"Put me a list with the really necessary things we need in our place."

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

I'm taking two 50 lbs. suit cases and one 20 lbs. carry on suit case and one personal item and everything I can stuff in them!

[Ban Hammer 13,111]

I'm a sucker for big plush his and her towels. I was wondering if I should bring mine. Thx!

some things i always take, when i was in the field while in the army or even on vacations:

- q-tips

- tweezers

- nail clippers

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

So bring body wash, shampoo, conditioner, shaving razors, loofahs.

toilet paper. ah yes to wash or paper wipe.

Don't bring a loofah. You can get it here and they're cheap. Yes, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and a lady's razor if you use a razor. I suggest the alternative - let the girl who does your hair and eyebrows (a/k/a "the coiffeur") do your hair removal. They'll come to your home for privacy. Threaded eyebrows should cost no more than 5 LE (less than a buck).

Toilet paper is available here, just know that it's not the soft and gentle kind because, honestly, nobody uses it in the bathroom ... it's used as paper towels instead. Every bathroom has a bidet; buy some paper to dry with - 6 rolls for about 3 LE.

I was asking Waleed about the coiffeur and how I go about that because he's always dropping hints and I hate shaving but he didn't seem to know much. How do I get in touch with one?

[Ihavequestions 419]

I was asking Waleed about the coiffeur and how I go about that because he's always dropping hints and I hate shaving but he didn't seem to know much. How do I get in touch with one?

Of course he doesn't know - he's a man and men don't busy themselves with this stuff. Does he have sisters who can guide you? If not, you can find one on your own easy enough. Just wait until you get here. Don't worry about contacting one in advance. I can assure you there will be at least a couple of salons in your neighborhood.

Barber shops for men look like barber shops and you can see the men getting their hair and facials through the windows. However, it's not the same for women. Because there's lots of uncovered hair, you can't see into them, so it's hard to know what it is (unless you read Arabic, of course). DO NOT go to a mall. They're rediculously expensive and it's too much money for something you can get done outside of a mall for a lot less.

Anyway, most that I've seen have a curtain in the doorway and there will be women's hair products in the window - and probably a wig or two on display. That's how I know what they are, anyway. Since you'll be in Cairo, there's a good chance you will find one that speaks a little English.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Yes he has an older sister who gives us tips. I'll ask her about it when I get there and hope she knows what I mean.

[Aymsgirl 0]

Tampons and baby wipes if you use them....my friend had a hard time finding them there.

Pharmacies in Cairo do sell tampons. I've never seen them in the pharmacies in Alexandria, just the "western" stores, however they were on display in the windows in Cairo.

Baby wipes are at every pharmacy I've ever stopped at to buy them.

That is good they have this stuff. We searched actually in Alex, Zagazig and Minya El Kamh. Couldn't find tampons or baby wipes there.

Edited February 24, 2009 by Aymsgirl

[~Jess~ 0]

Just wanted to say goodluck. ive never been to Egypt but when i go to lebanon and saudi i always take a lot of stuff and i always pay 100 for my overweight luggage. i take tampons, deoderant, shower puffs, socks, underwear, regular clothes, books, kitchen towels-i really didnt like the ones i found--, movies, and this time ill be taking some baby food until i get the whole baby food making down lol....ohhh i also always take nail clippers with the little hook thing, and my own nail files and lip gloss and other makeups like compact and such. toothpaste and your own toothbrush is a good idea, as well as a hair brush and stuff like that.

i even took my own shower curtain to saudi because it was the one i really wanted.

ooo an floss stick if you like those.

if i can think of anything else ill stop back

[sereia 0]

LOL @ Amanda and other people with Moroccan SO's...where the heck were your in law's shopping for their stuff? My inlaws have fitted sheets (that are soft!), top sheets, american style pillows, and soft bath towels!

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Do you think it would be good to get the MENA cookbook and take it with me so I have some recipes to try out while I'm bored and alone and he's at work?

[Aymsgirl 0]

Sure Olivia, why not?

Hey, do you use one of those spin toothbrushes? I know hubby brought some back for the boys. They may have started to get them there since he had came here. If you use those I would take a few with me.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Yes I have a sonic care electric tooth brush. Waleed goes...oh you have the fancy expensive tooth brush. lolz!

Edited February 24, 2009 by Far2Long

[Chica Yeyé 41]

oks, here is something Bren had for me when we moved in together in Edmonton: he bought maps of the city and framed them for me. They looked FAB and made it easier for me to get used to the new city (which was boring as #######, by the way ). When we moved to Seattle; I went and bought the maps myself

So you totally want some Cairo maps framed hermana; something tells me it is not the easiest city to get around, eh?

[jundp 191]

I have nothing constructive to add, Liv, since I've never been to Egypt. But I do want to say how excited I am for you! When are you leaving?

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

I fly out May 19th!

Len fab decorating idea! I love maps and framing them is right up my alley! Thank hermana!

[jundp 191]

Oh wow! That's soon. You're going for 3 months or 6?