Travel to Egypt with Hisham. We did fly to the tourist city called Sharm El-Sheikh. The Flight was only 60€ (origin venice). So we’d take the bus to Cairo. The mandatory visa can be acquired on arrival for 25$. The bus to Cairo wasn’t too bad. The ac was somewhat strong enough to keep it a bit chill. Let’s give you a rough overview on the time spent traveling to Cairo in this way.
| Time | |
|---|---|
| Leaving padova | 12:00 |
| Flight departure | 16:35 |
| Flight arrival | 21:00 (22:00 local Egypt) |
| Bus departure | 01:00 |
| Cairo bus arrives | 11:18 |
| Dad drops off Hisham’s gf/💰 exchange/ drop me off at hotel | 11:54 |
Total travel time 1d. Departure of Padova was on the 25th.
Drinking alcohol is not against the constitutional law in Egypt. It is however against the social norm.
I noticed that some people were getting searched. We were coming from the direction of Israel/Gaza and heading for the Suez canal tunnel that would lead to Cairo.
I got asked to show my passport three times.
We were waiting for some time in the bus. Maybe 1.5h ?
Going to the hostel I met Jeremy. He and Hisham accompanied me for the night out.
Some kids were trying to get money to buy food I think.
It was a concern of mine that Egypt would be dangerous or that children who would literally be starving would make me feel bad. There are some homeless people and beggars. They mostly cleaned the streets at 1am. So I’m not even sure if they’re all homeless but most might be judging by appearance. I don’t what to sugarcoat it The life there is tough. Life is somewhat cheap in Egypt but in return living conditions are also low. Tap water is not portable (at least long term). Some jobs seem to be relying on donations (e.g. it’s normal practice to give a clerk at the bus stop or a security guard at the airport some tip). Tipping in general is considered standard practice (15%). The price of food in restaurants are displayed without taxes. Imo writing the total amount to be payed wiout hidden cost is the way to go. I’m happy that this is established in Europe.
“This is a country that shows the consequences of pure capitalism.” The ads often show dreamscapes for super rich people.
We went to El Fishawy Cafe where a lot of famous people drank their cafe. Drinking our drinks there was expensive (600) for two teas and a lemon juice.
The next day: 2025-07-27.