The best way I have found to enjoy UK Festivals in recent years has been as part of the Workers Beer Company. Charities and Trade Unions that support WBC are asked to provide volunteers to work the bar at various festivals around the UK. You donate your time for free and WBC pays your wages to the charity that you are volunteering for. In return, you get a separate camping area, vouchers for two meals a day (in your camping area) and vouchers for two drinks once you have finished your shift. A win-win situation if you ask me!
You don't get to see every band that plays, but the banter behind the bar is always good fun and you get to see more bands than you would working in your local. See if a charity you support is part of WBC and get invovled!

workersbeer.thewebbureaus2.com/

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

You'll be lucky if you ever get into a taxi in Cairo that has a working meter. The meters were calibrated years ago when petrol was much cheaper, and so now everyone has to guess the price of a journey.
A good rule of thumb is about 1LE for each minute of your journey. We've been living here for four months now and haven't been shouted at by irate taxi drivers since using this rough rule.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This is "real" Alexandria and a real treat too. Unlike the Khan in Cairo, tourists don't get hassled to buy stuff here. As it is not touristy you'd better bring a phrase book if you are looking for something specific, otherwise just enjoy wandering around the streets.
The Eastern end starts with clothes and material (some lovely scarves here), then there are a few streets with spices (far, far cheaper than Cairo!) and then the fresh fish, fruit and vegetables take over.
Best buys are loofas, dried Hibiscus, dates and Halva.
It's relatively easy to find your way home as well; as turning off the main street will take you to the Corniche and a taxi will never be too far away.

Walk inland from the Unknown Soldier memorial on the Corniche (Midan Orabi) until you hit the main crossroads (Midan el-Tahrir). Go right here and you'll gradually walk deeper and deeper into the market. It runs parallel to the Corniche between here and El-Anfushi area, just a few blocks in from the bay.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

These are two really great historic sites that are wonderful to visit. Because they are so close to each other, you really don't need to book onto a tour and can visit by yourself.
At Pompey's Piller make sure you walk to the far corner of the site, as otherwise you will miss Cleopatra's Library which is an underground shrine dug almost underneath the Pillar itself.
At the Catacombs it is tempting to just stick to the duckboards, but you are allowed to wander off these and explore on your own - do it! The main attraction here though is the brilliant stonework that mix ancient Egyptian iconography with Roman images.
The sites are in a poor neighbourhood. Everyone is very friendly, but if this is your first time exploring on your own, the poverty might be a shock.

The best way to get to Pompey's Pillar is to just get a taxi off the street. Not all taxi drivers will recognise "Pompey's Pillar" so you will also need to ask for the area it is in, Carmus (pronounced Karr-Mooze). You can walk to the Catacombs from Pompey's Pillar - just take the road on your left from the entrance and it is about a 10 minute walk.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The Thames Path is a national trail walking route along the length of the Thames - from the source to the mouth - which of course means it runs right through the heart of London. It's a great route, and gives you a flavour of the variety that there is in London, just by going a few miles along it. You could be in Kew then Putney or by the Houses of Parliament then the Tate Modern. If you are a bit more adventurous you will find yourself up close and personal with Canary Wharf and then the amazing Thames Barrier.

www.nationaltrail.co.uk/ThamesPath/index.asp?PageId=1 or www.theaccesscompany.com/londonwalks/#

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends