Cairo
Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the country's largest city, home to 10 million people. It is also the largest in Africa, the Arab world and the Middle East. The Cairo metropolitan area has a total population of 21.9 million.
Egypt has been unstable in the past decades but times have changed and since 2014 President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has been in charge and seems to have done a great turnaround. There is much work to be done here but unrest is no longer a problem.
Getting There
Cairo International Airport
Its an experience coming to the airport in Cairo.
You are an Egypt first and foremost. That means if you would like to have a drink and knock the edge as you wait to board, it’s not going to happen.
Everyone is looking for cash
Not just the guy that might carry your bag but the guy that doesn’t carry your bag, the guy that puts your bag in the scanner, the guy that checks your passport and boarding pass, everybody wants some cash.
The security checkpoints are interesting as well. They have boy and girl lines. You best make sure you're in the correct line or you get to your turn and get moved to the back of the line you should have been in.
Around Town
Is it Safe….
I never felt uncomfortable one time.
Cairo is a massive city and the rules of a big city apply no matter if it’s Cairo, Los Angelas or New York City. I was led to believe that police and military are aggressive towards tourists and this is absolutely false! I found them to be kind and helpful. They have a strong presence yes but I saw this as a positive.
People of Egypt
From the second I got off the plane the people treated me well and gave me a warm reception.
Driving in Cairo
Driving in Cairo is best left to the professionals, you are not ready or prepared for what the streets and highways are going to throw at you. I suggest you let the taxis, Uber or some local drive you around for at least a week or more so you can understand the situation.