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Egypt (Lonely Planet Country Guide)
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Matthew FirestoneRafael WlodarskiAnthony Sattin;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £7.52
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 Product Description
Lonely Planet--Egypt takes a practical approach to its readers and audience. It steers away from the hippie flavour of The Rough Guide (where the virtues of sleeping on a friendly native's roof are dwelled on at the expense of more mundane information) and adopts a tone that is sensible and thoughtful, though not timid. The information is thorough and for the most part accurate. Particularly useful are the suggested highlights for every major city, which, though doomed to meet with dissent, generally provide a good foundation for planning an itinerary. The inclusion of good, colour photographs is also a benefit. There are some notable weaknesses. Maps are disjointed and difficult to relate to each other, and there are vital moments where the guide shies away from making specific recommendations or suggesting priorities. This can make choosing which of Cairo's mosques or Luxor's West Bank tombs to visit a slightly hit-and-miss affair, especially if your time is limited. An early disclaimer wails (justifiably) that "Things change", and there are already some areas where the information is incorrect. However, if you're a tourist, rather than a traveller, with weeks rather than months to spend in Egypt (and you're ready to view a guide book as a guide, rather than as an authority), then this may well be the single best book with which to plan and enjoy your visit. --Richard Kelly
Customer Reviews
Very helpful guide., 09 Nov 2008
I have just returned from Egypt tour. I had this book and it was excellent helpful guide. It helped me a lot especially sights description and necessary up-to-date information. Very Good Insight For 1st Time Visitors!, 28 Jul 2004
We've just come back from honeymoon and used this book when we visited Cairo and particularly the incredible museum... the descriptions are spot on and the book guides you thru' room by room. Our tour guide was saying practically the same things as the book, so its all you need! Dress codes for women in Cairo aren't as strict as the book makes it out to be, there were loads of girls with string tops and shorts, so long skirts and long sleeved shirts aren't necessarily a must!! Other than that, pretty accurate about local customs and traditions.
Mixed, 08 Jul 2003
I've been to Egypt 3 times and the last time I spent 4 months there. The general consensus amongst travellers was that the Rough Guide was superior, but that the Lonely Planet has better maps. An additional issue is that since the Lonely Planet is the most popular guidebook, do you really want to be sitting smoking sheesha at a coffee shop filled with other white middle class travellers, all with Lonely Planets on their tables? Cringe!
A great book for pre-travel information, 05 Aug 2001
My copy is already looking a bit "well read" and I have only just bought it. Bursting with information and useful advise, this book is a must for anyone who is planning their own trip to Egypt.
Essential for anyone travelling to Egypt!, 14 Jul 2001
We took this book everywhere! From the suggested sites to visit in each location to the suggestions about how much to pay for a felucca or callesh (and how much baksheesh to give on top of the price), it was informative, accessible and above all accurate. We took the Rough Guide to Egypt also and that's still in immaculate condition while the Lonely Planet Guide looks like it has been read by every taxi driver in Luxor who's cousin has a felucca! Definately essential reading!!!
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Travel Egypt Nile Cruise
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £3.35
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Customer Reviews
Very helpful guide., 09 Nov 2008
I have just returned from Egypt tour. I had this book and it was excellent helpful guide. It helped me a lot especially sights description and necessary up-to-date information. Very Good Insight For 1st Time Visitors!, 28 Jul 2004
We've just come back from honeymoon and used this book when we visited Cairo and particularly the incredible museum... the descriptions are spot on and the book guides you thru' room by room. Our tour guide was saying practically the same things as the book, so its all you need! Dress codes for women in Cairo aren't as strict as the book makes it out to be, there were loads of girls with string tops and shorts, so long skirts and long sleeved shirts aren't necessarily a must!! Other than that, pretty accurate about local customs and traditions.
Mixed, 08 Jul 2003
I've been to Egypt 3 times and the last time I spent 4 months there. The general consensus amongst travellers was that the Rough Guide was superior, but that the Lonely Planet has better maps. An additional issue is that since the Lonely Planet is the most popular guidebook, do you really want to be sitting smoking sheesha at a coffee shop filled with other white middle class travellers, all with Lonely Planets on their tables? Cringe!
A great book for pre-travel information, 05 Aug 2001
My copy is already looking a bit "well read" and I have only just bought it. Bursting with information and useful advise, this book is a must for anyone who is planning their own trip to Egypt.
Essential for anyone travelling to Egypt!, 14 Jul 2001
We took this book everywhere! From the suggested sites to visit in each location to the suggestions about how much to pay for a felucca or callesh (and how much baksheesh to give on top of the price), it was informative, accessible and above all accurate. We took the Rough Guide to Egypt also and that's still in immaculate condition while the Lonely Planet Guide looks like it has been read by every taxi driver in Luxor who's cousin has a felucca! Definately essential reading!!!
Great intro to Nile Cruising, 08 Dec 2008
Excellent little book and perfect for first time cruisers (like me).
Good summary of all of the excursions and some useful tips about Egyptian culture (and how to deal with it). Also good advice on things you need to know to make the most of your cruise (money, health, bartering etc.). Worth every penny.
Essential reading for the first time cruiser!, 30 Oct 2008
This guide is perfect for the first time cruiser and proved to be an extremely interesting and informative guide for my wife and I. The book guides you through the most common excursions, avoiding sickness, bartering with the locals, tipping the guide and boat crew etc. I read it in one sitting at home but frequently returned to the guide during the cruise. The guide is perhaps not particularly useful for seasoned visitors but it is perfect for the novice. Highly recommended.
Good book for first time cruiser, 13 Feb 2008
I used the book in Egypt and found it an invaluable guide for any first-time traveller who is booked on a Nile Cruise. I found the information accurate and up-to-date and it saved me a lot of hassle. The author explains things in an easy to understand way and offers many helpful tips, especially with regarding to dealing with the more persistent Egyptians that work the tourist areas. And believe me I encountered more than my fair share of them! However as this is a specialised book, dealing specifically with a Nile Cruise I would suggest you use it in conjunction with one of the more general Egyptian travel guides such as Lonely Planet or the Rough Guide. Overall I found it an excellent book that was easily carried around in my bag and definitely helped me on my hols to Egypt!
Rather facile, 12 Feb 2008
Not objective enough, rather facile and amateurish.
Being an easy read is it's only strong point - could be good for kids.
What if..., 27 Jul 2006
My girlfriend was intent on taking a trip to Egypt and I have to say that I panicked at the thought of going to a strange country. I was used to holidaying on Spanish islands and other mediterranean beaches so a trip to such an unknown quantity was needless to say a little daunting.
I hunted around (and purchased) many books about Egypt in an attempt to familiarise myself with the culture and the history and, had I not stumbled accross this litle gem of a book I find my self wondering what may have been!
Every book you find on the shelf tells you about the history, the places to visit and the culture in Egypt, however this book provides something more - something that I wasn't even aware that I needed in the first place.
Travel Egypt Nile Cruise is for today's tourist.
There is a good deal of information about the sights to see and Egyptian history (enough to keep anyone happy); however, this book really stands alone as the author covers a wide range of topics from bartering tricks and tips to sunstroke avoidance on those long tourist outings. Her no nonsense and whimisical approach kept me informed and entertained throughout. Some of the advice proved invaluable during our stay and I'm sure would prove just as invaluable to other 'First Timers'. (Check out the bit about the boat trip!!!)
This book didn't just provide me with information on what to see and where to go; it gave me an insight on how to get there and how to act in this strange yet amazing country.
An invaluable, superb book. A must if you are visiting Egypt (or indeed any middle east country) for the first time, the second time or even if you are a regular vistor. This author really knows her stuff!
Steve.
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Customer Reviews
Very helpful guide., 09 Nov 2008
I have just returned from Egypt tour. I had this book and it was excellent helpful guide. It helped me a lot especially sights description and necessary up-to-date information. Very Good Insight For 1st Time Visitors!, 28 Jul 2004
We've just come back from honeymoon and used this book when we visited Cairo and particularly the incredible museum... the descriptions are spot on and the book guides you thru' room by room. Our tour guide was saying practically the same things as the book, so its all you need! Dress codes for women in Cairo aren't as strict as the book makes it out to be, there were loads of girls with string tops and shorts, so long skirts and long sleeved shirts aren't necessarily a must!! Other than that, pretty accurate about local customs and traditions.
