NA/ME and Illness

[UmmSqueakster 54]

I've lost weight every time I've gone to Egypt, even while gorging myself on bread and koshari. The key is to eat and walk. Walk a mile or 2 to a restaurant, eat, and then go for a looooooooong walk afterwards. It's particularly nice and romantic to do down by the nile.

[Donna A 4]

lets see... the first time i went i got a stomach ache with the shits and the second time i just had the shits for 2 weeks.

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

Holy carp!!! Basically don't eat nuthin!!!! I think I'll lose weight the 11 days that I'm there!!!!

They don't refridgerate the eggs????

Maybe I should bring an extra suitcase packed with bottled water!!

Haha it won't be that bad...

Go ahead and pack a small first aid kit with some aspirin/ibuprofin (whatever you use for headaches,) bandaids, something for upset stomach as Rahma mentioned, something for UTI as Henia mentioned, anything you might use for a minor ache or pain. Don't forget your "monthly" supplies (they can be hard to find, not what you'd usually use, and very expensive.)

Me... I have a cast-iron stomach, so it takes a lot to make me get an upset tummy. I eat lots of eggs in Palestine -- which they don't refrigerate -- never got sick from it. Street foods never bothered me. But it's best to not over-indulge yourself !

Bread and most cooked foods shouldn't be a problem -- unless it's the different spices that give you indigestion. As has been said, raw fruits and vegetables can possibly be contaminated by bacteria -- but if you can peel the skin off (like a banana, orange, cucumber, etc.) they should be fine. And thorough cooking will kill the bad stuff.

Be careful buying meats -- some places are really filthy, and/or have meat sitting out at room temperature. You'll see whole sheeps' heads displayed and other items you may not be accustomed to. (But at least no pigs' heads staring at you like here in South Texas ) I'll never forget the half-camel (hindquarters) hanging from a hook outside one shop -- flies buzzing around -- *shudder.*

Mosquitoes may be a problem, even at this time of year (they were in the West Bank.) They are not like our mosquitoes -- they are 1000 times worse. They kind of go dormant all day -- you can see them just sitting on the wall -- you can go right up and squash them. I must have slaughtered millions, but there's always more. At night they wake up and start biting, making you miserable when you're trying to sleep. They even get under the blankets if you don't have them wrapped around you tightly (including over your head.) Even if the doors are closed and the windows shut tight, they STILL get in They don't leave a raised itchy bump, but make a small red spot that lasts for days. So bring some mosquito repellent, or you can get something that plugs into the wall there -- not sure what it's called, but it has little inserts that last a day or so. It will clear a room of the little pests quite effectively.

Water can be a problem in some areas, so as has been said, drink bottled water (use it even for brushing your teeth, making your tea or coffee, etc.) Don't bother bringing any in your luggage except what you might want to drink on the plane -- it's too heavy !! It's readily available in cities -- you can buy it as you need it when you're there.

This is not health-related, but I also found that bringing a small travel sewing kit (you can get one about the size of a pack of cards) comes in very handy ! Also, don't forget adaptors for your small electrical appliances -- the wall plugs are different there -- also they're running on 220 volts instead of 110. (A hair drier with a dual voltage switch comes in very handy !)

-MK

[doodlebug 3]

Be careful buying meats -- some places are really filthy, and/or have meat sitting out at room temperature. You'll see whole sheeps' heads displayed and other items you may not be accustomed to. (But at least no pigs' heads staring at you like here in South Texas ) I'll never forget the half-camel (hindquarters) hanging from a hook outside one shop -- flies buzzing around -- *shudder.*

[Henia 11]

I've lost weight every time I've gone to Egypt, even while gorging myself on bread and koshari. The key is to eat and walk. Walk a mile or 2 to a restaurant, eat, and then go for a looooooooong walk afterwards. It's particularly nice and romantic to do down by the nile.

What is that Rahma?

Well as far as I know people donnot usually go to resturants unless it is a special occasion or they are traveling, unlike in the USA where some people only eat at resturants... my husband took me a few nice family resturants FYI: hehehe there are actually 2 types, resturants for families and ones for single men only... in the families resturants only groups of women and families are welcomed. My husband had only been invited to a *new* resturant by his friend while he was still single, and the waiter would not serve them and asked them to leave since it was a family resturant. Also family resturant are usually more nicer, have inside and a patio seating more better food, rather the single men's resturant which is more fast food, greasy diner style...

Youssef's mom really wanted to take me to the doctor/hospital but I was too scared, plus my son was with and I didn't want to scare him or be stuck in the hospital over night. Just be smart about it

Not to say anything for or against the medical profession here, but I did go the doctor here ...I saw an Algerien french trained female doctor specializing in women's health. I really liked her and thought she did a very good job. I went for my bladder infection (calcium in the water and also ice cold water wudu and baths...hehehe ye I am not so tough as I thought) She prescribed me some antibotics which work within 3 days (same as in the USA) Generally I donnot trust any doctor cos I have had bad experiences (in the US) with them... I opt for natural medicine... but I was pleasantly surprised with this doctor.

