Rediscover Ancient Egypt with Tehuti Research Foundation

Book Excerpts

Below, are several small excerpts from various chapters:

2. Cultural Tips
Tipping & Gratuities
It is a sad fact that there will be many people (adults and children) you may encounter, who will ask for unearned tips, referred to as, baksheesh. It is best not to reward such behaviour by succumbing to their pleas. Just say NO, firmly. As for the people who do indeed provide a service for you (with your consent), they deserve your tips. Coins and small bills in a separate pocket, are handy for a quick tip, and assure decent service the next time you show up.

Women Travellers
The woman traveller needs to be aware of the Egyptians image of Western women, and take some basic steps to avoid any misunderstandings or uncomfortable situations. Dress modestly – be comfortable, not sexy. Act politely and professionally. Avoid direct eye contact with Egyptian men, unless you know them. Ignore obnoxious comments, or persistent, overly-friendly overtures. Be firm, never apologetic or diplomatic. I came here to see your beautiful country, and nothing else. Maintain space around yourself, especially in crowded areas. A good idea, is to wear a wedding band. Fortunately, even though Egyptian men can be persistent, actual physical threats and violence are non-existent. If you follow the advice above, with your attire and attitude, you will find most Egyptians to be very hospitable, kind, peace-loving people, who want, more than anything else, for you to have a wonderful time in their country.

3. Planning Your Travel
What To Pack (Partial List)

• Sun protection is the single most important consideration for a trip to Egypt. Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and wind-chap screens are a must.
• A flashlight is important for exploring the interiors of monuments, and for nighttime exploring, as streetlights are sparse.
• A backpack or carry-all is practical to carry on your excursions. Pocket packages of tissues and/or a partial roll of toilet paper tucked in your carry-all is useful.
• A money belt or pouch will give you some security for your money.

5. Getting Around in Egypt
Nile Activities

Feluccas are the ancient broadsail boats seen everywhere up and down the Nile. Taking a felucca ride while youre in Egypt is an absolute must; theres no better way to see the Nile, especially at sunset. If you dont have the time or inclination to spend several days on a felucca trip between sites of antiquities, you should at least try to hire one in Cairo, and take a leisurely cruise for a few hours. Sunset is one of the best times to take a felucca ride.

Feluccas congregate at several quays along the river, such as in Garden City, opposite the Meridien Hotel, or near Felfela in Maadi. The Maadi area has no bridges to obstruct the feluccas path, so you get a longer trip with more variety of scenes/views. Mosquito repellent is vital in the marshy waters near Maadi.

The hourly price for feluccas now ranges from EP15 to EP20, depending on the size of the boat.

Casinos is the Egyptian term for outdoor restaurants along the Nile. They are open past midnight in the summer. They have very quiet and romantic settings. You may order food or beverages, usually at reasonable prices.

8. Cairo & Vicinities

The Pyramid Complex of Zoser This complex was built during the reign of King Zoser (2630-2611 BCE), by Imhotep, reknowned Father of Masons, and consists of the following main features: The Enclosure Wall – When complete, the enclosure wall was nearly 550m (1800ft) long and 300m (985ft) wide, and rose to a height of over 9.1m (30ft). The Enclosure Wall has 14 bastion gates, but only one is real. The other 13 are simulated. The reason for such simulated gates remains a total mystery. The false doors look quite real, with minute details of hinges and sockets. The only real entrance leads to the colonnade. The Colonnade – There are 40 reeded (like bunches of reeds bound together) columns. The Southern Tomb – This tomb is 28m (92ft) deep. It has a few chambers which are lined with blue tiles. These chambers are too small to hold a mummy. Heb-Sed Court – During the 30th year of a Pharaohs reign, it was traditional for him to rejuvenate his rule by re-enacting his coronation, in this court. The ritual was called the Heb-Sed Festival. The two stone altars, in the middle of the Great Court, probably had some role in the Heb-Sed festivities. Northern & Southern Bldgs – These buildings represent the shrines of Upper and Lower Egypt. The southern buildings are faced with Doric-type columns. Here, as well as many other places throughout Egypt, the evidence is clear that ancient Egypt fashioned the Doric columns, at least 2,000 years before the Greeks. The Northern Building is similar to its southern counterpart, except that the columns are shaped like stalks of open papyri.