single english girl moving to cairo.

1POSTS

16 years ago

Hi i have recently accepted a teaching job in Cairo, the school looks amazing and the head teacher seems really nice. I have always wanted to work abroad, and cairo seems like an amazing place, however many people have told me that the local men harrass Westerns a lot, is this true? Would i need to cover my legs and arms all the time to try and limit this? Is there a large expat community over in Cairo?

If you have any information that could help me, please dont hesitate to reply,

Selina x

1 member reacted to this post

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Ahmed Said Member

1POSTS

16 years ago

You don't have to cover it all the time, it depends on the place you are.
But its better to choose a suitable clothes.
you can going out and enjoy your time but there are many place you shouldn't go alone

I hope that everything is under control

1 member reacted to this post

nancymounir Member

1POSTS

16 years ago

Hey,
look it depends you can go wearing whatever you like in zamalek, maadi, sheraton heliopolis, muhandessin etc..

even in some local poor places sometimes if their are touristical places you can wear whatever you like

egyptian men do harass but they never harm as far as i know, all what they do is just saying that ur pretty so they only talk ..

good luck anyways !!

1 member reacted to this post

Astridka Member

2POSTS

16 years ago

You'll be fine here in Cairo. I moved here 2 years ago and i wear what i like i have never had any problems. When i was younger i went to a British school here and the Expat community is HUGE. When are you moving here and what school will you be teaching at?

1 member reacted to this post

Christine ViP

42879POSTS

16 years ago

Bassemchrist > you are off topic.
you should post in the Egypt classifieds > personals (Men seeking Women) and not in the forum.
Thank you.

1 member reacted to this post

IMIG ViP

104POSTS

16 years ago

WELCOME SELINA.
KINDLY FEEL FREE AND TRUST THE EGYPTIAN COMMUNITY.
RESPECTING YOUR PRIVATE STYLE IS AGREED HER, AND I THINK REFLECTING THE SAME TO OTHERS MAY BE PREFERED.
FOR ANY HELP, REACH ME.
GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY YOUR TIME.
Dr.IMIG

1fleetingglimpse Member

10POSTS

16 years ago

There is a huge expat community in Cairo.聽 BCA (British Community Association) just opened a new clubhouse in Maadi.聽 They now have 3 locations in Cairo.聽 If you are going to teach in an International school you will find a network of foreign teachers here in Cairo as well.

Annuit_Coeptus Active member

40POSTS

16 years ago

Welcome to Egypt! you can stay with me if you want!

Annuit_Coeptus Active member

40POSTS

16 years ago

Welcome to egypt !

Egyptians are nicer people compared with other middle eastern countries. someones tongue might slip everynow and then . but they will never harm physically.

Egypt is the number one tourist destination in the middle east. youll be treated kindly.

hamid sedik Member

1POSTS

16 years ago

#10

My Dear
that is very nice to see you in cairo and i hope you enjoy it
re living in cairo you do not need to cover all as you mention only in ramadan as it is holy month
we are tourist country and we respect the tourism
so you will feel free in that

and if you need any help just contact me
iam travel agent as well and i live in cairo

hamid

campingguy Active member

69POSTS

16 years ago

#11

Welcome Selina!聽 You will enjoy your time in Egypt.聽 This is a great website that I wish would have been available ten years ago when I came to Egypt for the first time.聽 You'll find that the helpful nature most display in their responses is consistant with how we expats tend to reach out to support each other.聽 One resource that I've found to be extremely valuable is the CSA.聽 The CSA is staffed by expats from all over and you'll likely even find someone from your home country.聽 Their website is livinginegypt.com. There's a section where you'll find answers to your questions, for instance, how to dress.聽 Women are advised to dress modestly, always have their shoulders covered (long sleeves are always okay), should not have low necklines, and skirts should be below the knees.聽 You'll find Cairo to be very considerate and understanding of how women dress in the west.聽 You'll also find that a lot of the men will stare and many will approach and make rude remarks or suggestions.聽 They've watched too many movies and think Hollywood represents how things are in the west but quickly learn that it isn't true.聽 Women are generally advised to go out in public with a friend, at least at first.聽 In the main expat communities, such as Maadi, it's not as much of an issue but going downtown is different.聽 Again, Welcome!

