ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaCalling all who've traveled to Cairo, Egypt!!!

Please answer when was the last time you went to Egypt. Which part did you fly into? Which visa did you get tourist visa or entry visa?


I last flew into Cairo egypt in Feb. 09, I got the tourist visa in the airport bank exchange for 15.00 not a big deal. Was there 3 times last year and did the same except on our marriage I did get a residence stamp on my passport for a month time frame, that was done in Cairo near the Ministry of Justice. I think that was like 20LE. Good info to know I could take our marriage papers and get for free, I just never want the hassle so have always just paid the 15.00 USD cash only excepted. Good luck to you Olivia.

HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-04-12 02:40:00
Middle East and North AfricaTuesday - Two Weeks!
star_smile.gif Many congrats to you Olivia, after all of our long talks im so excited for you to go and wish you the best!!!
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-05-05 09:57:00
Middle East and North AfricaShipping to Egypt... How'd you do it?
Im with Olivia, I have mailed photos,cds ect. to my husbands apt. house and arrives usually 2-3 weeks later, I recently sent our 1yr. anniversary card and photo book to his family house now 3 weeks ago usps and still no site of it. My friend has also mailed cards ect. and never arrived in Egypt. She has in the last 2 weeks sent documents for emabassy with DHL to her husband and the cost was around 80.00 and it arrived in 5 days. So in Egypt who knows, I guess it can be the case of who ever is doing the mail and how well there english and translations are. I wouldn't count on usps for anything of importance. Good Luck.
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-05-05 01:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaSATURDAY !!!
Happy Saturday everyone, off to a big day at work. Im in sales so sat. is usually a good day to make some extra bonus. Need to keep my income above the poverty level..lol Looking forward to being off tonight and all day tomarrow, it's been a long week with lots of rain here in Kansas and storms and a basement that has been leaking, got to love the wet vac at this point. Everyone have a great day. star_smile.gif
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-05-09 08:27:00
Middle East and North AfricaTuesday - 1 week!!!
Great News Olivia, glad it worked out that Waleed was able to finially get his papers, and now he can finish your packet 3 and who knows he may be comming home with you. You know my plan so maybe we will be meeting up in Egypt..woohoo!!!
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-05-12 09:14:00
Middle East and North AfricaThursday in MENA
Goodmorning everyone and hope this day goes by fast. My husband is home from the military and is going to get his photos needed for our first step of the I-130 so im excited im all finished with the packet and its ready to go, so Im going to file in the next few weeks and be ready for NVC when he is completed his time in military sept. 1. I was going to wait and file but now that the petitions are taking a little longer I'm going to go for it. Thanks to everyone on here I have learned a lot. Have a great day.
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-04-30 09:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Friday!
Goodmorning Olivia, sitting here at work waiting for the server to load. Sometimes takes forever. How are you doing? I think your like me, the kind that never sleep..lol
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-05-01 09:17:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Friday!
Goodmorning everyone, I wish I could handle drinking coffee, but it gives me a headache. So I do my usuall starbucks on Sat. only and get the fofo stuff and deal with the headache so i will have some energy for my day at work. Wish everyone a great day, its raining again here in Kansas like it has for the past week. Got to love spring..
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-05-01 09:11:00
Middle East and North AfricaSunday in MENA
Goodmorning everyone!! My husband is home from the military camp for 7 days so Im excited we have spent hours on here the last 2 days. He is watching the liverpool game now, I know not to call now the game is still going..lol Have a great day everyone.
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-05-17 08:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaLazy Sunday
Hello everyone I must say its nice when the kids sleep in, my son is with my parents and I got to sleep in. What a great start to my day off. To make it better I got to talk to my husband at the camp today for 35 min. and it sounded very windy in the desert in Egypt. He never complains either, about the heat or wind, poor conditions. It will be such a change for him for a first time to the states. What an adjustment im sure. Im sure he will like it though. Best wished to all for a great day. star_smile.gif
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-05-24 12:40:00
Middle East and North AfricaMonday!
Goodmorning, and happy Memorial Day for those of great men and women that served our country. It's hard for me not to think of what it must be like for my husband now that is serving for his country in Egypt and for basically no pay. He never complains and im very gratefull for that.. He knows its a job and it will be over soon. So my hat goes off to my husband as well for working so hard out in the desert in the extreme heat and no toilets and barely any food.
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-05-25 10:39:00
Middle East and North AfricaWedding celebration details in Cairo for those that want to attend!!!
Looking great Olivia, I was just talking to Julie and Lams and we were thinking about you and how things were going. You look amazing.
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-05-24 21:37:00
Middle East and North AfricaWhere is everyone located??
Im near Wichita Kansas looking for the land of OZ....
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-06-10 01:16:00
Middle East and North AfricaWhat do I need to take?
Correction on the taking movies on the sim card...lol its my flash drive Im sure you got the just of what I meant. Its to earlyl and did too much flying yesterday.
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-06-15 10:35:00
Middle East and North AfricaWhat do I need to take?
QUOTE (jamall @ Jun 15 2009, 09:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Make sure check with the health department for any vaccination you my need??

No shot requirements from USC going to Egypt, some other countries they require some shots but not the states. Things I would think of taking first on my list is adapters and converters for electrical depending on what your taking in that area. I usually take my labtop and it self converts just needs the adaptor so my husband and I can watch some of the latest movies that havent reached Egypt yet, I put those on a sim card and take them. Of course great walking shoes, proper clothing attire, depending on where your going. Out of respect for my husband and his family I dont wear sleeveless shirts or shirts, unless were in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.
And yes as soon as you get off your plane head to the bank exchange near the customs border and you will pay 15.00 in cash only for your visa. I usually exchange around 200.00 there at that time if I don't already have money from last time with me. My first trip there I packed to much stuff, after the fourth time there my load has lightened.

Have fun on your trip I will be comming soon after toward the end of July, I just came from Miami florida last night after a four day trip so need to work and get back to swing of things today, then I will be ready to go in another month.



HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-06-15 10:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaEgypt stun world champions Italy
Looking forward to the US and Egypt game today, I already have my DVR set..lol My husband keeps asking me "are you going to watch the match" We are Liverpool fans but the match will be great I'm sure.
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-06-21 00:08:00
Middle East and North AfricaVisa approved, alhamdulilah!
Great news Amy, a great start for a Tuesday. A quick AP to come for you as well so you can begin your life together here. Many congrats to you and your family. kicking.gif
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-06-23 10:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaThursday!
QUOTE (~Flower~ @ Jul 2 2009, 12:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Awesome Sandra I bet Dorthe and Julie could give you recommendations for great budget priced hotels to stay in. I just posted a new album facebook and an interactive thread for Hurghada here in MENA you can check out and go on a virtual tour of. biggrin.gif

Yeah I did that yesterday and its hard to see what hotel and villa's are actually on the beach, I want this to be as laid back as possible so even if it cost a little more to walk outside and have the beach view out our window its worth it. But still want to get a good deal, yeah I will have to send Dorthe and Julie a message, I know Julie was renting fairly cheap and was within 1km of walk to the beach so thats not to bad. Ahmed is working so hard for barely no pay I want him to relax as well he deserves it.

HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-07-02 12:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaThursday!
Hello to everyone and wishing all a safe 4th of July weekend, I finially get the entire weekend off, not sure how to act without being at work on a Sat. so very excited to get lots of fireworks and join in with some friends at her home in a city close to mine she has a big farm and horse arena where they will have an annual 4th of July event. Its very big and will be great food and good times.

Olivia I'm glad you got things setteled with Waleed, Ahmed and I have talked about my comming the end of July and as I told you he was wanting to go to the North Coast, he actually walked there yesterday from the military camp to check out villas and apt's to rent. Was a big day for him, when I talked to him he said " honey I've been thinking maybe we should do as you wanted and go to Hurghada" LOL so maybe will be able to see you there before you go. If we do that we will only stay 3 nights so we can go back to Alex and visit the family, I miss them so much. Plus I can't wait to give his mom the Mary Kay Satin Hands set I bought for her, she works so hard in the home I want her to have some nice soft hands for a moment.


HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-07-02 12:35:00
Middle East and North AfricaI am back
Welcome home at least you made it home, my bags were lost in London, but they arrived in Kansas the next day and the airline brought them to my work, thank god I had our marriage papers in them. One lesson learned never put anything of importance in a checked bag i a was very lucky.

I agree with Olivia, If you fly the same airline usually the problem doesn't seem to happen as much. But doing some recearch they loose thousands of bags each day. I truly hope you get it back, just keep calling your claim ticket if you reported in at the final destination and they will do what they can. At least in my experience they told me when my bag would arrive and gave me the option to pick it up at the airport or deliever so i chose the delievery to me at work, less hassle and no parking to pay at the airport.
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-07-06 14:15:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday!
Morning everyone, hope everyone has a good day. My boys are leaving for California tomarrow for 2 weeks with my parents. Hopefully Ahmed will get a break from the military and the plan is for me to go and see him.
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-07-15 09:03:00
Middle East and North AfricaNot a religious Man
Very sorry for your loss, may God rest his soul and give you and all your family comfort in this time.
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-07-26 23:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaTuesday
Hey everyone, I made it here to Egypt and the airline has lost my luggage the good news it I should be getting it tonight. Otherwise I will be out on the hunt for some new clothes..Have to keep you posted.
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-07-29 04:19:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Thursday
QUOTE (Sandrila @ Aug 6 2009, 01:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Welcome back Olivia.

I was surprised to hear you were coming back cuz you said you were going there to live and wait out the visa process.
What prompted you to come back so prematurely? I guess after having been ill there you are a little relieved to be back?

How neat if you and Sandra were on the same flight tongue.gif

Well I was on the KLM flight to Amsterdam then to Houston. Sandrila my husbands brother in law is the one working in Dubai, he picked me up in Cairo because Ahmed had to go back to the camp. Oliva glad you made it back, I will have to post some pix also from Hurghada, you all can find me on facebook if you want to add me, I know Olivia has it, but Sandrila if you want to add me or any one else feel free its under Sandra Massoud or Sandra Dunn. Now off to work I go. yeah.
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-08-06 13:46:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Thursday
Goodmorning everyone, I just got back from Egypt last night. Such a long journey back to Kansas. I always hate to leave also. I spent some great times with my husband and met up with more of the family. His grandmother had been sick so we went to visit her, what a sweet lady. We spent 3 days in Hurghada at an all inclusive resort that was great to just relax. I know Ahmed needed it as he has been working so hard in the military. We flew there it was his first trip in an airplane he loved it. I told him the next time your flying will be to the states. We both smiled. Just a fantasitc trip but never long enough. He went back to the camp I went to Cairo and stayed with his sister and her husband that are in Egypt for a month, as he is working in Dubai. Had a wonderfull welcome there as I always do, brother in laws mom made a many foods and sweets. To top it off my husbands sister gave me a beautifull gown and some lovely perfume, body spray and a bear saying I love you. Im so greatfull to have such a wonderfull family in Egypt. Being there now 5 times makes me appreciate comming home, I can't even tell you how great my bed felt to sleep in last night.

Lemon bars yummy, I love sweets.

Have a great day everyone, 24 days untill Ahmed will finish the military, need our approval from USCIS soon, we all ready for NVC except his military completion papers and his passport. I gave him a complete duplicate packate of everything he will need at the interview, to save probally 85 dollars on DHL.
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-08-06 09:40:00
Middle East and North AfricaVisa in hand!
Many congrats to you both!! I wish I could of brough Ahmed home with me. One day soon though. Im very happy for you both. star_smile.gif
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-08-10 22:44:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Wednesday!!
QUOTE (~Flower~ @ Aug 11 2009, 10:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ha! I so hear ya! laughing.gif

Im with you both on the A/C!! Congrats on the interview Ayman and Yasmina. Oliva did you just find out about your interview today?
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-08-11 22:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Sunday!
Goodafternoon ladies, Im off to the swimming pool with my son. Its so hot here in Kansas, nothing better then being by a pool or sitting inside the A/C. So were going with the pool option, influenced by my 5yr. old..lol Everyone have a great day. star_smile.gif
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-08-16 13:09:00
Middle East and North AfricaOMG!! He got his Visa minutes ago...
QUOTE (My Mohammed @ Aug 15 2009, 01:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, guys that were in that grouped email from Cairo same as we were.. Keep an eye out on DHL and track your package. He just received his Visa and will be leaving Tuesday!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif

I'm so happy guys and nervous too for some reason. I guess i'll worry until I see his smiling face in MY airport for the first time. I wish everyone waiting the best of luck and thank you to everyone that answered my questions along this part of our journey.

Jolie

Well as a second shifter Im the first to say soooo many congrats to you and your spouse. Im very happy for you both. Im sure I will be nervous as well, im sure its all normal. Smart idea on checking the DHL though. Keep us posted on his POE and how it all goes.
Sandra
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-08-15 01:27:00
Middle East and North AfricaTuesday
Goodmorning everyone!! Just took my son to school he is in Kindergarten and started last week he is really loving the new school. He has been in Pre-k the last 2 years so he is used to all the structure which is good.

Nagi im sorry to hear about your dog, my mom just had to do that with her sheltie last week, it nearly crushed her.

Amanda I can relate to the child support my son is five and I booted his father when Nikolas was 1 and I have never got a dime. I filed child support but what do you do if there not working?

Tammy hope you get to feeling better soon.

Olivia I know how you feel, I have been home from Egypt since Aug. 5th as well and really missing Ahmed. We talked yesterday. He got lost while he was out getting food and water for the camp and he had no clue where he was that was like 10:50 pm our time. He said no one would stop to give him a ride, after 2 hours I called him back and he made it. He said im all sweaty and tired. Poor guy. It should be 2 weeks from today they release him from the military but you know how the rules go there. Crossing my fingers on that one.

GG congrats on no smoking, whats your secret, i know its not due to no stress..lol

Well to all I have missed I wish you all a great day. Im doing good with the names I have remembered so far. Im going to make myself post here daily to get to know you all. I appreciate all that I have got to chat with, you are all amazing. We are strong women most of the time, but it sure is nice to have the extra support here.

Edited by Sandra/Ahmed, 18 August 2009 - 08:07 AM.

HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-08-18 08:06:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday
Goodmorning ladies, hope you all have a good day. I leave my house around 745 and dont get home untill 10pm it really sucks, sometimes on weds. I take off early, but just trying to work all the hours and save all I can. At least I have sat. night off and all day Sunday off. I have to make myself start going to bed earlier, Im sooo tired. Anyway Go, GO, GO..
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-08-19 07:42:00
Middle East and North AfricaWent home for visit...and
Well I have read all the posts here and what an eye opener. I think me and my husbands thing when he gets here is his fear, I know that I will have to be understanding of the adjustments it will be for him. I want to make him as comfortable as he and his family were to me the last 4 trips to Egypt to visit. Fear of the unknown brings out many underlying issues and to me its scary. I just have to go on some faith that everything works out the way its supposed to in this life.

I love him so much and even the distance and him being in the Military is a lot, at least he has his phone and we talk almost daily and text. Thats helped a lot. Also for his breaks he makes his time for me and the good ol' cam and mic. I feel gratefull to at least have that. I can't wait for the day comes to get going with working on our issues and grow from them. Getting divorced is not a solution in our path, but one never knows. I just love him and will continue, who knows maybe in a year I will be on here complaining about him keeping the A/C to cold...lol Im sure that will be the least of our problems. Im glad we are spiritually connected on many levels, with my first marriage I feel in my gut I made the right choice for a husband.

