Karen’s guidebook

The 'Go' yellow minibus has an excellent service to El Gouna. Cost is 6 le and they run from 6am till midnight. It is very frequent and runs every 12 minutes. Recommended that you have the correct change and that ladies please dress accordingly. The Bus Stop is on the main road, just put your hand out when you see the bus coming! The bus will take you to down town El Gouna and from here you can take a tuk tuk . The tuk tuk are great fun and will take you anywhere in El Gouna for 15 l.e for 1 person or 25 l.e for 2/3 persons. There are several tuk tuk staions dotted around the town and Marina.

Egypt being a predominantly Muslim country, is conservative but not as severe as the Gulf States or Saudi Arabia.) That said it is recommended that you dress accordingly. If you are taking local transport and walking around the streets of Hurghada, then I would recommend you avoid wearing short skirts, tank tops, see through blouses and low neck tops. Always carry a scarf in your bag and you can always pop it around your shoulders. it helps those uncomfortable stares and any unnecessary hassle. If you are on the beach then a bathing costume or bikini are allowed but no top

There is a choice of taxi's available. Esmat Tours (+201022722745) or know as Alpha taxis are brilliant and priced honestly and reliable. Otherwise if you have the app then Uber is cheap and a good service. (Do remember that they are not allowed pick ups in El Gouna.)Then there are the black and orange taxi, which I recommend you set a price before you get in and have the right change thus to avoid any haggling and arguments

Make sure you pack a couple of pashminas. These are idea for covering over your shoulders. Even though Egypt is quite liberal, in some areas it is respectful to cover up. On public transport or walking down town Hurghada or in local Dahr. Make sure you pack some comfortable shoes too and leave the heels at home. (Or if you must, just pack one pair!)

If you have a European plug (two pin) then please pack it. I have provided a hairdryer/straighteners and iron in the apartment. Us ladies have to look our best!

Talk like an Egyptian Egyptian Arabic is not an easy language to learn having visited Egypt for many years I can recommend the following: Good morning - Saba el hir Good afternoon - Mes el Hir Please - Law Samaht Thank you - Shokran Yes - Iwa No - La -a One - Wahed Two - Etnein Three - Talata Four - Alba I don't understand - Ana mesh fahem (m) fakma (f) How are you - Isayak Good thank you - Kwayes shokran What is your name - Esmak eih? How much - Bekham da? Near - Orybb Fa

People in Egypt survive on tipping. General rule is that in restaurants you will find a 10% service charge already added to the bill but this goes to the restaurant and not the waiter. I would recommend a 10 to 20 l.e. tip if you have received great service. Taxi's you normally in Egypt don't tip.

Moscuitos - If you find your prone to bites please bring a repellant. I have supplied Lemon Candles in the Apartment to light, to keep the little devils away. Keeping the pation doors closed also to stop them getting in. Sometimes out of season you may find lots of tiny flies when you order your food. Ask the waiter if he can bring you a bowl/ashtray of coffee granules/grains. Once this is lit, it tends to smoulder and it works a treat as these little devils don't like coffee.

Dahar/Hurghada The 'Go' Bus goes to Dahar and costs 10 l.e. From Dahar you can take a white minibus to Hurghada town centre and Sheraton street. The Minibus station in Dahar is in the next street from the 'Go bus stop. Dahar can seem pretty intimidating. It's dirty, chaotic and you will not find many tourists wandering around but it is safe and it is the real Egypt!

Survival and the art of bartering! Be wary when an innocent looking man attempts to entice you into his shop. Next they will kindly offer you a drink, something like tea or if they feel you are rich, they will offer you a Cola. As you drink and let your guard slowly disappear they then put on a star performance and demonstrate their produce. One should politely refuse the refreshments because if you drink then you are obliged to buy from them. Often the clothes are counterfeit knockoffs. If you do buy something, then don't forget to haggle. You should at least be able to get 40% off from.