Customer Reviews

Egypt (Countries of the World (Gareth Stevens))

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book proved to be invaluable, when I took a three week vacation to Egypt last year; alone. If you are like me and don't like to travel in groups this book will teach you how to steer away all the street vendors, camel, carriage and fellucah drivers, as well as providing some practical arabic phraseology. It really helped to turn a good trip into a great trip by helping me to avoid offending or being taken advantage of by anyone. Ms. Wilson's personal experiences in Egypt have been transalated into practical information that can benefit any potential traveler to this wonderful country.

Wilson's book provided me with the "cultural common sense" that made for a successful stay in Egypt in June 2000. Her chatty tone invited me, as a reader, into her own experiences living in Egypt and set a context for me to be open to the warmth of the Egyptians as well as to be prepared for the very real challenges of travel here. While other books provided guidance to the sights, Wilson's provided guidance to the people and customs. I'll be returning to Egypt for future work and will rely on her book as a continuing resource.

Thank God for this book! I recently have been accepted for a job in Egypt and boy did this book help me prepare. Without it I don't think I would have made it through. It's content is rich and full of great tips on local custom and it is truly in depth about the "do's & don'ts" when you get there. Highly recommended.

There are two types of travel books: Those we skim through and those we read. As a book to skim, it's ok. It does not have much to reference quickly, if at all. However, as a book to read and to contemplate, it is very good. If you buy this book, take the time to read it carefully from cover to cover. Unlike a lot of commentaries on foreign culture, which tend to be trite, this author is very respectful of Egyptian culture without being ingratiating.

As an American woman who had already been to Egypt and experienced many different things with regard to cultural differences, I decided to purchase this book before returning again . It was a relief to get some insight on certain situations to avoid (as a woman) and how to enjoy this wonderful country while maintaining a deep respect for it's people's beliefs and customs.

This book may be a little out of date, but having been to Egypt in Nov. 09, I don't think so. However, I wish I had not read it before going, because it may have colored some of my experiences with locals. I am usually distantly friendly with strangers but the info in this book made me pull back considerably from that, especially with Egyptian men. It may have been a case of knowing a little TOO much about the culture, and not simply experiencing it as it presented itself.

Before heading off for Egypt, make sure that you read this book. It is invaluable!