Mixed, 08 Jul 2003
I've been to Egypt 3 times and the last time I spent 4 months there. The general consensus amongst travellers was that the Rough Guide was superior, but that the Lonely Planet has better maps. An additional issue is that since the Lonely Planet is the most popular guidebook, do you really want to be sitting smoking sheesha at a coffee shop filled with other white middle class travellers, all with Lonely Planets on their tables? Cringe!
A great book for pre-travel information, 05 Aug 2001
My copy is already looking a bit "well read" and I have only just bought it. Bursting with information and useful advise, this book is a must for anyone who is planning their own trip to Egypt.
Essential for anyone travelling to Egypt!, 14 Jul 2001
We took this book everywhere! From the suggested sites to visit in each location to the suggestions about how much to pay for a felucca or callesh (and how much baksheesh to give on top of the price), it was informative, accessible and above all accurate. We took the Rough Guide to Egypt also and that's still in immaculate condition while the Lonely Planet Guide looks like it has been read by every taxi driver in Luxor who's cousin has a felucca! Definately essential reading!!!
Great intro to Nile Cruising, 08 Dec 2008
Excellent little book and perfect for first time cruisers (like me).
Good summary of all of the excursions and some useful tips about Egyptian culture (and how to deal with it). Also good advice on things you need to know to make the most of your cruise (money, health, bartering etc.). Worth every penny.
Essential reading for the first time cruiser!, 30 Oct 2008
This guide is perfect for the first time cruiser and proved to be an extremely interesting and informative guide for my wife and I. The book guides you through the most common excursions, avoiding sickness, bartering with the locals, tipping the guide and boat crew etc. I read it in one sitting at home but frequently returned to the guide during the cruise. The guide is perhaps not particularly useful for seasoned visitors but it is perfect for the novice. Highly recommended.
Good book for first time cruiser, 13 Feb 2008
I used the book in Egypt and found it an invaluable guide for any first-time traveller who is booked on a Nile Cruise. I found the information accurate and up-to-date and it saved me a lot of hassle. The author explains things in an easy to understand way and offers many helpful tips, especially with regarding to dealing with the more persistent Egyptians that work the tourist areas. And believe me I encountered more than my fair share of them! However as this is a specialised book, dealing specifically with a Nile Cruise I would suggest you use it in conjunction with one of the more general Egyptian travel guides such as Lonely Planet or the Rough Guide. Overall I found it an excellent book that was easily carried around in my bag and definitely helped me on my hols to Egypt!
Rather facile, 12 Feb 2008
Not objective enough, rather facile and amateurish.
Being an easy read is it's only strong point - could be good for kids.
What if..., 27 Jul 2006
My girlfriend was intent on taking a trip to Egypt and I have to say that I panicked at the thought of going to a strange country. I was used to holidaying on Spanish islands and other mediterranean beaches so a trip to such an unknown quantity was needless to say a little daunting.
I hunted around (and purchased) many books about Egypt in an attempt to familiarise myself with the culture and the history and, had I not stumbled accross this litle gem of a book I find my self wondering what may have been!
Every book you find on the shelf tells you about the history, the places to visit and the culture in Egypt, however this book provides something more - something that I wasn't even aware that I needed in the first place.
Travel Egypt Nile Cruise is for today's tourist.
There is a good deal of information about the sights to see and Egyptian history (enough to keep anyone happy); however, this book really stands alone as the author covers a wide range of topics from bartering tricks and tips to sunstroke avoidance on those long tourist outings. Her no nonsense and whimisical approach kept me informed and entertained throughout. Some of the advice proved invaluable during our stay and I'm sure would prove just as invaluable to other 'First Timers'. (Check out the bit about the boat trip!!!)
This book didn't just provide me with information on what to see and where to go; it gave me an insight on how to get there and how to act in this strange yet amazing country.
An invaluable, superb book. A must if you are visiting Egypt (or indeed any middle east country) for the first time, the second time or even if you are a regular vistor. This author really knows her stuff!
Steve.
I like rough guides but take prices with a pinch of salt, 16 Dec 2007
Whenever I am going on holiday, one of the most exciting things for me is buying the rough guide before we go. On the rare occasion that I haven't done this i've felt I've gone into things blind and not taken the best choices in terms of trips etc.
This rough guide did prove invaluable on our trip to Sharm el Sheik and a day trip to Cairo, however the one thing I would question, and I find this is generally the case with Rough Guides, is that the prices quoted for meals and, in this case especially, taxis is often way out. We travelled only a month after this book was published, so I would expect it to be much more up to date than it was.
The info on Sharm was pretty basic for our needs (it focuses a lot on diving, which we didn't do), but when it came to Cairo we were able to plan an independent trip to the city, which as two lone women, we probably wouldn't have done without the info in the book. The friend I was travelling with was on a pretty tight budget, and didn't want to pay the £150 each that it would cost to travel with the tour operator. With the help of the book, we managed to find return flights for £45 each. However the taxis cost far more than anticipated. Aside from the £10 each way to Sharm airport, the prices in the book were wildly innacurate. We used taxis in Cairo from the airport to the pyramids, then to the museum and back to the airport. The book claimed we would pay just a few pounds for these trips, but although we tried to haggle we found that no one would give us a ride for less than about a tenner each way. Also, the book says that you can go outside the airport to find cheaper fairs, however, it does not say that it is almost impossible to get out of the complex as a pedestrian without walking about 2 miles and getting run over!
The book was invaluable in stopping us getting ripped off by a man at the pyramids who pretended he was an official, and lead us away from the pyramids then told us we had to hire a camel/horse to get around the site -from reading the book I knew this wasn't true, although this situation was pretty nasty and argumentative, and I'd say for this reason alone I would reccomend that unless you are really desperate to keep prices down, I would do this trip WITH the tour guide.
The day was redeemed however by a trip to the Cairo museum. The book was so detailed about the exibits, we didn't really need a guide or a guide book, and I really enjoyed the whole experience.
Over all, I think rough guides are invalable in helping to plan what destinations to visit when you go on holiday, and give you a good feel for the place with their desciptions and insights into history & culture. However, I find that they sometimes give a rose-tinted view of the place - I've often found that places are not as safe for lone or female travellers as they would have you think, so do not blindly get yourself into a dangerous situation. Also, always allow for larger costs than the books would have you budget for. Always ask for advice from locals or other travellers, as you will probably find their experiences will give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Best Guide Book Around, 29 Aug 2007
Having just returned from backpacking in Egypt, I found that this book was the best of the bunch of guides floating around, specifically the lonely planet, for the following reasons:
1) It is generally much more comprehensive and interesting
2) It is far more accurate and up to date. Somethimes the LP was plain wrong.
3) It is not afraid to tell you if something is boring, uinlike the LP, where everything is amazing
4)Everyone else has the LP, and ends up at exactly the same hotels etc.
Basically, get the Lonely Planet if you want a list of hotels and restaurants. If you actually want something interesting to read, get the Rough Guide
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Customer Reviews
Very helpful guide., 09 Nov 2008
I have just returned from Egypt tour. I had this book and it was excellent helpful guide. It helped me a lot especially sights description and necessary up-to-date information. Very Good Insight For 1st Time Visitors!, 28 Jul 2004
We've just come back from honeymoon and used this book when we visited Cairo and particularly the incredible museum... the descriptions are spot on and the book guides you thru' room by room. Our tour guide was saying practically the same things as the book, so its all you need! Dress codes for women in Cairo aren't as strict as the book makes it out to be, there were loads of girls with string tops and shorts, so long skirts and long sleeved shirts aren't necessarily a must!! Other than that, pretty accurate about local customs and traditions.
Mixed, 08 Jul 2003
I've been to Egypt 3 times and the last time I spent 4 months there. The general consensus amongst travellers was that the Rough Guide was superior, but that the Lonely Planet has better maps. An additional issue is that since the Lonely Planet is the most popular guidebook, do you really want to be sitting smoking sheesha at a coffee shop filled with other white middle class travellers, all with Lonely Planets on their tables? Cringe!