Also I went to the dentist, to get some work done...and I was horrified... he sertilized his equipment in bleach then tried to stick in my mouth. Wow I just looked at my husband and left.

[UmmSqueakster 54]

I've lost weight every time I've gone to Egypt, even while gorging myself on bread and koshari. The key is to eat and walk. Walk a mile or 2 to a restaurant, eat, and then go for a looooooooong walk afterwards. It's particularly nice and romantic to do down by the nile.

What is that Rahma?

Koshari *faints*

I'm a big fan of eating out while in Egypt, because

a) It's not too expensive, considering the exchange rate. For the average Egyptian, yes, but a nice meal to go, koshari, a whole chicken and bread, will cost 10 LE, which is about $2.

b ) I'm not a good cook

c) I hate doing dishes

d) kitchens in Egypt suck

e) I'm on vacation, I don't want to cook and wash dishes

I'm thinking Cairo is definately different from what you're describing about Algeria.

Edited October 16, 2006 by rahma

[doodlebug 3]

I'm a big fan of eating out while in Egypt, because

a) It's not too expensive, considering the exchange rate. For the average Egyptian, yes, but a nice meal to go, koshari, a whole chicken and bread, will cost 10 LE, which is about $2.

b ) I'm not a good cook

c) I hate doing dishes

d) kitchens in Egypt suck

e) I'm on vacation, I don't want to cook and wash dishes

I'm thinking Cairo is definately different from what you're describing about Algeria.

Here's hopin' you're right 'cause although I will cook a few meals I too don't wanna be cooking while I"m on vacation!

[sophyie 0]

I went for my bladder infection (calcium in the water and also ice cold water wudu and baths...hehehe ye I am not so tough as I thought) She prescribed me some antibotics which work within 3 days (same as in the USA) Generally I donnot trust any doctor cos I have had bad experiences (in the US) with them... I opt for natural medicine... but I was pleasantly surprised with this doctor.

Propably a really stupid question to ask, but do you have access to cranberrys/cranberry juice or something alike?

That might help a lot with the bladder infection... also: drink as much water and tea as you can...

btw: in German supermarkets they don't refrigerate eggs either (we do at home though)

[Henia 11]

O snaps since being here I have gotten, I swear mild form of food poison at least 3 times, bladder infection from the calcium despoit in my pee-pee... I would not bring any spray, but I would really watch what you eat...make sure food is cold that should be cold, hot that should be hot. Drink bottled water, try to drink mininum amount of tea and coffee (cos they could have made with tap water and also gives ya the runs)

try eat raw fruits or vegetables to a mininum if you can, and if you do eat them wash them in boiled wash(boiled for 15m to remove the bacteria) could also add some soap to water and dry off well.

I stay away from eggs as they donnot refrigate them, also boil the milk beofre drinking...

Ummm what else? Do not drink from natural springs...we donnot have the natural antibodies to fight against microbs in the water.

Bring alot of skin soften creme with you, the water sucks as i said....you get dry skin bad!

I would suggest eating fish, as you are near the Mediterranean...so the best fish in the world...and it has less chance of making you sick...The prawns BTW are excellent!

Holy carp!!! Basically don't eat nuthin!!!! I think I'll lose weight the 11 days that I'm there!!!!

They don't refridgerate the eggs????

Maybe I should bring an extra suitcase packed with bottled water!!

O snaps, I am sorry if I scared you but I tried to tell you all the cons... so you are prepared, cos I worry with your Lupus you are more prone to illness I think...

Well you will lose weight that is for sure...My wedding ring won't even stay on my finger anymore... I had to move it to another finger... not sure if only cos I am fasting or cos I am here...but I think has more to do with Algerie then fasting...

You will eat...and you will eat ALOT...do not worry on that. The soil is different, so many of the vegetables taste different, milk is real milk fresh from the cow. I have found the flour here is very weak...bread does not come out right (no wonder their baguettes seem like eating nothing) but the flour is good for making sweets. But I guess your trip will not be for that reason. Umm, drink only bottled water as all of us have stated... any soft drink be ware tastes very different then in the US, and have sooooo much sugar. This is what actually makes me the most sick, tooo much sugar... like 5 cubes of sugar in the tea. (I am gagging already)

The eggs I have found are fresh ones, fresh from the farm, unlike the ones in the US... but still they donnot refridgate them, also no expiration date. So beware... I stay away eggs only cos my stomach cannot handle eggs, but if you like eggs by all means eat them.

