LUXOR CITY
After exploring the Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple, let us dive into the city of Luxor itself.
The alleys of Luxor's old town resemble a vast "souk" where everything is for sale!
The shops, of course, overflow with fresh vegetables and fruits...
The scents of spices, dates, nutmeg...
...fill the air around the open market stalls.
The smiles of Egyptian merchants are merely a prelude to intense bargaining...
Because here, everything is up for negotiation...
...even at this "open-air" butcher shop!
Deliveries are done the traditional way!
Like this cart carrying bottles of butane, driven by a very young boy!
In more touristy areas, like here at the entrance to the Karnak site, 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) from the city center, the shops try to present themselves in the best light!
In these tourist areas, the merchants' smiles become even more "radiant"!
Beware, the prices quoted before any bargaining can be up to 10 times higher than the actual value of the goods!
Far cheaper than a taxi, and much more pleasant, a horse-drawn carriage allows you to explore the city's narrow streets...
...you might come across these shisha smokers, for whom life flows peacefully.
You might rightly ask yourself: "Is Egypt a safe country?"
And are the Egyptians you meet friendly?
The answer is yes, except for minor scams and street vendors who might try to cheat you.
There are no major dangers or violent attacks in the streets or at tourist sites.
However, to reassure tourists or maintain "order" in the country, dozens of armed men are deployed throughout the city!
Thus, in tourist areas, you may occasionally encounter soldiers or police officers, and sometimes even, like here, armed guards in civilian clothes!
All photos of Luxor © 2002 and 2010 by Richard Soberka