A great book for pre-travel information, 05 Aug 2001
My copy is already looking a bit "well read" and I have only just bought it. Bursting with information and useful advise, this book is a must for anyone who is planning their own trip to Egypt.
Essential for anyone travelling to Egypt!, 14 Jul 2001
We took this book everywhere! From the suggested sites to visit in each location to the suggestions about how much to pay for a felucca or callesh (and how much baksheesh to give on top of the price), it was informative, accessible and above all accurate. We took the Rough Guide to Egypt also and that's still in immaculate condition while the Lonely Planet Guide looks like it has been read by every taxi driver in Luxor who's cousin has a felucca! Definately essential reading!!!
Great intro to Nile Cruising, 08 Dec 2008
Excellent little book and perfect for first time cruisers (like me).
Good summary of all of the excursions and some useful tips about Egyptian culture (and how to deal with it). Also good advice on things you need to know to make the most of your cruise (money, health, bartering etc.). Worth every penny.
Essential reading for the first time cruiser!, 30 Oct 2008
This guide is perfect for the first time cruiser and proved to be an extremely interesting and informative guide for my wife and I. The book guides you through the most common excursions, avoiding sickness, bartering with the locals, tipping the guide and boat crew etc. I read it in one sitting at home but frequently returned to the guide during the cruise. The guide is perhaps not particularly useful for seasoned visitors but it is perfect for the novice. Highly recommended.
Good book for first time cruiser, 13 Feb 2008
I used the book in Egypt and found it an invaluable guide for any first-time traveller who is booked on a Nile Cruise. I found the information accurate and up-to-date and it saved me a lot of hassle. The author explains things in an easy to understand way and offers many helpful tips, especially with regarding to dealing with the more persistent Egyptians that work the tourist areas. And believe me I encountered more than my fair share of them! However as this is a specialised book, dealing specifically with a Nile Cruise I would suggest you use it in conjunction with one of the more general Egyptian travel guides such as Lonely Planet or the Rough Guide. Overall I found it an excellent book that was easily carried around in my bag and definitely helped me on my hols to Egypt!
Rather facile, 12 Feb 2008
Not objective enough, rather facile and amateurish.
Being an easy read is it's only strong point - could be good for kids.
What if..., 27 Jul 2006
My girlfriend was intent on taking a trip to Egypt and I have to say that I panicked at the thought of going to a strange country. I was used to holidaying on Spanish islands and other mediterranean beaches so a trip to such an unknown quantity was needless to say a little daunting.
I hunted around (and purchased) many books about Egypt in an attempt to familiarise myself with the culture and the history and, had I not stumbled accross this litle gem of a book I find my self wondering what may have been!
Every book you find on the shelf tells you about the history, the places to visit and the culture in Egypt, however this book provides something more - something that I wasn't even aware that I needed in the first place.
Travel Egypt Nile Cruise is for today's tourist.
There is a good deal of information about the sights to see and Egyptian history (enough to keep anyone happy); however, this book really stands alone as the author covers a wide range of topics from bartering tricks and tips to sunstroke avoidance on those long tourist outings. Her no nonsense and whimisical approach kept me informed and entertained throughout. Some of the advice proved invaluable during our stay and I'm sure would prove just as invaluable to other 'First Timers'. (Check out the bit about the boat trip!!!)
This book didn't just provide me with information on what to see and where to go; it gave me an insight on how to get there and how to act in this strange yet amazing country.
An invaluable, superb book. A must if you are visiting Egypt (or indeed any middle east country) for the first time, the second time or even if you are a regular vistor. This author really knows her stuff!
Steve.
I like rough guides but take prices with a pinch of salt, 16 Dec 2007
Whenever I am going on holiday, one of the most exciting things for me is buying the rough guide before we go. On the rare occasion that I haven't done this i've felt I've gone into things blind and not taken the best choices in terms of trips etc.
This rough guide did prove invaluable on our trip to Sharm el Sheik and a day trip to Cairo, however the one thing I would question, and I find this is generally the case with Rough Guides, is that the prices quoted for meals and, in this case especially, taxis is often way out. We travelled only a month after this book was published, so I would expect it to be much more up to date than it was.
The info on Sharm was pretty basic for our needs (it focuses a lot on diving, which we didn't do), but when it came to Cairo we were able to plan an independent trip to the city, which as two lone women, we probably wouldn't have done without the info in the book. The friend I was travelling with was on a pretty tight budget, and didn't want to pay the £150 each that it would cost to travel with the tour operator. With the help of the book, we managed to find return flights for £45 each. However the taxis cost far more than anticipated. Aside from the £10 each way to Sharm airport, the prices in the book were wildly innacurate. We used taxis in Cairo from the airport to the pyramids, then to the museum and back to the airport. The book claimed we would pay just a few pounds for these trips, but although we tried to haggle we found that no one would give us a ride for less than about a tenner each way. Also, the book says that you can go outside the airport to find cheaper fairs, however, it does not say that it is almost impossible to get out of the complex as a pedestrian without walking about 2 miles and getting run over!
The book was invaluable in stopping us getting ripped off by a man at the pyramids who pretended he was an official, and lead us away from the pyramids then told us we had to hire a camel/horse to get around the site -from reading the book I knew this wasn't true, although this situation was pretty nasty and argumentative, and I'd say for this reason alone I would reccomend that unless you are really desperate to keep prices down, I would do this trip WITH the tour guide.
The day was redeemed however by a trip to the Cairo museum. The book was so detailed about the exibits, we didn't really need a guide or a guide book, and I really enjoyed the whole experience.
Over all, I think rough guides are invalable in helping to plan what destinations to visit when you go on holiday, and give you a good feel for the place with their desciptions and insights into history & culture. However, I find that they sometimes give a rose-tinted view of the place - I've often found that places are not as safe for lone or female travellers as they would have you think, so do not blindly get yourself into a dangerous situation. Also, always allow for larger costs than the books would have you budget for. Always ask for advice from locals or other travellers, as you will probably find their experiences will give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Best Guide Book Around, 29 Aug 2007
Having just returned from backpacking in Egypt, I found that this book was the best of the bunch of guides floating around, specifically the lonely planet, for the following reasons:
1) It is generally much more comprehensive and interesting
2) It is far more accurate and up to date. Somethimes the LP was plain wrong.
3) It is not afraid to tell you if something is boring, uinlike the LP, where everything is amazing
4)Everyone else has the LP, and ends up at exactly the same hotels etc.
Basically, get the Lonely Planet if you want a list of hotels and restaurants. If you actually want something interesting to read, get the Rough Guide
best of its kind, 28 Sep 2006
This is an excellent little book. Don't be misled by its diminuitive size it is a 'Tardis' of information, words and phrases. Instantly usable by beginners and the more experienced foreigner to Arabic alike. Very good value for money.
so much useful information in such a small book, 11 Nov 2003
This is the BEST Egyptian Arabic phrasebook you can buy. This little book is crammed full of useful words, phrases, grammar and a very useful two-way dictionary. I have The Rough Guide's Egyptian Arabic Phrasebook as well and THIS ONE is far better by miles. This book is ideal for beginners as well as intermediate learners of Egyptian Arabic. This book is a must and at such a small price is DEFINITELY WORTH THE MONEY!
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In an Antique Land
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £5.67
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Customer Reviews
Very helpful guide., 09 Nov 2008
I have just returned from Egypt tour. I had this book and it was excellent helpful guide. It helped me a lot especially sights description and necessary up-to-date information. Very Good Insight For 1st Time Visitors!, 28 Jul 2004
We've just come back from honeymoon and used this book when we visited Cairo and particularly the incredible museum... the descriptions are spot on and the book guides you thru' room by room. Our tour guide was saying practically the same things as the book, so its all you need! Dress codes for women in Cairo aren't as strict as the book makes it out to be, there were loads of girls with string tops and shorts, so long skirts and long sleeved shirts aren't necessarily a must!! Other than that, pretty accurate about local customs and traditions.
