Egypt, Day 2: A lesson in being ripped off

The night before ended with the tour jerking around with prices, making somethings more expensive and some things that were part of the itinerary into options. The hotel then shorts me on change for a bottle of water. First thing, off to the pyramids, which are right on the edge of the city.

Quite an opposition, bustling city at the gates on one side, vast desert on the other. Seeing the pyramids was really cool, you can't believe they are still there after all these years. Also saw the sphinx, which was quite impressive too.

The view of the Sphinx with the pyramids in the background is quite amazing. Then, the downside. Both sites are teeming with souvenir sellers, people offering to take your picture, camel drivers offering rides. Lots and lots of people after your money and not being afraid to ask. And if someone thinks they deserve a tip for doing nothing, they aren't ashamed to tell you. This really killed the ambiance and everyone was a little happy to leave it. Plus, it's really hard to tip when you never get small bills. I think this is part of the plan. I compensate by seldom tipping. Next was a papyrus "museum" (store) where we all bought some paintings. Dancing Nomad is my hero for her tenacious negotiation skills. The guys were really happy to see her leave the store. From there, to an even more questionable carpet "school", which had a sales pitch that no one was interested in. Last stop was the Egyptian Museum, easily the best part of the day. Lots of interesting, although jumbled stuff, and no one hassling you. Then off to the train station and into the tiny compartment of the overnight sleeper to Aswan.

Cairo pics are here.