Cairo
 

Anyone out there currently living in Cairo, or travelling there frequently? If so, how is it? Lived there some 15 years ago, and a return is possible, but this time without my family.

Safety, attitude towards westerners, bars and--most importantly--casinos?

Are there many westerners still there, and if so where do they tend to live?

Thanks :D

Re: Cairo
 

Safety no problem unless you like to hang out at demonstrations, and of course the roads are nuts.
Attitude towards westerners is good, its a very safe city that way.
Lots of bars and nightclubs and off licences, the standard is fairly variable though.
Casinos in some hotels like the Marriott but generally they are not great.
Western population is lowering a bit but mostly they live in Maadi (near town/corniche) Qatameya/5th Settlement(suburbs) Heliopolis (sort of midway) or Zamalek/Mohandeseen (central Cairo but this is more the younger backpacker type crowd)

If I am guessing right festival city is close to Qatameya :p

Re: Cairo
 

It's cold today.

Re: Cairo
 

go check out the casino in the marriott for BB see how it is.

if you want to escape Harry's bar try a club called after 8, its nearish to Tahrir square you will have an unforgettable Egyptian local club experience :)

Re: Cairo
 

Casino in the Sofitel on Gezira Island. Also a Buddah Bar (well there was in 2008)

Re: Cairo
 

I've asked a few Egyptians... they say take the job. it'll be fine for you.

They are frustrated, politically depressed etc. But for the expats it's fine - none of that affects you. The people are their usual laughing/ joking selves.

The fruities in the Marriott were still working this morning.

Oh, and a western colleague got mugged the other day - but that is still a rare event in Egypt. It's still safe.

Re: Cairo
 

I shall give that a shot. Leaving on the 10pm flight tonight so it'll on the list for next time...

Re: Cairo
 

I am out of Egypt myself for the next 3 months but before you go again let me know and I will give you a list of dubious spots to visit.:D. including ye olde famous windsor hotel and the stella bar

Re: Cairo
 

Ok, thanks all, sounds like it might even be better than 15 years ago:D

Blackjack rules were very favourable in Egyptian casinos when I used to play there. But then the casinos could afford them to be, because there was so much money coming in from non-Egyptian Arab high rollers, and I just wonder if they still visit.

Re: Cairo
 

Dont fdorget to check out that favourite of the 8th Army

SHARA WAG EL BURKA

("There is a street in Cairo
Full of sin and shame
And Shara Wag El Burka
is the Bleeder's Name.

Russian, French and Greek Bints
All Around I see
Crying out
You Stupid Pr***
Abide with me")

I could continie but fear that there may be readers with more delicate feelings than the average Desert Rat.

Re: Cairo
 

I have seen a number of people just dropping their trousers and taking a sh1t in the street in Cairo. I can't recall witnessing that anywhere else.

Re: Cairo
 

Will do - seems that my project is restarting so I'll be coming back here more frequently unless I can palm it off onto someone else.

Speak to some more people... is petty crime (car jackings etc) on the rise as much as I'm lead to believe??

Re: Cairo
 

Nah not at all, thats one of those urban myth things perpetuated by nervous embassies and expat organisations. I never felt,saw or heard anything first hand in all the time I have been here. And I have rocked home at stupid o'clock in one of those lada taxis or driving alone in some fairly local areas.

Re: Cairo
 

BB going to take a second guess and say its museum related ;) be careful of all things orascom/besix/government funded at the moment.

Re: Cairo
 

Crockery smashers