Mixed, 08 Jul 2003
I've been to Egypt 3 times and the last time I spent 4 months there. The general consensus amongst travellers was that the Rough Guide was superior, but that the Lonely Planet has better maps. An additional issue is that since the Lonely Planet is the most popular guidebook, do you really want to be sitting smoking sheesha at a coffee shop filled with other white middle class travellers, all with Lonely Planets on their tables? Cringe!
A great book for pre-travel information, 05 Aug 2001
My copy is already looking a bit "well read" and I have only just bought it. Bursting with information and useful advise, this book is a must for anyone who is planning their own trip to Egypt.
Essential for anyone travelling to Egypt!, 14 Jul 2001
We took this book everywhere! From the suggested sites to visit in each location to the suggestions about how much to pay for a felucca or callesh (and how much baksheesh to give on top of the price), it was informative, accessible and above all accurate. We took the Rough Guide to Egypt also and that's still in immaculate condition while the Lonely Planet Guide looks like it has been read by every taxi driver in Luxor who's cousin has a felucca! Definately essential reading!!!
Great intro to Nile Cruising, 08 Dec 2008
Excellent little book and perfect for first time cruisers (like me).
Good summary of all of the excursions and some useful tips about Egyptian culture (and how to deal with it). Also good advice on things you need to know to make the most of your cruise (money, health, bartering etc.). Worth every penny.
Essential reading for the first time cruiser!, 30 Oct 2008
This guide is perfect for the first time cruiser and proved to be an extremely interesting and informative guide for my wife and I. The book guides you through the most common excursions, avoiding sickness, bartering with the locals, tipping the guide and boat crew etc. I read it in one sitting at home but frequently returned to the guide during the cruise. The guide is perhaps not particularly useful for seasoned visitors but it is perfect for the novice. Highly recommended.
Good book for first time cruiser, 13 Feb 2008
I used the book in Egypt and found it an invaluable guide for any first-time traveller who is booked on a Nile Cruise. I found the information accurate and up-to-date and it saved me a lot of hassle. The author explains things in an easy to understand way and offers many helpful tips, especially with regarding to dealing with the more persistent Egyptians that work the tourist areas. And believe me I encountered more than my fair share of them! However as this is a specialised book, dealing specifically with a Nile Cruise I would suggest you use it in conjunction with one of the more general Egyptian travel guides such as Lonely Planet or the Rough Guide. Overall I found it an excellent book that was easily carried around in my bag and definitely helped me on my hols to Egypt!
Rather facile, 12 Feb 2008
Not objective enough, rather facile and amateurish.
Being an easy read is it's only strong point - could be good for kids.
What if..., 27 Jul 2006
My girlfriend was intent on taking a trip to Egypt and I have to say that I panicked at the thought of going to a strange country. I was used to holidaying on Spanish islands and other mediterranean beaches so a trip to such an unknown quantity was needless to say a little daunting.
I hunted around (and purchased) many books about Egypt in an attempt to familiarise myself with the culture and the history and, had I not stumbled accross this litle gem of a book I find my self wondering what may have been!
Every book you find on the shelf tells you about the history, the places to visit and the culture in Egypt, however this book provides something more - something that I wasn't even aware that I needed in the first place.
Travel Egypt Nile Cruise is for today's tourist.
There is a good deal of information about the sights to see and Egyptian history (enough to keep anyone happy); however, this book really stands alone as the author covers a wide range of topics from bartering tricks and tips to sunstroke avoidance on those long tourist outings. Her no nonsense and whimisical approach kept me informed and entertained throughout. Some of the advice proved invaluable during our stay and I'm sure would prove just as invaluable to other 'First Timers'. (Check out the bit about the boat trip!!!)
This book didn't just provide me with information on what to see and where to go; it gave me an insight on how to get there and how to act in this strange yet amazing country.
An invaluable, superb book. A must if you are visiting Egypt (or indeed any middle east country) for the first time, the second time or even if you are a regular vistor. This author really knows her stuff!
Steve.
I like rough guides but take prices with a pinch of salt, 16 Dec 2007
Whenever I am going on holiday, one of the most exciting things for me is buying the rough guide before we go. On the rare occasion that I haven't done this i've felt I've gone into things blind and not taken the best choices in terms of trips etc.
This rough guide did prove invaluable on our trip to Sharm el Sheik and a day trip to Cairo, however the one thing I would question, and I find this is generally the case with Rough Guides, is that the prices quoted for meals and, in this case especially, taxis is often way out. We travelled only a month after this book was published, so I would expect it to be much more up to date than it was.
The info on Sharm was pretty basic for our needs (it focuses a lot on diving, which we didn't do), but when it came to Cairo we were able to plan an independent trip to the city, which as two lone women, we probably wouldn't have done without the info in the book. The friend I was travelling with was on a pretty tight budget, and didn't want to pay the £150 each that it would cost to travel with the tour operator. With the help of the book, we managed to find return flights for £45 each. However the taxis cost far more than anticipated. Aside from the £10 each way to Sharm airport, the prices in the book were wildly innacurate. We used taxis in Cairo from the airport to the pyramids, then to the museum and back to the airport. The book claimed we would pay just a few pounds for these trips, but although we tried to haggle we found that no one would give us a ride for less than about a tenner each way. Also, the book says that you can go outside the airport to find cheaper fairs, however, it does not say that it is almost impossible to get out of the complex as a pedestrian without walking about 2 miles and getting run over!
The book was invaluable in stopping us getting ripped off by a man at the pyramids who pretended he was an official, and lead us away from the pyramids then told us we had to hire a camel/horse to get around the site -from reading the book I knew this wasn't true, although this situation was pretty nasty and argumentative, and I'd say for this reason alone I would reccomend that unless you are really desperate to keep prices down, I would do this trip WITH the tour guide.
The day was redeemed however by a trip to the Cairo museum. The book was so detailed about the exibits, we didn't really need a guide or a guide book, and I really enjoyed the whole experience.
Over all, I think rough guides are invalable in helping to plan what destinations to visit when you go on holiday, and give you a good feel for the place with their desciptions and insights into history & culture. However, I find that they sometimes give a rose-tinted view of the place - I've often found that places are not as safe for lone or female travellers as they would have you think, so do not blindly get yourself into a dangerous situation. Also, always allow for larger costs than the books would have you budget for. Always ask for advice from locals or other travellers, as you will probably find their experiences will give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Best Guide Book Around, 29 Aug 2007
Having just returned from backpacking in Egypt, I found that this book was the best of the bunch of guides floating around, specifically the lonely planet, for the following reasons:
1) It is generally much more comprehensive and interesting
2) It is far more accurate and up to date. Somethimes the LP was plain wrong.
3) It is not afraid to tell you if something is boring, uinlike the LP, where everything is amazing
4)Everyone else has the LP, and ends up at exactly the same hotels etc.
Basically, get the Lonely Planet if you want a list of hotels and restaurants. If you actually want something interesting to read, get the Rough Guide
best of its kind, 28 Sep 2006
This is an excellent little book. Don't be misled by its diminuitive size it is a 'Tardis' of information, words and phrases. Instantly usable by beginners and the more experienced foreigner to Arabic alike. Very good value for money.
so much useful information in such a small book, 11 Nov 2003
This is the BEST Egyptian Arabic phrasebook you can buy. This little book is crammed full of useful words, phrases, grammar and a very useful two-way dictionary. I have The Rough Guide's Egyptian Arabic Phrasebook as well and THIS ONE is far better by miles. This book is ideal for beginners as well as intermediate learners of Egyptian Arabic. This book is a must and at such a small price is DEFINITELY WORTH THE MONEY!
in reply to Harri, 16 Sep 2008
What prompted Ghosh to write this? Well, very few people know that Amitav Ghosh is an anthropologist-- has a DPhil from Oxford University. he did fieldwork in Eqypt and wrote about Kinship....
