a $57 quote for 2 weeks in Egypt.

International Concerns

Below you will find links to the U.S. State Departments Consular Information sheet for each country. Also, any State Department Warnings or Announcements that have been made regarding each country.

Please check our website for the latest information related to your travel - www.adelmantravel.com. Country(s)/Warnings/Announcements:

• United Kingdom Consular Info
• Egyptian Consular Info
• Spainish Consular Info

The Language

The official language of Egypt is Arabic, with an Egyptian dialect. In general most Egyptians in the tourist sector do know several different languages, including English, French, German, Italian, and sometimes others. However knowing some basic Arabic may still come in handy in less touristy areas. Egyptian Arabic is part of the Eastern Arabic sublass and the most common dialect is known as Cairene Arabic.

Here are some links to some websites related to Egyptian Arabic:

• Explanation of Egyptian Arabic
• Tour Egypt Phrase Book
• Ajeeb Arabic Course Online (Free)
• Babel Arabic Course Online (Free)
• UT Informal Classes also had some beginners Arabic classes this July and September (might be some new ones in January?)