eliwa New member

8POSTS

16 years ago

#12

Selina, hoping that you are enjoying your life in Cairo,
as mentioned above, men in Egypt never will touch you, but am sure that you will hear only some nice comments that if you are a nice one :-)
wishing u all success,

valibilic ViP

522POSTS

16 years ago

#13

It is a nice saying " When you go in Rome, you should behave as Romans!" An ancient one, I could say!
It is not about protection, it is about not to look out of the way people here are looking like!
I am blond haired, and people stare of me all time! Enough to fix them with a straight cutting looking, to determine them to turn their sight.
I advice you to choose some of Egypt tradition that match to you, and to keep some of your tradition that you can t without!
CANNOT: Leave your shoulders without anything on them
聽聽聽聽 Let your knees to be seen
聽聽聽聽 Forget about very short skirt, not having opacity in your leggings
ENJOY : The fabulous Egyptian make up, that nobody glances at you if you put on some!
聽聽聽聽聽Comfortable trousers that you like, all types and all colors!
聽聽聽聽聽Glittering blouses, that are very common here!
I could not give up transparent clothes, but I choose some not too much, against the tones of warning papers that were given to me " kindly" by administration at one of my job, accompanied by " You should respect our tradition!"
聽 Now, I am custom' with "papers", and they start to be custom' with me!

valibilic ViP

522POSTS

16 years ago

#14

And by the way, I go out in the middle of night to buy all what I need, and never I was said with bad words, nobody followed me!
I have respect for most of Egyptian men that protect me, not pushing me, and trying me to feel comfortable in means of transport, but I have to fight with really fat bulldozers of women that are ready to have a sit on my legs and they flood around where they sit, smelling of jealousy, and bad breathing!
By the way??? HOW MANY EGYPTIAN WOMEN ARE HERE IN THIS FORUM???
HOW MANY MEN, ARE HERE???聽 WHY???聽 What are they look for? Another culture, or another style, or another mentality, or...?

bugs0manchester Member

10POSTS

16 years ago

#15

Hi there, am looking to move to Cairo soon-looking for best place to meet ex pats in Cairo for socilising and introducing financial solutions. Are you able to help me?
I am also looking for an apartment with bathroom/furnishing and English speaking TV-can you advise?
Thanks
Marcus
marcus_bayley@hotmail.com

Christine ViP

42879POSTS

16 years ago

#16

Hi Marcus! You are

! Could you please start a new discussion on the Cairo forum.

Thank you!
Christine

alimirza Serial expat

266POSTS

15 years ago

#17

lol ...im just wondering that for a single girl all Egypt is here to help ...no help for expat mens here

alimirza Serial expat

266POSTS

15 years ago

#18

Yet another example of freelance help

Egyptianme Active member

28POSTS

15 years ago

#19

Hello
I am searching for someone to share an apartment with
Thanks

Christine ViP

42879POSTS

15 years ago

#20

Hi Egyptianme! You are off topic. Could you please post in the Cairo classifieds > accommodation section.

Thank you!

amarakl Guest

0POSTS

15 years ago

#21

i like these words you are correct

valibilic wrote:
It is a nice saying " When you go in Rome, you should behave as Romans!" An ancient one, I could say!
It is not about protection, it is about not to look out of the way people here are looking like!
I am blond haired, and people stare of me all time! Enough to fix them with a straight cutting looking, to determine them to turn their sight.
I advice you to choose some of Egypt tradition that match to you, and to keep some of your tradition that you can t without!
CANNOT: Leave your shoulders without anything on them
聽聽聽聽 Let your knees to be seen
聽聽聽聽 Forget about very short skirt, not having opacity in your leggings
ENJOY : The fabulous Egyptian make up, that nobody glances at you if you put on some!
聽聽聽聽聽Comfortable trousers that you like, all types and all colors!
聽聽聽聽聽Glittering blouses, that are very common here!
I could not give up transparent clothes, but I choose some not too much, against the tones of warning papers that were given to me " kindly" by administration at one of my job, accompanied by " You should respect our tradition!"
聽 Now, I am custom' with "papers", and they start to be custom' with me!