In Depth Historical Account of Egyptian Life and Jewish History and India, 18 Aug 2007
Amitav Ghosh is an author par excellence...The Glass House and Hungry Tide (if one sees the BBC Documentary on Ganges, it would go hand in hand with Hungry Tide):his command and portrayal in English is simply superb. Whatever prompted him to go to Egypt and write this in depth historical portrayal alongwith an interesting account of Egyptian village life ..this would surely be interesting to know...This book needed time and one needed to be attentive..its certainly not the kind of absorbing reading as with Glass Palace or Hungry Tide....but was nevertheless interesting for me to take it on a long distance flight...this would appeal to anyone interested in the connections between Jewish History, India and Egypt...there was a thriving Jewish community in Kochi and Calcutta & I am sure there will be one once again as the face of Indian economy changes...but its certainly not a book for a short bus journey...
A good modern picture of an antique culture., 01 Dec 1998
The author has done an excellent job of observing village culture being impacted by the 20th century. I found it educational and absorbing reading.
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Playing Cards in Cairo
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Customer Reviews
Very helpful guide., 09 Nov 2008
I have just returned from Egypt tour. I had this book and it was excellent helpful guide. It helped me a lot especially sights description and necessary up-to-date information. Very Good Insight For 1st Time Visitors!, 28 Jul 2004
We've just come back from honeymoon and used this book when we visited Cairo and particularly the incredible museum... the descriptions are spot on and the book guides you thru' room by room. Our tour guide was saying practically the same things as the book, so its all you need! Dress codes for women in Cairo aren't as strict as the book makes it out to be, there were loads of girls with string tops and shorts, so long skirts and long sleeved shirts aren't necessarily a must!! Other than that, pretty accurate about local customs and traditions.
Mixed, 08 Jul 2003
I've been to Egypt 3 times and the last time I spent 4 months there. The general consensus amongst travellers was that the Rough Guide was superior, but that the Lonely Planet has better maps. An additional issue is that since the Lonely Planet is the most popular guidebook, do you really want to be sitting smoking sheesha at a coffee shop filled with other white middle class travellers, all with Lonely Planets on their tables? Cringe!
A great book for pre-travel information, 05 Aug 2001
My copy is already looking a bit "well read" and I have only just bought it. Bursting with information and useful advise, this book is a must for anyone who is planning their own trip to Egypt.
Essential for anyone travelling to Egypt!, 14 Jul 2001
We took this book everywhere! From the suggested sites to visit in each location to the suggestions about how much to pay for a felucca or callesh (and how much baksheesh to give on top of the price), it was informative, accessible and above all accurate. We took the Rough Guide to Egypt also and that's still in immaculate condition while the Lonely Planet Guide looks like it has been read by every taxi driver in Luxor who's cousin has a felucca! Definately essential reading!!!
Great intro to Nile Cruising, 08 Dec 2008
Excellent little book and perfect for first time cruisers (like me).
Good summary of all of the excursions and some useful tips about Egyptian culture (and how to deal with it). Also good advice on things you need to know to make the most of your cruise (money, health, bartering etc.). Worth every penny.
Essential reading for the first time cruiser!, 30 Oct 2008
This guide is perfect for the first time cruiser and proved to be an extremely interesting and informative guide for my wife and I. The book guides you through the most common excursions, avoiding sickness, bartering with the locals, tipping the guide and boat crew etc. I read it in one sitting at home but frequently returned to the guide during the cruise. The guide is perhaps not particularly useful for seasoned visitors but it is perfect for the novice. Highly recommended.
Good book for first time cruiser, 13 Feb 2008
I used the book in Egypt and found it an invaluable guide for any first-time traveller who is booked on a Nile Cruise. I found the information accurate and up-to-date and it saved me a lot of hassle. The author explains things in an easy to understand way and offers many helpful tips, especially with regarding to dealing with the more persistent Egyptians that work the tourist areas. And believe me I encountered more than my fair share of them! However as this is a specialised book, dealing specifically with a Nile Cruise I would suggest you use it in conjunction with one of the more general Egyptian travel guides such as Lonely Planet or the Rough Guide. Overall I found it an excellent book that was easily carried around in my bag and definitely helped me on my hols to Egypt!
Rather facile, 12 Feb 2008
Not objective enough, rather facile and amateurish.
Being an easy read is it's only strong point - could be good for kids.
What if..., 27 Jul 2006
My girlfriend was intent on taking a trip to Egypt and I have to say that I panicked at the thought of going to a strange country. I was used to holidaying on Spanish islands and other mediterranean beaches so a trip to such an unknown quantity was needless to say a little daunting.
I hunted around (and purchased) many books about Egypt in an attempt to familiarise myself with the culture and the history and, had I not stumbled accross this litle gem of a book I find my self wondering what may have been!
Every book you find on the shelf tells you about the history, the places to visit and the culture in Egypt, however this book provides something more - something that I wasn't even aware that I needed in the first place.
Travel Egypt Nile Cruise is for today's tourist.
There is a good deal of information about the sights to see and Egyptian history (enough to keep anyone happy); however, this book really stands alone as the author covers a wide range of topics from bartering tricks and tips to sunstroke avoidance on those long tourist outings. Her no nonsense and whimisical approach kept me informed and entertained throughout. Some of the advice proved invaluable during our stay and I'm sure would prove just as invaluable to other 'First Timers'. (Check out the bit about the boat trip!!!)
This book didn't just provide me with information on what to see and where to go; it gave me an insight on how to get there and how to act in this strange yet amazing country.
An invaluable, superb book. A must if you are visiting Egypt (or indeed any middle east country) for the first time, the second time or even if you are a regular vistor. This author really knows her stuff!
Steve.
I like rough guides but take prices with a pinch of salt, 16 Dec 2007
Whenever I am going on holiday, one of the most exciting things for me is buying the rough guide before we go. On the rare occasion that I haven't done this i've felt I've gone into things blind and not taken the best choices in terms of trips etc.
This rough guide did prove invaluable on our trip to Sharm el Sheik and a day trip to Cairo, however the one thing I would question, and I find this is generally the case with Rough Guides, is that the prices quoted for meals and, in this case especially, taxis is often way out. We travelled only a month after this book was published, so I would expect it to be much more up to date than it was.
The info on Sharm was pretty basic for our needs (it focuses a lot on diving, which we didn't do), but when it came to Cairo we were able to plan an independent trip to the city, which as two lone women, we probably wouldn't have done without the info in the book. The friend I was travelling with was on a pretty tight budget, and didn't want to pay the £150 each that it would cost to travel with the tour operator. With the help of the book, we managed to find return flights for £45 each. However the taxis cost far more than anticipated. Aside from the £10 each way to Sharm airport, the prices in the book were wildly innacurate. We used taxis in Cairo from the airport to the pyramids, then to the museum and back to the airport. The book claimed we would pay just a few pounds for these trips, but although we tried to haggle we found that no one would give us a ride for less than about a tenner each way. Also, the book says that you can go outside the airport to find cheaper fairs, however, it does not say that it is almost impossible to get out of the complex as a pedestrian without walking about 2 miles and getting run over!
The book was invaluable in stopping us getting ripped off by a man at the pyramids who pretended he was an official, and lead us away from the pyramids then told us we had to hire a camel/horse to get around the site -from reading the book I knew this wasn't true, although this situation was pretty nasty and argumentative, and I'd say for this reason alone I would reccomend that unless you are really desperate to keep prices down, I would do this trip WITH the tour guide.
The day was redeemed however by a trip to the Cairo museum. The book was so detailed about the exibits, we didn't really need a guide or a guide book, and I really enjoyed the whole experience.
Over all, I think rough guides are invalable in helping to plan what destinations to visit when you go on holiday, and give you a good feel for the place with their desciptions and insights into history & culture. However, I find that they sometimes give a rose-tinted view of the place - I've often found that places are not as safe for lone or female travellers as they would have you think, so do not blindly get yourself into a dangerous situation. Also, always allow for larger costs than the books would have you budget for. Always ask for advice from locals or other travellers, as you will probably find their experiences will give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Best Guide Book Around, 29 Aug 2007
Having just returned from backpacking in Egypt, I found that this book was the best of the bunch of guides floating around, specifically the lonely planet, for the following reasons:
1) It is generally much more comprehensive and interesting
2) It is far more accurate and up to date. Somethimes the LP was plain wrong.