I love you all, and hope to become closer as time goes on.
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-07-24 01:11:00
Middle East and North AfricaSunday!
QUOTE (?J+I? @ Aug 23 2009, 01:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
funny noises? hahah it was a ZOO! (with ice cream ;) )

Yes a Zoo it was, but a fun one...lol Looks like from Waleeds interview it went great. Hopefully he will get the visa in 2 weeks as they said, with No ap. but I guess its Egypt so one never knows. Im sure Oliva is passed out on the bus from being awake and worried and amped and every other emotion she was feeling I can only imagine. I just can't wait for our first petition to get approved. Waiting.....
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-08-23 13:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaSunday!
Congrats Olivia on Waleeds interview, had a good time at the slumber party last night. Lots of funny noises..lol

Sorry Jackie about the drama going on, some ppl just need to grow up, unforntunately it takes time. Try and have a good day anyway.
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-08-23 13:08:00
Middle East and North AfricaIt's that time again!
QUOTE (?J+I? @ Aug 23 2009, 11:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You are one of the few who made it thru Egypt with no AP!

Yeah they ppl at the embassy must of heard all of Olivia's zoo callings and decided to do away with the AP or Oliva may of sent her Lion or car honk noices to there office....hahahaha It was great need to do more of them, so nice to meet some of you ladies last night, mena rocks in style... kicking.gif
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-08-23 13:55:00
Middle East and North Africaat Thulatha - Tuesday
Goodmorning Mena just got home from my first morning to help with my sons kindergarten class, all I can say is WOW!!
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-08-25 10:34:00
Middle East and North AfricaAirline tickets to Egypt
Hey if you look closer turkish airlines are cheaper on that website but also have large taxes I looked around december also and it was 607.00 but with taxes it was 1000.00 so if you found them with taxes included I would get the tickets, I went to the website just now and discovered the taxes. Good luck to you.
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-08-27 08:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaM-m-m-m-m-m-m-muh-Monday!
Goodmorning well almost Monday here. Im excited im having a guest stay with me tomarrow that used to work at the embassy in Cairo for over 20 years stay with me tonight. She is moving to California and stopping here for the night to rest and chat with me. She used to work for my dad years ago, then went to the Embassy, she used to actually date one of president MUBARAK's body guard. She is now almost 70 years old and I haven't seen her since I was a teenager. So it will be exciting to visit with her.

In recent events that have happened with my husband some of you know he was to finish his military time on Wednesday, he went to take his military ID and get his papers to find out they are going to extend his time for 6 months. He actually cried and of course so did I as this was not what we were expecting. Had to get myself into quick acceptance of this and know they can't keep him forever. The reasons for a penalty system they use. On my last trip there 3 weeks ago we were on vacation together and some kind of machine came up missing at the camp where he stays and there are only 6 of them. As know one took the blame the military added time to them all. Also got time for not wearing the right socks to work. Just unreasonable things to me to comprehend. Same happened to my girlfriends husband she is from Denmark and her husband is also serving in Egypt, he wore the wrong shoes to work and got 21 days in jail. If he messes up again he will get 60 days in jail and 6mo. added to his time and he is not to complete untill 2011. Im just devistated. So I guess when our I-130 is approved we will wait at the NVC untill he gets his completion papers.

Edited by Sandra/Ahmed, 30 August 2009 - 11:54 PM.

HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-08-30 23:53:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Monday!
Goodmorning everyone wishing you all a great day, star_smile.gif
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-09-07 10:31:00
Middle East and North AfricaFinally, A Houston mini-Meet-UP SEPT 4,5,6
QUOTE (TamaraLovesAdam @ Sep 4 2009, 11:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
kicking.gif I got to eat dinner with Amal, her hubby & son!!! kicking.gif

Thats great you all live so close, i feel like a lone wolf here in Kansas alone. I havent met anyone on VJ from KS yet. Im glad you all had a great time.
HopeishereFemaleEgypt2009-09-05 01:38:00