Post em Al Fayyum, Faiyum Governorate, Egypt

مرحباً مصر، مرحباً يا صديقي.

Do you believe in doing good not only for society but also for humanity? Are you a person who believes in karma and doing good things bringing us good things back?If so, then you are the person in my style.

This is Alev, a Turkish research scientist in space sciences who QUIT his permanent job to do his PhD with an (almost) poor salary but with the complete personal satisfaction of:

• saving the Earth from the asteroid -, examining Mars

• exploring the Moon 

• Jupiter and the rest of the solar system.

As a part of my exploration travels I am excited to come to the fascinating country of Egypt to not only explore your wonderful hospitality but also to offer to make a speech at schools, universities, or orphanages (like I have done in my previous travels). So please let me know if you have any Personal contact with any institutions that may be interested in my inspirational speech about space (surely for free). Additionally, I would like to ask you the following questions about my travels: Organizational: 1- What should I care about to avoid pickpocketing or having my stuff stolen in public places? 2- What are the social norms to avoid? Shall I avoid wearing shorts, sunglasses, or any common things that are normal for Europe? I am a Muslim myself, so I know how to behave in Mosques for sure. 3- Could you give me any tips to avoid (at least a bit) tourist scams? 4- Which SIM card do you suggest I buy upon my arrival? Where are the cheapest places to get it (probably not the airport)? 5- I heard that train tickets are not sold to foreigners online. Is that true? If so, do I have to wait until I land in Egypt and reach a town that has a train station to buy a ticket for a reasonable price?

Travel Related: My flight arrives at Marsa Alam on 17. December and my flight back leaves from Cairo on 30 December. I know it's a short time for Egypt but my PhD takes a lot of time, so this is a good relief for me from my research , Here are the things I have added to my list to visit:

1. Marsa Alam (snorkeling and city tour)Questions:

   • Do you know any tour that organizes Snorkeling tours for a reasonable price to good locations?

• What's the cheapest way to go from the Airport to the city center of Marsa Alamn?

• My next destination is Ashwan, is there anything interesting to see between Marsa Alam and Ashwan?

• I guess the bus is the best transport to get there. Do you suggest any bus companies? Online booking or booking in the bus station?

2. Ashwan: I still am researching what to do and see there.

• I wanna go to Abu Simbel from there, Do you suggest any organized day tours or shall I take a bus and join a tour in Abu Simbel?

• Do you know anybody who could organize tours for a reasonable price either in Abu Simbel or in Ashwan for Abu Simbel?

• Any other tips about Ashwan would be highly appreciated. 3- Luxor: Karnak Temple, Valley of KingsAfter Ashwan i will go to Luxor, Is the best way to go by train?

• Do you know any cheap tours to the Valley of Kings and Karnak temple?

• Or is it worth doing the tours by myself and going to the locations by public transport?

• my next stop will be Kina, is it better to take the train to Kina? 4- Kina: Dendarah Temple, I am still searching for others

• Do you have any suggestions about how to reach this temple or how to find a cheap guide or tour?

• Is it worth spending a night in Kina or shall I move forward to my next destination?  5- Abydos TempleWhich city is the best place to book a tour to visit this temple? I see its exactly between kina and Sevhac. So any suggestions for a location to head on are appreciated. 6- White Desert:Which city/town is the best for booking a cheaper trip/tour for white desert?

7- Is there anything interesting or important (maybe not touristy but very extraordinary) between Sevhac, Asyut, Beni Suef, and on the way to Caito?

8- Cairo: I wanna see Keops, Giza, and the Sphinx. Can you suggest a tour that includes all and is cheap? Probably Cairo is the best place to book them. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated.

9-Alexandria: I am currently researching the places to see around Alexandria, But any tips about the places between Cairo and Alexandria are highly appreciated.

10- Suez Channel: Is it worth a day trip or are there guided tours of the channel that deserve spending overnight? What is the best way to get there? Bus from Cairo or are there trains?

11- Do u have any other suggestions, tips about places to visit or what do do, how to behave in Egypt?

12- What are the best (cheapest but with a good Nile experience) boat tours/cruises? From where can they be taken and which ones have a reasonable price?

And if you guys are in any of the destinations I am visiting I am surely super glad to meet you chit chat with you and exchange the ideas about the world humanity!!

I am super excited to meet you!!! أنا متحمس للغاية لمقابلتك !!!

Alev