3) It is not afraid to tell you if something is boring, uinlike the LP, where everything is amazing
4)Everyone else has the LP, and ends up at exactly the same hotels etc.
Basically, get the Lonely Planet if you want a list of hotels and restaurants. If you actually want something interesting to read, get the Rough Guide
best of its kind, 28 Sep 2006
This is an excellent little book. Don't be misled by its diminuitive size it is a 'Tardis' of information, words and phrases. Instantly usable by beginners and the more experienced foreigner to Arabic alike. Very good value for money.
so much useful information in such a small book, 11 Nov 2003
This is the BEST Egyptian Arabic phrasebook you can buy. This little book is crammed full of useful words, phrases, grammar and a very useful two-way dictionary. I have The Rough Guide's Egyptian Arabic Phrasebook as well and THIS ONE is far better by miles. This book is ideal for beginners as well as intermediate learners of Egyptian Arabic. This book is a must and at such a small price is DEFINITELY WORTH THE MONEY!
in reply to Harri, 16 Sep 2008
What prompted Ghosh to write this? Well, very few people know that Amitav Ghosh is an anthropologist-- has a DPhil from Oxford University. he did fieldwork in Eqypt and wrote about Kinship....
In Depth Historical Account of Egyptian Life and Jewish History and India, 18 Aug 2007
Amitav Ghosh is an author par excellence...The Glass House and Hungry Tide (if one sees the BBC Documentary on Ganges, it would go hand in hand with Hungry Tide):his command and portrayal in English is simply superb. Whatever prompted him to go to Egypt and write this in depth historical portrayal alongwith an interesting account of Egyptian village life ..this would surely be interesting to know...This book needed time and one needed to be attentive..its certainly not the kind of absorbing reading as with Glass Palace or Hungry Tide....but was nevertheless interesting for me to take it on a long distance flight...this would appeal to anyone interested in the connections between Jewish History, India and Egypt...there was a thriving Jewish community in Kochi and Calcutta & I am sure there will be one once again as the face of Indian economy changes...but its certainly not a book for a short bus journey...
A good modern picture of an antique culture., 01 Dec 1998
The author has done an excellent job of observing village culture being impacted by the 20th century. I found it educational and absorbing reading.
Well written, 02 Oct 2008
This is well written as the writer has clearly immersed himself in the Egyptian culture, interweaving a story of Egyptian recent history and culture with the Egyptian people of today.
My only gripe with this book is that he doesn`t go into great detail about his personal love aspect in Egypt, moreover dwelling more on the other people in the novel. It would have worked better if he had paralleled his love aspect a bit more as it was written by a non-Egyptian. The parallel would have given it more substance.
Fresh., 05 May 2008
An engaging read, and rather unique mix of romance and hard nosed social comment. Miles, a sympathetic listener and voracious fact finder, has created an original and entertaining work.
Fascinating Stuff, 20 Apr 2008
It was always going to be difficult and controversial for an Englishman to write a book about Egyptian women, but Hugh Miles manages it brilliantly. Placing himself and his relationship with one of them at the heart of his story, he never lets his readers forget the perspective from which the world he describes is being viewed.
Miles lets us in through the back door to eavesdrop on young middle-class Egyptian women talking about their lives. And their lives aren't easy: they have to cope with authoritarian husbands and brothers; one of them is addicted to prescription drugs; another is suffering from the after-effects of botched plastic surgery.
It's not all hardship, however. We also learn about their hopes, dreams, secret lovers and, above all, their friendships with each other which sustain them.
A consummate journalist, Miles lets the people he's writing about, people whose voices are rarely heard, speak for themselves.
This is an important and groundbreaking book.
Brilliant, an unusually candid insight into Muslim society, 19 Apr 2008
This book has the potential to appeal to a lot of different people. From the outside it looks like a romance that belongs in the travel section or perhaps the cards and games shelf of your local bookshop.
But the card games of the title (which enabled Hugh Miles to meet and fall in love with an Egyptian girl) are just a device, the narrative key to a treasure trove of stories about the lives and loves of women in Muslim society. The result is a compassionate book, very funny at times and truly shocking at others, which provides an outstanding documentary insight into a topic that is a mystery to most of us in the west, and it would seem, a taboo subject for many Muslim men.
The characters and relationships illustrate the difficulties that Egyptian women face (such as trying to find a suitable boy while under the vigilant discipline of one's own family) and - brilliantly and wonderfully - how they rise above those problems. The women's ingenuity and spirit as they subtly resist and defy their own fathers and brothers is inspiring and moving.
Miles had a privileged insider's view because the girl he fell in love with was unusually free of family ties and thus more able than most to associate with a foreign man. The women whose stories he tells are literate, metropolitan and relatively liberal, and I am sure that there are millions of women who have an even tougher time in Egypt and the rest of the Arab world.
This is a stunning, informative, insider's look at real lives in a society that I knew almost nothing about. Miles has unlocked the secrets and I will never feel the same again when I see a woman in a headscarf.
Uncovering New Challenges in Egyptian Society, 13 Apr 2008
This book definitely deserves a 5! It addresses concerns which Egyptians, especially female Cairenes are unable to overtly discuss. It bluntly brings to the surface the day-to-day challenges that face women in correlation with society's unspoken traditional rules made by men.
Playing Cards in Cairo is a true outlook of real encouters of many families - Hugh Miles has done an excellent piece of work once again; this time by integrating a more personal experience making it more real for the reader.
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Dive Red Sea: The Ultimate Guide
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Simon RogersonJohn McIntyre;
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*Amazon: £16.23
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Customer Reviews
Very helpful guide., 09 Nov 2008
I have just returned from Egypt tour. I had this book and it was excellent helpful guide. It helped me a lot especially sights description and necessary up-to-date information. Very Good Insight For 1st Time Visitors!, 28 Jul 2004
We've just come back from honeymoon and used this book when we visited Cairo and particularly the incredible museum... the descriptions are spot on and the book guides you thru' room by room. Our tour guide was saying practically the same things as the book, so its all you need! Dress codes for women in Cairo aren't as strict as the book makes it out to be, there were loads of girls with string tops and shorts, so long skirts and long sleeved shirts aren't necessarily a must!! Other than that, pretty accurate about local customs and traditions.
Mixed, 08 Jul 2003
I've been to Egypt 3 times and the last time I spent 4 months there. The general consensus amongst travellers was that the Rough Guide was superior, but that the Lonely Planet has better maps. An additional issue is that since the Lonely Planet is the most popular guidebook, do you really want to be sitting smoking sheesha at a coffee shop filled with other white middle class travellers, all with Lonely Planets on their tables? Cringe!
A great book for pre-travel information, 05 Aug 2001
My copy is already looking a bit "well read" and I have only just bought it. Bursting with information and useful advise, this book is a must for anyone who is planning their own trip to Egypt.
Essential for anyone travelling to Egypt!, 14 Jul 2001
We took this book everywhere! From the suggested sites to visit in each location to the suggestions about how much to pay for a felucca or callesh (and how much baksheesh to give on top of the price), it was informative, accessible and above all accurate. We took the Rough Guide to Egypt also and that's still in immaculate condition while the Lonely Planet Guide looks like it has been read by every taxi driver in Luxor who's cousin has a felucca! Definately essential reading!!!
Great intro to Nile Cruising, 08 Dec 2008
Excellent little book and perfect for first time cruisers (like me).
Good summary of all of the excursions and some useful tips about Egyptian culture (and how to deal with it). Also good advice on things you need to know to make the most of your cruise (money, health, bartering etc.). Worth every penny.
Essential reading for the first time cruiser!, 30 Oct 2008
This guide is perfect for the first time cruiser and proved to be an extremely interesting and informative guide for my wife and I. The book guides you through the most common excursions, avoiding sickness, bartering with the locals, tipping the guide and boat crew etc. I read it in one sitting at home but frequently returned to the guide during the cruise. The guide is perhaps not particularly useful for seasoned visitors but it is perfect for the novice. Highly recommended.