Sofie7 Active member

60POSTS

15 years ago

#22

Selina just dress more conservative than maybe we would in the UK and you'll be fine .
Just remember it's not the UK and it is a Muslim country聽 , good luck in yr new job

BarryAli Member

1POSTS

15 years ago

#23

Hi,

Congratulations for your new job. Cairo is an amazing place with a dynamic lifestyle, however it could be boring unless you know were to go and what to do and that you know people in Cairo who can show you around. The locals can be a bit of pain sometimes for foreigners but you should not worry to much about it. Egypt is a multi layer society with different classes, if you get to know expats and locals from the middle class you will enjoy this place more than anything else.

I have lived here for many years and I know exactly how Cairo is, if you need any advice do not hesitate to ask.

Good luck with your new job

scheriff Member

1POSTS

15 years ago

#24

hi selina
my name is sherif

i recieved abecholer in german and spanish

i'm looking for improving my english,so i was thinking about language exchange as i'd like to apply in vodafone uk

so if u are interested to learn arabic or to improve it u can send me a messege on mazda_egyrean@hotmail.com

FeeAcer ViP

6172POSTS

15 years ago

#25

Scheriff, welcome to 大咖福利影院,
You should post in the Language exchange section of Cairo's Classifieds.
Hope this helps.
FeeAcer

Salman Omrani VIP Member

1389POSTS

15 years ago

#26

I couldnt stop laughing at how many males are trying desprately to hook-up with selina.

sorry, I just think its funny.

I mean if your so into this, at least try to be more genuine

and sorry Christine I know im

hehehe. I just had to say this.

Salman

1 member reacted to this post

alimirza Serial expat

266POSTS

15 years ago

#27

LOL ...you took the initiative ...else I was about to say ...I do not know why all Egyptian mans are dieing to help girls only ...

Salman Omrani wrote:
I couldnt stop laughing at how many males are trying desprately to hook-up with selina.

sorry, I just think its funny.

I mean if your so into this, at least try to be more genuine

and sorry Christine I know im hehehe. I just had to say this.

Salman

1 member reacted to this post

TurkeyForever Active member

63POSTS

15 years ago

#28

I can only agree with valibilic, as she mentioned also in many other replies I guess she knows the best how to manage and treat the way as it should.

leprechaun1188 Contributor

105POSTS

15 years ago

#29

Hi Selina,

Best of luck with your move to Cairo!

The rule of thumb is that you are in a Muslim country, so you should dress conservatively. It's an unfortunate truth, but most of the people who would reply on forums such as these are well educated Egyptians, so are therefore familiar with the Western culture and styles of dress.

If you go out in Cairo wearing whatever you want, short skirts, barely there clothing, then don't be surprised if you are verbally harassed or groped. (Although every one here seems to believe this never happens?! Maybe my friends and I are just really unlucky! :p)Not only that, but the way that people will look at you as a Western Woman wearing minimal clothing is one of a "cheap" woman out for one thing, and one thing only. Unfortunately, we have to combat the image that a lot of the holiday makers give to us western women here.

Ideally, don't expose your shoulders, and just become accustomed to wearing more clothing. Even if you feel that you can go out and not necessarily be harassed, it is prudent to respect the ideals of an Islamic country, and you in turn will find that you are also greatly respected and appreciated in turn! The Egyptians are exceptionally friendly and welcoming people, even more so if you show that you are willing to make that little bit of extra effort to adhere to their culture and traditions.

Best of luck with your move here!

Mariposa_Voice_for_Peace Active member

97POSTS

15 years ago

#30

I cover my hair n I still get harassed. I don't think it matters what you wear.

1 member reacted to this post

Mariposa_Voice_for_Peace Active member

97POSTS

15 years ago

#31

Although its true some areas more than others. Degla maadi is better than next to the metro station in Maadi. N downtown, or gama3et al dowal, its a good idea to be with other ppl.

IrishAlexandrian Contributor

126POSTS

15 years ago

#32

Selina,
As you have noticed Egyptians can be very 'helpful' and hospitable. Especially the men.

Depending on where you are in Cairo or Egypt for that matter will depend on the level of harassment.
Usually it won't go beyond them cat calling, making comments and whistling. Just let it go in one ear and out the other. Don't react or respond.
(from my own personal experience) There have been incidents where some sick individuals from the male species don't respect personal space and will attempt to get close to you or even grope or pinch. If you are in a situation like that, you scream at the top of your lungs and hit, kick or punch in the areas that are bound to daze. Upward thrust to the nose is always a good move, the classic knee to the groin and to cause a ringing sensation in the ears, have both hands come down on the ears like you are striking brass cymbols together.

