[Noor~]

I brought liquid Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) to Cairo and to Mexico. Its a natural antibaterial, antiviral, antibiotic. The Peace Corps uses it. Before each meal out in Cairo I would drink a glass of bottled water with 10-15 drops of GSE in it. It tastes just AWFUL - it is the most bitter substance- I am not kidding it is yucky - but I never once got sick travelling from the food or otherwise. I use it at home in the States as well whenever I start to feel like I am getting a cold. If you have a sore throat it is great to gargle 10-15 drop of GSE diluted in water. I swear it works to nip it in the bud.

Brush your teeth with bottled water. If you forget you can clean your toothbrush with GSE.

Pack your suitcase once, wait a little while, lug it around.Then go back and unpack half of it. You don't need as much as you think you do. Leave room for stuff. I brought an empty dufflebag I filled up with costumes. I brought my new costumes back in my carry-on to make sure they didn't get lost in transit!

Bring little woolite travel packets to wash your clothes and underwear in your hotel sink. If everything is lightweight it will dry fast.

The paper money is filthy dirty and stinky. You might want to bring a ziplock bag for it.

Bring travel sized bottles of hand sanitizer, little bags of kleenex and babywipes. You will be tipping the bathroom lady for toilet paper in many places. I usually brought my own anyway and still tipped the lady.

Don't wear anything sheer, sleeveless or tight in public. Bring a big scarf you can cover your shoulders or hair with when necessary. They sell alot of pretty scarves at the markets. The most comfortable clothing in the heat is loose, long sleeved cotton or silk tunics, dresses, long cotton skirts. If you are going out to places that cater to westerners at night definitely dress up but always bring a big scarf or very light shell/jacket to cover up with wherever you go just in case and for when you are in transit bewteen places. No short skirts (above the knee) or shorts.

Invest in a pair of really comfortable sandles. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen.

Avoid alot of smiling and prolonged direct eye contact with men you don't know.

Go with the flow, relax. A sense of humour will go far and make your trip more enjoyable for you and everyone around you. If something goes haywire don't let it ruin your trip - stay positive, be grateful for your experience.

Learn some basic Arabic even if it is just hello, good bye, and thank you!

Cairo is not a place for 'type A' personalities. Leave any impatience, uptight perfectionism, useless fear and western expectations of time and effeciency at home.

Earplugs are indeed great to have as an option but I have to say I absolutely LOVED being woken up in the morning by the early morning prayer call. It is one of my all time favorite memories.

A little battery alarm clock is helpful- especially if you are jet lagged.

The little kids over there ask for ball point pens if you want to bring some to give away.

The most insane driving is in Cairo. Wowie!! Everyone is on the street - cars, donkey carts, people, goats, bakers on bikes balancing bread on their heads, sometimes camels. I don't remember any lane rules. What lane? YIKES. Try not to be terrified about it, go with friends and decide to make it fun and adventurous and thrilling and just don't LOOK. Distract yourself in conversation. Most important let go and have FAITH in getting to your destination. Drivers don't signal in Cairo they honk instead. Lots of expressive honking. Its kind of great in a way.

Have a great time!! I wish I was going sometiem soon!

~ Noor