Good book for first time cruiser, 13 Feb 2008
I used the book in Egypt and found it an invaluable guide for any first-time traveller who is booked on a Nile Cruise. I found the information accurate and up-to-date and it saved me a lot of hassle. The author explains things in an easy to understand way and offers many helpful tips, especially with regarding to dealing with the more persistent Egyptians that work the tourist areas. And believe me I encountered more than my fair share of them! However as this is a specialised book, dealing specifically with a Nile Cruise I would suggest you use it in conjunction with one of the more general Egyptian travel guides such as Lonely Planet or the Rough Guide. Overall I found it an excellent book that was easily carried around in my bag and definitely helped me on my hols to Egypt!
Rather facile, 12 Feb 2008
Not objective enough, rather facile and amateurish.
Being an easy read is it's only strong point - could be good for kids.
What if..., 27 Jul 2006
My girlfriend was intent on taking a trip to Egypt and I have to say that I panicked at the thought of going to a strange country. I was used to holidaying on Spanish islands and other mediterranean beaches so a trip to such an unknown quantity was needless to say a little daunting.
I hunted around (and purchased) many books about Egypt in an attempt to familiarise myself with the culture and the history and, had I not stumbled accross this litle gem of a book I find my self wondering what may have been!
Every book you find on the shelf tells you about the history, the places to visit and the culture in Egypt, however this book provides something more - something that I wasn't even aware that I needed in the first place.
Travel Egypt Nile Cruise is for today's tourist.
There is a good deal of information about the sights to see and Egyptian history (enough to keep anyone happy); however, this book really stands alone as the author covers a wide range of topics from bartering tricks and tips to sunstroke avoidance on those long tourist outings. Her no nonsense and whimisical approach kept me informed and entertained throughout. Some of the advice proved invaluable during our stay and I'm sure would prove just as invaluable to other 'First Timers'. (Check out the bit about the boat trip!!!)
This book didn't just provide me with information on what to see and where to go; it gave me an insight on how to get there and how to act in this strange yet amazing country.
An invaluable, superb book. A must if you are visiting Egypt (or indeed any middle east country) for the first time, the second time or even if you are a regular vistor. This author really knows her stuff!
Steve.
I like rough guides but take prices with a pinch of salt, 16 Dec 2007
Whenever I am going on holiday, one of the most exciting things for me is buying the rough guide before we go. On the rare occasion that I haven't done this i've felt I've gone into things blind and not taken the best choices in terms of trips etc.
This rough guide did prove invaluable on our trip to Sharm el Sheik and a day trip to Cairo, however the one thing I would question, and I find this is generally the case with Rough Guides, is that the prices quoted for meals and, in this case especially, taxis is often way out. We travelled only a month after this book was published, so I would expect it to be much more up to date than it was.
The info on Sharm was pretty basic for our needs (it focuses a lot on diving, which we didn't do), but when it came to Cairo we were able to plan an independent trip to the city, which as two lone women, we probably wouldn't have done without the info in the book. The friend I was travelling with was on a pretty tight budget, and didn't want to pay the £150 each that it would cost to travel with the tour operator. With the help of the book, we managed to find return flights for £45 each. However the taxis cost far more than anticipated. Aside from the £10 each way to Sharm airport, the prices in the book were wildly innacurate. We used taxis in Cairo from the airport to the pyramids, then to the museum and back to the airport. The book claimed we would pay just a few pounds for these trips, but although we tried to haggle we found that no one would give us a ride for less than about a tenner each way. Also, the book says that you can go outside the airport to find cheaper fairs, however, it does not say that it is almost impossible to get out of the complex as a pedestrian without walking about 2 miles and getting run over!
The book was invaluable in stopping us getting ripped off by a man at the pyramids who pretended he was an official, and lead us away from the pyramids then told us we had to hire a camel/horse to get around the site -from reading the book I knew this wasn't true, although this situation was pretty nasty and argumentative, and I'd say for this reason alone I would reccomend that unless you are really desperate to keep prices down, I would do this trip WITH the tour guide.
The day was redeemed however by a trip to the Cairo museum. The book was so detailed about the exibits, we didn't really need a guide or a guide book, and I really enjoyed the whole experience.
Over all, I think rough guides are invalable in helping to plan what destinations to visit when you go on holiday, and give you a good feel for the place with their desciptions and insights into history & culture. However, I find that they sometimes give a rose-tinted view of the place - I've often found that places are not as safe for lone or female travellers as they would have you think, so do not blindly get yourself into a dangerous situation. Also, always allow for larger costs than the books would have you budget for. Always ask for advice from locals or other travellers, as you will probably find their experiences will give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Best Guide Book Around, 29 Aug 2007
Having just returned from backpacking in Egypt, I found that this book was the best of the bunch of guides floating around, specifically the lonely planet, for the following reasons:
1) It is generally much more comprehensive and interesting
2) It is far more accurate and up to date. Somethimes the LP was plain wrong.
3) It is not afraid to tell you if something is boring, uinlike the LP, where everything is amazing
4)Everyone else has the LP, and ends up at exactly the same hotels etc.
Basically, get the Lonely Planet if you want a list of hotels and restaurants. If you actually want something interesting to read, get the Rough Guide
best of its kind, 28 Sep 2006
This is an excellent little book. Don't be misled by its diminuitive size it is a 'Tardis' of information, words and phrases. Instantly usable by beginners and the more experienced foreigner to Arabic alike. Very good value for money.
so much useful information in such a small book, 11 Nov 2003
This is the BEST Egyptian Arabic phrasebook you can buy. This little book is crammed full of useful words, phrases, grammar and a very useful two-way dictionary. I have The Rough Guide's Egyptian Arabic Phrasebook as well and THIS ONE is far better by miles. This book is ideal for beginners as well as intermediate learners of Egyptian Arabic. This book is a must and at such a small price is DEFINITELY WORTH THE MONEY!
in reply to Harri, 16 Sep 2008
What prompted Ghosh to write this? Well, very few people know that Amitav Ghosh is an anthropologist-- has a DPhil from Oxford University. he did fieldwork in Eqypt and wrote about Kinship....
In Depth Historical Account of Egyptian Life and Jewish History and India, 18 Aug 2007
Amitav Ghosh is an author par excellence...The Glass House and Hungry Tide (if one sees the BBC Documentary on Ganges, it would go hand in hand with Hungry Tide):his command and portrayal in English is simply superb. Whatever prompted him to go to Egypt and write this in depth historical portrayal alongwith an interesting account of Egyptian village life ..this would surely be interesting to know...This book needed time and one needed to be attentive..its certainly not the kind of absorbing reading as with Glass Palace or Hungry Tide....but was nevertheless interesting for me to take it on a long distance flight...this would appeal to anyone interested in the connections between Jewish History, India and Egypt...there was a thriving Jewish community in Kochi and Calcutta & I am sure there will be one once again as the face of Indian economy changes...but its certainly not a book for a short bus journey...
A good modern picture of an antique culture., 01 Dec 1998
The author has done an excellent job of observing village culture being impacted by the 20th century. I found it educational and absorbing reading.
Well written, 02 Oct 2008
This is well written as the writer has clearly immersed himself in the Egyptian culture, interweaving a story of Egyptian recent history and culture with the Egyptian people of today.
My only gripe with this book is that he doesn`t go into great detail about his personal love aspect in Egypt, moreover dwelling more on the other people in the novel. It would have worked better if he had paralleled his love aspect a bit more as it was written by a non-Egyptian. The parallel would have given it more substance.
Fresh., 05 May 2008
An engaging read, and rather unique mix of romance and hard nosed social comment. Miles, a sympathetic listener and voracious fact finder, has created an original and entertaining work.
Fascinating Stuff, 20 Apr 2008
It was always going to be difficult and controversial for an Englishman to write a book about Egyptian women, but Hugh Miles manages it brilliantly. Placing himself and his relationship with one of them at the heart of his story, he never lets his readers forget the perspective from which the world he describes is being viewed.
Miles lets us in through the back door to eavesdrop on young middle-class Egyptian women talking about their lives. And their lives aren't easy: they have to cope with authoritarian husbands and brothers; one of them is addicted to prescription drugs; another is suffering from the after-effects of botched plastic surgery.
