I moved to Egypt. AMA

[CleopatrasNeedle]

I put my stuff into storage, jumped on a plane and moved to Egypt. AMA

When I visited Cairo I found it horrendous. Abject poverty and incredible richness so close together. Fast food restaurants a stones throw from the pyramids. I was followed and photographed by men because I was wearing a vest (my cardigan was stolen by the pyramids!!!!).

I'd be really interested to hear what makes it challenging to live in, OP. I was only there for 2 days and honestly absolutely hated it but I appreciate I saw a tiny portion.

Are you worried about war spreading through the middle east?

I lived and worked in Egypt for 3 years, would happily never go back

@tempnameforadvice things which are challenging:
the daily power cuts (2 hours)
the frequent water cuts
the constant heat ( it's starting to cool down now into low 20's)
The dirt, the pollution and the poverty. Toddlers and young children begging.
The issues with clean water that makes it hard to chose what to eat when going out salad, coffee etc..
The language is difficult but I'm taking lessons and making progress!! When I practice on people on shops/ubers they are so thrilled!
Food and Ubers are incredibly cheap. That's for me as a westerner though. The average Egyptian on the street is really struggling with huge price hikes as the economy has tanked.
I've made a whole new circle of friends who I've done some great things with.
The first time I saw the pyramids and the sphinx I nearly lost my mind. They are an incredible sight to behold. There are some fabulous shopping experiences, nightlife and music to enjoy.

@Feelingsadandwanttohelp I was at first. I had visitors who were due to come out that cancelled because of security fears. A few events at the Pyramids and other landmarks were cancelled. I feel it's unlikely now but it's caused tensions at my workplace with people of opposing views.

Have you moved alone?

Is this a permanent job or a fixed term contract?

Do you feel safe? Various reasons why I ask, the regime, being a woman, past terrorism in the region etc

A little prickly?

@BritneyBookClubPresident yes I'm alone and to the other OP yes I feel completely safe as a woman. I happily walk through my neighbourhood at night

what are the true secrets of the pyramids, and did they find a stargate device ?

DH worked in Egypt for 3 months and I visited. I loved Egypt and would happily return, but then I am used to developing countries/poverty/chaos, being from one myself. I am also rarely harassed because I am not white and look of indeterminate origin, if you know what I mean.

The sights were incredible. I don't think I have ever been so moved as when I saw the temples at Luxor, the treasures in the Egyptian National Museum ( I think it may have a different name), or the pyramids.

If I had longer there, I would have enrolled in an Egyptology course. Great you are learning Arabic.

What's the most beautiful, off the beaten track thing you have seen? Oh, and have you read "Diary of a Cairo Bookseller?". It's fabulous.

How come you chose to move to Cairo of all places - is the job very specific to there? Could you work in another country?

Do you mix with other local Egyptian people?

How long have you been and how long would you stay?

are you bored of the pyramids yet?

is it true that cats used to rule Egypt?

does the sphinx really ask riddles?

How's the food?

glad someone other than me I'd also asking the real questions

Do you ever pick up on anti-western sentiment!

This was meant to have an "?" at the end not an exclamation mark.