[artemisia_danst]

go. and just ask people. i went to rome on my own for a week when i was 21 i think(not cairo, i know, but there is a point to this story). there were one or two uncomfortable situations, once i was being followed by a horny italian! i actually walked up to a group of tourists and said, i'm sorry but can i sit with you and pretend i'm with your group as that guy there is folowing me and i dont feel safe. so i sat with this group of girls for 15 minutes (had a nice chat discussing the fountain in front of us) and the guy did leave. they did think i was weird but who cares.

so i think as caroline said, just ask for help in situations where you would not want to be alone. and when there is all the nile group participants there! i'm sure it will all be fine.

i would probably barge in on people and say "hey; i'm alone here, can i join you girls for lunch/dinner, btw what workshops are you in tomorrow"

chris says i have no social etiquette and no shame ;-). my ex used to say i would talk to a dog if in need of company. but hey, this does help in not being alone when i'm at an academic conference or bellydance do in a different country all on my own.