Also most places donnot put meats in any type of cooling or refridgation...just whole crassases of chickens, turkey, mutton are just hanging from a hook in the shoppe or even off of trees...I would not worry too much on this, since meat is slaughtered daily in most places, and every 2 days universally... and if you cook at the right temperature, which they do...they overcook everything actually...you should be fine

But I do have one question for anyone here...I understand meat costs alot in MENA, actually all over the world (lucky Americans!!!) but why on earth would you use ALL the fat off of mutton when cooking...I mean lamb, goat and mutton fat is so NASTY!!! Maybe that is just my tastes, but yuck..it does not offer any good flavour I think , rather a bad flavour!!!

Yes as MK said mosquitos are a problem, but I didnt write about that since you will be going there in 2 months I think...winter time...so I donnot think will be a problem...since right now all the mosquitos are gone...but when I arrived, boy did I wish I had some "Off" spray...

But one thing about insects and other crawlers... beware there are ants everywhere (anytime food is out, they are there) flies are a very big problem.... totally nasty in my opinion how people just leave food out so the flies, millions of them just fly around on them. Also people like to use this nasty chemical spray, I guess a insect killer...but to me more like a human killer... I get totally deguised when people are eating or cooking and someone *smart* person thinks it is ok to spray that can of death... Hmmm maybe why I have lost so much weight. Also lizards,snails, some places even cockroaches (but none that I have personally seen) are a problem...

Ummm sorry all I have written seems to going towards negatives...but there are alot of positive...like

all the food is natural, no chemicals, byproducts, additives or colours

food is handmade and fresh

the whole sea of fish and seafood in the Meditteranean

that wonderful smell of fresh from the oven bread, in every shape and form

having 2 growing seasons

having so many fruits, sooo sweet

having a tomato that is sweet, the way they are suppose to taste

Well enjoy Doodle...I hope my experiences have helped, not had you ill... sorry if i did do that thou

I've lost weight every time I've gone to Egypt, even while gorging myself on bread and koshari. The key is to eat and walk. Walk a mile or 2 to a restaurant, eat, and then go for a looooooooong walk afterwards. It's particularly nice and romantic to do down by the nile.

What is that Rahma?

Koshari *faints*

I'm a big fan of eating out while in Egypt, because

a) It's not too expensive, considering the exchange rate. For the average Egyptian, yes, but a nice meal to go, koshari, a whole chicken and bread, will cost 10 LE, which is about $2.

b ) I'm not a good cook

c) I hate doing dishes

d) kitchens in Egypt suck

e) I'm on vacation, I don't want to cook and wash dishes

I'm thinking Cairo is definately different from what you're describing about Algeria.

I am thinking Egypte is different too, since Egypte is has more tourtist industry then here...here NO tourtist really at all I have seen... but you are right about all the above, I hated doing dishes too...even more so I HATE hand washing the laundry

But here too we went out for a full fish and seafood dinner (paella my fav, grilled fish, rice, salad, olives, and beverag) cost us about 1600 dinars= I want say about $13(? )

We went out for a more simpler lunch few times, for pizza...which sucked by the way... but that only costed us 400dinars for 2 pizzas=$3(?)

[caybee 21]

I knew not to drink the water in Morocco. I tasted it anyway. It was spring water, and it tasted so good! It was blazing hot in July, and I just got careless, plus I usually don't have tummy trouble so I let myself think I was immune. Nothing for five days, and then it got me. No western toilet either. Next time, I'm packing water purification tablets just in case (the site Charles posted has them; so do backpacking stores). I will drink bottled water with a sealed cap or boiled (15 minutes) tap water. Also, taking regular doses of Pepto before going and while traveling can prevent a lot of the usual stuff (I neglected that last time). My fiance's family brought me Imodium, but I'm packing my own next time. I don't think I had food poisoning; I think it was just unfamiliar microbes. I'm definitely being more careful next time. But the food there is amazing, so I'll use common sense, but I will also EAT!

[Henia 11]

I went for my bladder infection (calcium in the water and also ice cold water wudu and baths...hehehe ye I am not so tough as I thought) She prescribed me some antibotics which work within 3 days (same as in the USA) Generally I donnot trust any doctor cos I have had bad experiences (in the US) with them... I opt for natural medicine... but I was pleasantly surprised with this doctor.

Propably a really stupid question to ask, but do you have access to cranberrys/cranberry juice or something alike?

That might help a lot with the bladder infection... also: drink as much water and tea as you can...

btw: in German supermarkets they don't refrigerate eggs either (we do at home though)

No unfortunately they donnot even know what a cranberry is...Funny I got that since I brought a friend's SO a load of cranberry on my way here I did not think I needed it myself thou.

