I just have to let out some excited energy

[RFQ 110]

Just because this is making me a little nostalgic - I left for Egypt for my first trip on Dec. 26 (2005). I packed the night before and morning of lol. I am such a procrastinator. Hope you have a safe flight and a nice time in Egypt. I hope you're still able to do some site seeing and shopping, safely. Khan el Khalili was my favorite.

My husband packs 2 hours before he leaves. Me... I have to do something to help calm my nerves so packing and unpacking has become my new favorite pastime. isA, I'll get some shopping done. I have requests already and even one person gave me money! My first week though is to the north coast... maybe I can adjust where its a bit more quiet before I get thrown into the craziness that is Cairo.

[RFQ 110]

I leave Saturday, and last night I had to unpack all of my items. I keep standing on a scale with my luggage, and it is over 50 lbs. I am trying to pare down my items, but I just can't decide what to leave out. Sure, I could pay the extra fee for overweight luggage, but I am stubborn. I do not like paying extra fees. I try to avoid it at all costs. So, we'll have to see what wins out--my vain desires for lots of material things or my stingy, money saving personality. Maybe the gravitational pull on my luggage will just lessen the moment it goes on the airline's scale. One can hope...

Ah! Yes, I must weigh things. These Costco size bottles of shampoo for my MIL weigh as much as my clothing... She believes that her shampoo (same brandname) is not so good as ours. I won't pay the extra baggage fees either... I guess if its overweight, I just can't bring my school books. >.> :-P

[abbi627 43]

Maybe you'll get a really nice person and they let your luggage go through overweight without charging you. That's what happened to me. The man at the Iberia counter weighed it and let me know it was overweight but he quietly said not to worry about it. That was so nice. So when I came back from Morocco I just left most of my stuff behind since I am returning next month. Have a wonderful trip!

[visaqueries 111]

Ah! Yes, I must weigh things. These Costco size bottles of shampoo for my MIL weigh as much as my clothing... She believes that her shampoo (same brandname) is not so good as ours. I won't pay the extra baggage fees either... I guess if its overweight, I just can't bring my school books. >.> :-P

My fiance believes that things "Made in China" but sold in the USA are better quality than things "Made in China" but sold in Egypt, so I totally understand the need for Costco shampoo!!! Maybe I'll do a scientific experiment this trip to see if the same products really are different. ☺

[RFQ 110]

Nothing wrong with a little scientific research I hope you have the loveliest of times. What day do you leave again Vq?

[Roosha 51]

My fiance believes that things "Made in China" but sold in the USA are better quality than things "Made in China" but sold in Egypt, so I totally understand the need for Costco shampoo!!! Maybe I'll do a scientific experiment this trip to see if the same products really are different. ☺

It's true! Products have to meet certain standards in the states that are non existent in the middle east!

Have fun on your trips ladies! And regarding luggage/weight, always take out your clothes, you'll be buying a lot there so you won't wear half of what you're packing. Never toiletries though, you won't find anything that is as good there! Trust me!

[visaqueries 111]

I leave Saturday. I arrive Sunday--the day after the second round of voting! Enjoy your time as well RFQ.

By the way, it is definitely interesting to note that the same products can be made to different standards. Roosha, my fiance will be pleased that you concur with his theories. Makes me a little sad, though, that all things aren't made equally well.

[Mithra 1,185]

Yep I totally agree. Made in China products in Egypt are like dollar store ####### (or worse). In the U.S., made in China products can be relatively decent quality. I also agree about the toiletries. I had to buy shampoo in Cairo because I left mine at my inlaws (near Alex). Talk about garbage.

It's true! Products have to meet certain standards in the states that are non existent in the middle east!

Have fun on your trips ladies! And regarding luggage/weight, always take out your clothes, you'll be buying a lot there so you won't wear half of what you're packing. Never toiletries though, you won't find anything that is as good there! Trust me!

[Ihavequestions 419]

Y'all need to think about luggage a little differently.

Sure, there's the suit cases/s and carry on luggage, with stuff to bring.

Then there's the lap top bag, with the lap top in it, along with more stuff to bring.

And the great big purse with a wallet and other pursey things in it, and more stuff to bring.

The last time I came I had two suitcases (one with a waffle iron in it), a carry on, my lap top bag (with a lap top I was bringing for someone else), and an oversize purse with my own lap top - and wallet n stuff - in it.

Do airlines even put weight limits on gadget bags and/or purses?

Edited December 19, 2012 by Ihavequestions

[visaqueries 111]

The only time I've had my carry on bags weighed was when I flew Philippine Airlines. It was from Nevada to Vancouver. I must say, however, it was a great flight. Best safety video I've ever seen and amazingly real silverware with knives. That was a shock, since the trip was in 2011.

I did say tonight to a friend that I thought maybe my carry on luggage weighed more than my actual suitcase. And, despite the fact that I'll miss that great safety video, I won't be flying Philippine Airlines. This time it is Egyptair, and I think my carry on will be safe from the scales. Hope so anyway!

[RFQ 110]

Allahu akbar!

I'm home in Cairo x 2 days, and enjoying all the beautiful madness here.

[Shoot Em Straight 385]

Happy to hear you had a safe trip...have a wonderful time with your SO.

[visaqueries 111]

Egypt has treated me well too. I have only 5 days left here and am trying NOT to think about the departure. We've done all kinds of suprising things including going to Dream Park. Who knew they'd have lots of roller coasters and rides? We've driven to Alexandria for a mini-vacation and visited more pyramids I've not visited before. All in all the trip has been so successful. After all the worry about what the current state of affairs might be, I am very happy I've come. RFQ, I'm glad you are enjoying the time too!

[abbi627 43]

I'm so happy to hear that you are both enjoying your time in Egypt. Happy New Year to you and may the rest of your visit be safe and enjoyable!

[RFQ 110]

Promised some pix

Pyramids (I'm in the 1st picture somewhere ), Porto Sokhna Red Sea, Al Azhar Mosque

Edited January 6, 2013 by RFQ