Nile Group next week - should I go alone?

[Andrea2]

OK, I am supposed to go on a buying trip next Friday, and I timed it to coincide with the Nile Group Festival. The person who is supposed to go with me is not calling me back, so I can only assume she is not going. The quandry now is do I go ahead and leave as scheduled? Is anyone else planning on going?

If I do go by myself, I will probably cut my trip from two weeks to one. I am a little concerned of being there alone, but I also tell myself that I'm not really alone if I'm in a hotel with a bunch of BDers. On the whole, I feel very comfortable in Cairo but I've always been with someone else. I really like it there, and the only time I was uncomfortable was in an elevator with an unhappy Iraqi (I couldn't get him to understand that I think Bush is a moron, too). Gaa! I feel like such an indecisive weenie, but I really can't make up my mind. What would you do?

[laura 2]

I am trying really hard not to be selfish and tell you that you have to go because I want to see new goodies from Egypt at the Ho Ho Ho Habibi Hafla!

[Monica]

What would you do?

I'd go. In a Cairo minute!

[bul_bul_ksa]

I think you should go - if you push yourself to speak with people at the Festival you will soon make buddies, no problem. Go. Enjoy yourself.

[*Shira*]

I think you should go. I'll bet you can find dancers at the festival who would be fun to hang out with. Also, I'll bet that if you contact Memo, he'll invite you to come by for dinner a couple of times. I stayed at his home for 3 nights when I was there in July, and they took me to a family wedding!

And remember, Outi from bhuz is there. Maybe you can have lunch or dinner with her while you're in town and gossip about bhuz! If you think you might be meeting up with her while you're there, let me know whether you'd be willing to take some Zaghareet magazines to her for me - I have a few issues that I've promised to her.

[leylalanty]

Originally Posted by Monica

I'd go. In a Cairo minute!

Me too - and don't cut it short - you will regret it after you get there and find out how much fun you're having!!

[Bellydancingcaroline]

I would go - instead of cutting it short, why not take the week and the nile group, then the holiday the week after the nile group. So by that time you will feel more comfortable about things. The nile group will look after you, I have been with them. The other women at the festival will also look after you (but you have to ask) e.g. say "I know it sounds stupid, but can someone come in the lift with me, this is my first time in Cairo and I'm a bit nervous?" or "are you guys going back to the hotel, can I share a taxi with you?'.

Just listen to your gut, do not worry about seeming polite to people (especially in the lift situation - the door has to open to let other people in, that's your cue to get out !".

Think about all the other things that worry you, and what you would do in any situations. If you don't have an exit to a situation, don't go into it.

Caroline.

[cbarros]

I'd go too . . . lots of things you can do on your own when the festival is not on. Find out from Leyla Lanty the name/number of her guide (I think it is Ahmed) or use Memo like Shira suggests. Maybe you can have the hotel find you a guide or sign up for a tour through the hotel.

Of course, I am debating going to the one in April and knowing I probably won't have someone along with me (still trying to convince a friend). I want to take an extra week to do a Nile cruise . . . still, lol.

[amity]

I'm going alone in December :)

[outi]

Originally Posted by *Shira*

And remember, Outi from bhuz is there...let me know whether you'd be willing to take some Zaghareet magazines to her for me - I have a few issues that I've promised to her.

Yeah!!! Do you need any other reasons?
I would love to see you! Especially if you can bring me some magnesium, too. There isn't any in here.

[patrisha]

Hey, one of our students is going with a small group from San Diego.
Her name is Aimee. Look her up..she is very blonde and tan with very whiet smile. Very California looking. Tell her Patrisha told you to hang in with them and I will tell her your name and all.
There will be about 4 of them.. 25 to 35 yrs old. You will have a blast with them, they are very nice.

[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.

[Andrea2]

F it, I've decided to go. I thought I had a hotel room so I went ahead and booked my flight. Then I got an e-mail that the place was full. I'm hoping the Nile Group people can find me something, or I may be living in the bushes!

Galatea, I love your honesty! I will be on the lookout for a little-booty-making costume for you. I will bring the new goodies along with some of the old to H3 on the 15th.

Shira and Outi, I've PMd you.

[leylalanty]

I see that they are at the Pyramisa Hotel. There are a lot of hotels in that area within easy walking distance, some at the same quality level. They should help you get into a close good quality hotel - at the same or similar rate that they offered at the Pyramisa.

Originally Posted by Andrea2

F it, I've decided to go. I thought I had a hotel room so I went ahead and booked my flight. Then I got an e-mail that the place was full. I'm hoping the Nile Group people can find me something, or I may be living in the bushes!

Galatea, I love your honesty! I will be on the lookout for a little-booty-making costume for you. I will bring the new goodies along with some of the old to H3 on the 15th.

Shira and Outi, I've PMd you.

[laura 2]

Originally Posted by Andrea2

Galatea, I love your honesty! I will be on the lookout for a little-booty-making costume for you. I will bring the new goodies along with some of the old to H3 on the 15th.

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!