LIFE IN LUXOR

COMFORTABLE CLOTHING

In winter the evenings can be cool, but the daytime will be 30 deg C. The temperature rises throughout the year, with a high of 45 deg C in the summer, but this is a dry heat and the majority of people find it comfortable.

To be culturally sensitive wear blouses with sleeves that cover your shoulders and upper arms; skirts or trousers below your knees (men and women). A swimming costume for Hotel pool. Bring a light jacket for night wear. Layers are useful. Take personal toiletries and sanitary needs. Bring any personal medicines including mosquito repellent, sun cream, diarrhoea medication, Homeopathic remedies or just your healing hands and healthy intentions. A flash light may be useful. An umbrella can make a good sun shade. Don't forget sun cream if you usually need it, but making friends with the Sun is also a way to avoid burning.

SITE CHARGES

Most sites charge a hefty fee for video use of up to 150 Egyptian pounds. In many historic places you are not permitted to use a flash to protect the fragile colours. You can not take any photos in the 'Valley of the Kings' Tombs. But there are still ample opportunities to take photos.

FOOD

A vegetarian diet is easier in Egypt than most of Europe. Egyptian food includes salads, rice, pasta, pitta bread, cheeses, olives, lots of vegetables and fresh lamb it is fresh and tasty fruit. The meat is very good, chicken, lamb, beef, buffalo, goat and fish fresh from the Nile.

TIPPING

Most services require that you tip (pay baksheesh) more than you are probably used to in your country. Therefore, it is a good idea to carry lots of small change with you (in 50 piastres, £1.00 or £5.00 Egyptian notes or $1.00 American notes).

In public toilets at historic sites, train stations and airports, and in some restaurants cost about 50 piastres. Many of the attendants at these places are not paid a salary. They may be paying a concession fee to clean and provide a service for the public. Hence you are expected to pay 50 piastres or EGY £1.00 (10p) to use a public convenience.

Hotel workers are poorly paid. Although a service charge is included in your hotel bill, it doesn't reach the staff. So tipping is the only way that they are reimbursed adequately for their hard work and is essential to their income. The staff that take your luggage to and from your room should be tipped at least £2.00 (10p).

The workers who clean the rooms are some of the lowest paid. To ensure that they get the money you want to give them for their service, try to give it to them personally rather than leaving it in the room on your departure. If you have an early departure time, then do this the day before either in person or leave it in your room in an obvious place.

The waiters in the hotel restaurant should be paid at the time of the last meal before you leave. If eating out in a restaurant, add at least 10% onto your bill. When someone does you a special service pay them at the time. As this is a gift from your heart, the amount is up to you.

TAXI DRIVERS

You may need a taxi whilst you are in one of Egypt's cities, it is the quickest and easiest way to get around. Agree on a price before you begin your journey and ask first at your hotel what a fair price is and add an additional £5 pounds or so as they will be quoting you "local prices" for travelling a distance.

In Luxor expect to pay 8 to 10 Egyptian Pounds to be taken somewhere by taxi. If you hire a driver to take you to sites remember that you are also paying him to wait for you. Ensure that you are both clear on what price you have agreed on. The price will depend on the length of time that you will use his service and the distance that he has to drive. Remeber that he too needs to make a living and cover the expenses of his car, local taxes such as airport, parking and bridge taxes and overnight costs if you want him to drive you some distance.

Entrance fees to sites are additional to his charges. Be fair and don't abuse his good nature with add-ons unless you are prepared to pay for the service. Often drivers will take you to out-of-the-way places that are not on the regular group tour route, thus enriching your experience. They may take you to their favourite coffee shop or even to their home for a meal. Egyptians are generous but often poor.

LOCAL GUARDIANS AT HISTORICAL SITES

Most sites have men who are there to protect the site. Often this has been a role that has been passed down through families for generations and they are often very knowledgeable about the site.

They may offer to show you something or identify and explain particular features. They will expect baksheesh of at least £2.00 for this service. Many of them can provide you with additional interesting information.