YE generally all over Europe (probably the world) they donnot refridgate eggs in the market, only at home... I only mentioned that cos many people I have told that to in USA find it shocking ...so I just wanted to warn her

[sarachid 0]

I had a bladder infection too.... it was aweful... I think it was becuase I refused to use the toliets unless they were the western style... until I had no choice of course.... I did drink the tap water (it tasted good to me) lots of bottled water, and coke..... they did not have Gatorade which sucked after I was so dehydrated that is all I wanted.... but I settled for juice.... the french fries were awesome and made me feel better .... but I ate eggs everyday... ( I love eggs )

ok ok besides the

*dehydration

*bladder infection

*no sleep

*to much sun

beside all of the bad things... it was the best time in my life....

you'll be with your honey so nothing else will even matter

[Veiled Princess 1]

lets see... the first time i went i got a stomach ache with the shits and the second time i just had the shits for 2 weeks.

TMI

[Veiled Princess 1]

Be careful buying meats -- some places are really filthy, and/or have meat sitting out at room temperature. You'll see whole sheeps' heads displayed and other items you may not be accustomed to. (But at least no pigs' heads staring at you like here in South Texas ) I'll never forget the half-camel (hindquarters) hanging from a hook outside one shop -- flies buzzing around -- *shudder.*

I wouldn't eat the bread either because everywhere we went we saw those bread carriers laying the bread on the ground... next to garbage cans... cats coming up to eat from it...

We drank bottled water and sodas while we were there.... We ate eggs but we kept them in the fridge (what I found nasty about the eggs is they don't bother to clean the egg OFF before putting it out.) We ate fruits and veggies, meat, whatever. I did feel sick a bit but nothing too bad.... but I have a pretty strong stomach.

[Together4ever 1]

Holy carp!!! Basically don't eat nuthin!!!! I think I'll lose weight the 11 days that I'm there!!!!

They don't refridgerate the eggs????

Maybe I should bring an extra suitcase packed with bottled water!!

Haha it won't be that bad...

Go ahead and pack a small first aid kit with some aspirin/ibuprofin (whatever you use for headaches,) bandaids, something for upset stomach as Rahma mentioned, something for UTI as Henia mentioned, anything you might use for a minor ache or pain. Don't forget your "monthly" supplies (they can be hard to find, not what you'd usually use, and very expensive.)

Me... I have a cast-iron stomach, so it takes a lot to make me get an upset tummy. I eat lots of eggs in Palestine -- which they don't refrigerate -- never got sick from it. Street foods never bothered me. But it's best to not over-indulge yourself !

Bread and most cooked foods shouldn't be a problem -- unless it's the different spices that give you indigestion. As has been said, raw fruits and vegetables can possibly be contaminated by bacteria -- but if you can peel the skin off (like a banana, orange, cucumber, etc.) they should be fine. And thorough cooking will kill the bad stuff.

Be careful buying meats -- some places are really filthy, and/or have meat sitting out at room temperature. You'll see whole sheeps' heads displayed and other items you may not be accustomed to. (But at least no pigs' heads staring at you like here in South Texas ) I'll never forget the half-camel (hindquarters) hanging from a hook outside one shop -- flies buzzing around -- *shudder.*

Mosquitoes may be a problem, even at this time of year (they were in the West Bank.) They are not like our mosquitoes -- they are 1000 times worse. They kind of go dormant all day -- you can see them just sitting on the wall -- you can go right up and squash them. I must have slaughtered millions, but there's always more. At night they wake up and start biting, making you miserable when you're trying to sleep. They even get under the blankets if you don't have them wrapped around you tightly (including over your head.) Even if the doors are closed and the windows shut tight, they STILL get in They don't leave a raised itchy bump, but make a small red spot that lasts for days. So bring some mosquito repellent, or you can get something that plugs into the wall there -- not sure what it's called, but it has little inserts that last a day or so. It will clear a room of the little pests quite effectively.

Water can be a problem in some areas, so as has been said, drink bottled water (use it even for brushing your teeth, making your tea or coffee, etc.) Don't bother bringing any in your luggage except what you might want to drink on the plane -- it's too heavy !! It's readily available in cities -- you can buy it as you need it when you're there.

This is not health-related, but I also found that bringing a small travel sewing kit (you can get one about the size of a pack of cards) comes in very handy ! Also, don't forget adaptors for your small electrical appliances -- the wall plugs are different there -- also they're running on 220 volts instead of 110. (A hair drier with a dual voltage switch comes in very handy !)

-MK

Good thing you brought up the mosquitos. They are HELL in Egypt. Especially at night. Light long sleeved shirts and socks help somewhat. If you can find a way to take repellant, DO IT. You'll be glad you did. Most Egyptian homes don't have screens in the windows to keep them out, so they're kinda your flat buddies whether you like it or not.

Funny story... I slept with a light shirt thrown over my face so they would stop chewing on it. Well evidentally my nose became uncovered during the night and I woke up looking like W C Fields with these red welts all over my stupid nose. But the family had a gas with it. Blah. Moh only laughed once. He got "the look".

Edited October 16, 2006 by just_waiting