It's not all hardship, however. We also learn about their hopes, dreams, secret lovers and, above all, their friendships with each other which sustain them.
A consummate journalist, Miles lets the people he's writing about, people whose voices are rarely heard, speak for themselves.
This is an important and groundbreaking book.
Brilliant, an unusually candid insight into Muslim society, 19 Apr 2008
This book has the potential to appeal to a lot of different people. From the outside it looks like a romance that belongs in the travel section or perhaps the cards and games shelf of your local bookshop.
But the card games of the title (which enabled Hugh Miles to meet and fall in love with an Egyptian girl) are just a device, the narrative key to a treasure trove of stories about the lives and loves of women in Muslim society. The result is a compassionate book, very funny at times and truly shocking at others, which provides an outstanding documentary insight into a topic that is a mystery to most of us in the west, and it would seem, a taboo subject for many Muslim men.
The characters and relationships illustrate the difficulties that Egyptian women face (such as trying to find a suitable boy while under the vigilant discipline of one's own family) and - brilliantly and wonderfully - how they rise above those problems. The women's ingenuity and spirit as they subtly resist and defy their own fathers and brothers is inspiring and moving.
Miles had a privileged insider's view because the girl he fell in love with was unusually free of family ties and thus more able than most to associate with a foreign man. The women whose stories he tells are literate, metropolitan and relatively liberal, and I am sure that there are millions of women who have an even tougher time in Egypt and the rest of the Arab world.
This is a stunning, informative, insider's look at real lives in a society that I knew almost nothing about. Miles has unlocked the secrets and I will never feel the same again when I see a woman in a headscarf.
Uncovering New Challenges in Egyptian Society, 13 Apr 2008
This book definitely deserves a 5! It addresses concerns which Egyptians, especially female Cairenes are unable to overtly discuss. It bluntly brings to the surface the day-to-day challenges that face women in correlation with society's unspoken traditional rules made by men.
Playing Cards in Cairo is a true outlook of real encouters of many families - Hugh Miles has done an excellent piece of work once again; this time by integrating a more personal experience making it more real for the reader.
NikP, 02 Dec 2008
Great book especially if you dive these places, a good reference and a well needed reminder on those cold days at home when the warm blue waters of the red sea are far away. I would not get this as a traveling guide, more refer before going or spend a fortune on your luggage allowance
Good overview for beginners, 29 Sep 2007
"There's something unmistakable about a Red Sea reef", writes Simon Rogerson. "To swim through one of this area's trademark maze of table and staghorn coral is to explore an underwater Eden, one of the most beautiful and diverse on the planet". This book is an attempt to nail down some of the classic dives sites of this fabulous sea. From the shallow coral gardens of Aqaba to the off-shore reefs of the `deep south', the Red Sea's best diving zones are described in some detail, accompanied by some pretty stunning photography. Of course, it's also an unforgiving sea - and hence the numerous wrecks which have been created, many of which are also described here.
In such a vast area (the Red Sea is 1900km long), there are always going to be places which are missed out or perhaps not given quite enough coverage in a book of this type. One of my own favourite areas is Dahab, which I think has the best shore diving in the region. The book only describes one dive there, the infamous Blue Hole, ignoring many other great spots. But that's Ok with me - it keeps the crowds down in the honeypots of Sharm. The chapters on Sudan, Eritrea and Yemen are also pretty thin but again, they don't really hold that much appeal to mainstream divers.
Another review here complains about the Red Sea map being produced sideways. Actually, I thought this gave quite an interesting perspective on the region. It's not like you're expected to use it to navigate to a dive site, is it? Overall, this is a great book for new visitors to the region.
Enjoyable and informative - a great read! , 18 May 2007
With fabulous pictures, beautifully written and excellent clear information, this is a really enjoyable book. I'm a keen but slightly nervous diver and always want to know everything before I put my toe in the water. For a few years now, I have been very happy with the variety of dives around Ras Mohammed and Sharm el Sheik but this book has inspired me and given me the courage to venture further afield.
I like the way the reader is provided with all the facts, and is allowed to make their own judgements. For example: in the case of the Salem Express, a ferry that sadly hit a reef and sank, it's made clear that not all wrecks can be treated like underwater playgrounds, and this book helps you make your own decisions.
I quote: "To dive the Salem Express is a sombre experience, like visiting a monument or cemetery" "The exact number of people on board is still a subject of debate: the official figure was 690, but it is now commonly believed that the ferry was overloaded, and that there may have been as many as 1,600 on board. Only 180 survived.
I also liked the detailed desciptions provided for every dive. For example: the account of the labyrinth of El Kaf conveyed so much magic it has made me want to rush for the travel agaent.
This book is a great read and useful for everyone - but especially for people like me.
A delightful and stunning read, 03 Apr 2007
When I first opened my copy of Dive Red Sea I was amazed at the amount of stunning images used and because the book is a large format you can really appreciate them. So ok some areas like Eritrea, Djibouti and Saudi Arabia aren't covered in huge detail but the more popular diving areas such as Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada and Quseir are covered in great detail, even wrecks like the Thistlegorm. I really like the friendly and informative way the authors write. They give the reader a real insight into diving the Red Sea without going into such technical detail that you get bored.
If you've dived the Red Sea and want to find out about other diving sites available, or are thinking of diving in the Red Sea, then I would recommend Dive Sea Red.
A little bit of everything and nothing of substance., 30 Mar 2007
At first sight, this is a visually stunning book. On closer examination, however, it soon becomes a great disappointment. In a product which attempts to be all things to all divers, we find the following pages devoted to each country covered; Aqaba 18, Eilat 10, Egypt 128, Eritrea 10, Djibouti 10, Yemen 8 and finally 18 pages on Saudi Arabia added as though they were an afterthought. These are followed by a limited attempt at marine life identification, courses in underwater photography and underwater videography, lessons in buoyancy control (which have no place here!) and finally a section on surface attractions such as the Valley of the Kings, the Sphinx and so forth. In short, a little bit of everything and nothing of substance.
The entire product is well padded-out with images of a reasonable standard - most of which are fish. Some are stunning, others blurred and many are disappointing. The double spread picture of a Lionfish across pages 98/99, for example, is spoiled by the book's central crease obliterating most of the subject.
The coverage of those shipwrecks which are included is basic and almost amounts to the vessel's name and "sank in whatever year." Much of the artwork is hopelessly inaccurate. The actual wrecks of the Carnatic, Chrisoula K and Kimon M (to name but three) are very different from the images portrayed and the overturned decking on the Thistlegorm is described as a "sheet metal roof" - something which reveals the authors' overall lack of knowledge of ships. Whilst the artwork itself is of the lowest quality, each shipwreck is portrayed in dark grey with the adjacent seabed being light grey. Not the colours I have ever encountered and something which leaves each wreck looking very dark and foreboding instead of welcoming and exciting. Elsewhere, the Numidia and Aïda are shown right alongside each other, wrecks which are "out-of-bounds" to divers are promoted with false information and the death toll of the Salem Express is unforgivably exaggerated by almost another 1,000. I was looking forward to seeing what shipwrecks the authors had covered outside Egypt. Incredibly there were hardly any at all. After more than 60 years on her side, the Umbria is suddenly upright, but that is almost all.
Overall, the text relating to countries other than Egypt, is as brief as possible and, almost exclusively padded out with photographs of fish which could have been taken anywhere in the Red Sea. This gives the clear impression that neither author bothered to venture very far from Egypt at all. With 128 pages devoted to Egypt and only 74 to the remaining 6 countries combined, I was left with the clear impression that this book was cobbled together from existing published material and that neither author had actually visited most of the countries described.
Finally, when we look at a map, we automatically expect to find "North" at the top of the page. In this book, however, the map of the Red Sea reproduced across pages 10/11 has been rotated left through 90 degrees to show the Gulf of Suez as being in the southwest and Aden in the northeast. Just about as muddled as the entire product.
With the very minimum of useful information interspersed with several instances of full page advertisements (including a two page spread about a dive bag!), some might describe this product as not so much a book, more an extended diving magazine.
NM
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A Rough Guide Map Egypt
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Egypt Berlitz Pocket Guide
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