As a woman travelling alone to Egypt, I was aware and ready to receive insults, looks, whatever; but an pinch on my bottom and my hand is faster than my brain. Sounds like trouble to me. How can I avoid physical harassment? I am Spanish, mediterranean looking. I am considering whether to buy a few traditional muslim outfits or to dress like a man for a week. Both options sound like extra fun to me. May I have your views?
How can I best avoid harassment?
Re: How can I best avoid harassment?
Hi Miss London,
Both options do sound like fun, if you do dress as a man just make sure your moustache doesn't fall off at the wrong moment and try to limit your crotch scratching, we don't do it that much do we, eh fellas?
Seriously though, unwanted attention is an issue you'll want to address. Your Tour Leader will have some great advice on the subject when you arrive but if you want to be prepared you should consider the following - If you want to escape untoward comments and advances you should think about covering these areas: Knees, elbows and breasts. The less flesh you show the less attention you'll create.
There are also a myriad of other hints and tips such as:
Wear a wedding band - Married women are generally more respected.
Avoid direct eye contact by wearing dark glasses.
Generally though sticking with other members of your group and using your common sense should make for an enjoyable trip.
Unfortunately, as a man I'm probably not the best person to advise you on this issue, I'm sure that there are more than a few women out there who have advice on dealing with unwanted attention, it'd be really good to hear from some of you.
[b][email]chris@imtrav.co.uk[/email][/b]
Re: How can I best avoid harassment?
Thank you Chris. My concern comes from old postings on this website from some lady who had had that problem in Egypt. However I never wear shorts and clingy tops and am not going to start doing it in Cairo. Hopefully I shall not have any problem. It will be too hot for the moustache anyway.. an Indian friend of mine may lend me a couple of summer sarees: if they are good enough for Delhi...
Other thing: is it possible to travel from London with alcoholic drinks to enjoy during the felucca trip (I'm thinking nice glass of wine here) or will it be a problem at the customs? The same about a carton of "European" cigarettes. Or shall I buy those things once I arrive in Cairo?
Thank yo in advance for your comments
Re: How can I best avoid harassment?
Miss London you interest me!
What else would you like to dress up as?
Re: How can I best avoid harassment?
Hi,
You can arrive with the following things:
1L Alcohol
200 cigarettes and 25 cigars
You can also find duty free shops in Cairo and other cities(Egypt Free Shops Company)which sell imported items. Your Tour Leader will be able to point you in the right direction.
[b][email]chris@imtrav.co.uk[/email][/b]
Re: How can I best avoid harassment?
Chris, thank you again. Helpful tip.
MarkS will be delighted: a Spanish woman in costume dress puffing cigars along the Nile.