To feel safe walking the streets at night, have a male friend escort you home. Always have something in your hand, a set of keys is always a good weapon (jabbing and scratching)

It is best to dress conservativly, nothing see through, clevage tucked safely away, no microscopic skirts or dresses.
Like Leprechaun said this is a Muslim country.

As for why Expat guys don't get the same help as the Expat girls. Well, if a local girl was caught fratrinising with a foreign man, her family would be suspicious of what she is doing and could get in to big trouble.

1 member reacted to this post

Sandra_89 New member

4POSTS

15 years ago

#33

i think u have to be moderate not a very revealing clothes and not very coverable clothes, it depende on the place you are going to.

Sofie7 Active member

60POSTS

15 years ago

#34

IrishAlexadrian you summed it up extremely well
.
I have been here a month and yes how you dress is how you are treated ,, cover up and be dignified and you will be treated with the up most dignity .
As any woman in any country simple self defence moves are a must . And Irish as I'm self defence trained I love your聽 moves ,, all in the correct places lol

Shorouk Contributor

187POSTS

15 years ago

#35

alimirza wrote:
LOL ...you took the initiative ...else I was about to say ...I do not know why all Egyptian mans are dieing to help girls only ...

Salman Omrani wrote:
I couldnt stop laughing at how many males are trying desprately to hook-up with selina.

sorry, I just think its funny.

I mean if your so into this, at least try to be more genuine

and sorry Christine I know im hehehe. I just had to say this.

Salman

They believe in the fantasy life of lose foreign females as portrayed in bad television programs and movies.decent young ladies just don't dress that way publicly, to do other wise invites the vermin to pursue based on perception alone.

This thread is a bit painful in many ways for a fellow to read.

Who Active member

97POSTS

15 years ago

#36

Yes, this post is definitely 'off Topic' as intended by the initial poster - tho, maybe not 'out-of-thread'! .. the organic nature of our discussions has evolved this to a new lifeform

So, I am throwing this up in the air for the gang .... to mull or maul or haul !

Fact: there are 2 threads on the forum's Cairo home page with 4-digit views.

Assumption: The Topic and Poster's handle are 2 variables which draw/attract/lure a 'view'

Fact: This post has a .. well! .. er .. how may I be ~~politically correct~~ socially sensitive to say this .. intriguing (!!) Topic/subject and the other has a 'defining' posters handle.

Any ideas on how these features may lead the thread down the ally to (quite rightfully so) .. hummm .. an outcry of views on harassment?

Should we be expanding our thinking beyond clothes (yes, very important) .. and onto how we socially present ourselves?

My guess is that the subject of this post - and the handle of the other poster - both would draw the "Welcome to Egypt! you can stay with me if you want!" (maaan oh maaan!) response .. quite likely, in our hometown too.

(wondering aloud .. not sure if I nailed it right)

Peace!

after-thought: love the cymbals idea ..

momobuffy Member

20POSTS

15 years ago

#37

Hi there, Im Mohamed from La California and I moved here about 7 years ago and you have nothing to worry about in Cairo there are a lot of foreginers here and the egyptian men dont really pay any attention to women who preper to dress a curtain way ..I think you will like it here and if you need anything just message me, And also they are actually afraid to harrass and one coming from overseas such as the UK or America bc they know the laws against harrassing overseas women and men.

-MOMO

Danclare Member

1POSTS

15 years ago

#38

can i be for any help

mhennes Member

15POSTS

15 years ago

#39

it depends on where's your going...u'll figure it out by time!

kez0711 New member

9POSTS

15 years ago

#40

hay there
i have just arrived in cairo and being froms outh africa, it is def a calture shock and a change, but everyday im growing to it and getting used to it. i have realised there are alot of expats in cairo and cant wait to meet new people and join new groups. hopw you settle in, maybe a big exxpat group meeting would be great, i am the operations chef for Richoux restaurant, there is one in City stars and 1 in mohidessan , so if you are ever looking for a chat and a good coffee let me know.

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