Recently, while on a nice Black Sea and Mediterranean 12-night cruise, I had the opportunity to spend the day in Egypt. Although I have been in 47 U.S. states and more than 50 countries, I had been prepared by previous visitors for a “challenging” experience in Egypt. So, after visiting Athens, Greece (where the cruise began), Istanbul, Varna (Bulgaria), Odessa (Ukraine), Sevastopol (Ukraine), Kusadasi/Ephesus (Turkey), Rhodes (Greece) and Limassol (Cyprus), our ship finally docked in Alexandria, Egypt.

We boarded our buses outside the ship terminal very early and traveled caravan-style, with armed escorts on each bus as well as two armed vehicles - one leading and one following the caravan from Alexandria to Cairo - on a 3-hour journey. We learned from our Egyptian guide that while Egypt has always been very progressive throughout the centuries, some things simply resist change when it comes to culture and customs. Women have made strides forward, but there is no question that the Arabic state is male-dominated.

Although we were advised to change our U.S. currency into Egyptian pounds, we found the good ol’ dollar works perfectly in every country including Egypt (unless you are paying for entry to a government facility). We were easily recognizable everywhere as Americans (even thought we used common sense in questionable areas) and all vendors were happy to take our dollars - even in front of the Sphinx and Giza pyramids, where the temperature exceeded 115 F, but the camels and their owners didn’t seem to notice.

After a little shopping and our wonderful lunch cruise down the Nile River, during which we were entertained by belly dancers and an Egyptian band, we returned to our ship and terminal to more shopping. A highlight of our Egyptian experience was meeting delightful Egyptian shop owners right there at the terminal who were so friendly and very good ambassadors - one in particular who we made friends with. I asked him if he remembered the song “Walk Like an Egyptian” and he invited us to take his picture doing that dance. So be smart when you travel, but don’t miss an opportunity to see one of the oldest civilizations.

- Regina Kelton, Southeast, Southwest and Caribbean Sales Manager