Unpacked

[Beatle]

learn arabic : i'm not advice you to take Course in arabic cause its Hard Language and you gonna lose alots of money and time too learn arabic from your friends better[/QUOTE]

I have taken quite a few arabic courses and not only has it really helped me get by in Cairo (although many friends get by without speaking any/much arabic) but also it was a great chance to get to meet people when I first arrived. I didn't find the courses overpriced compared with how much I have paid to study arabic in England. Obviously it may also take time to build up a network of Egyptian friends as well.

[Jack.Ishac]

Originally Posted by LyndaJane

I like all types of food, and I think I am just going to buy a phrase book and a few c.ds and learn on the run.
Just had all my shopping delivered and it's great
Do I have to tip for everything??? The hands are outstretched wherever I go

listen why i'm not advice you to buy or take Couse or something like that
cause Here in Egypt we talk in Modern Arabic " like American English "
where you going to learn Arabic 'll learn Old Arabic " like Britch English "

I think Books and CDs not helpful .....

to know the places or map over Cairo you can go to " On The Run Cafes "
in any Mobli GAs Station " theres books " hand trips or something like that

its all by 15 or 20 LE no more its helpful to know where to go and there some
phrase to know

[Beatle]

Originally Posted by LyndaJane

I like all types of food, and I think I am just going to buy a phrase book and a few c.ds and learn on the run.
Just had all my shopping delivered and it's great
Do I have to tip for everything??? The hands are outstretched wherever I go

You are expected to tip, especially as an expat or tourist. You will get a sense of what you should tip after you have been there a while. I use to get exasperated by it but I realised that Egyptians are also expected to tip!

[Beatle]

[QUOTE=Jack.Ishac;202921]listen why i'm not advice you to buy or take Couse or something like that
cause Here in Egypt we talk in Modern Arabic " like American English "
where you going to learn Arabic 'll learn Old Arabic " like Britch English "

I think Books and CDs not helpful .....

I don't think LyndaJane wants a course anyway but many language schools teach Modern Standard Arabic and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic as I study both.

There is a good book shop in Zamalek on 26 July St called Diwan which does English books/language books. The American University of Cairo bookshop also has a great selection.

Foodwise I will suggest some places in Zamalek which are quite popular and not too expensive: many people like Maison Thomas which sells pizza, Didos which does pasta, Cilantro or Beanos do decent coffee and sandwiches and the Bakery at the Marriot is not too bad for a cappucino/pastries. I quite like Abu El Sid for Egyptian food. Metro is a Western supermarket chain and they have branches in Zamalek.

Hope that helps for now

[gw4khq]

Lynda. I'd recommend the "Rough Guide Phrasebook to Egyptian Arabic". It can be purchased from amazon or in the UK for £5 and you can also download basic scenarios on their web site. My wife's been using it for about 6 weeks now and is doing well and is able to make some phrases understood. At least, she is able to order a meal when we're out now. We used the same rough guides when we were learning mandarin along with a lesson once a week. Arabic seems a lot easier.

[Jack.Ishac]

[quote=Beatle;202924]

Originally Posted by Jack.Ishac

listen why i'm not advice you to buy or take Couse or something like that
cause Here in Egypt we talk in Modern Arabic " like American English "
where you going to learn Arabic 'll learn Old Arabic " like Britch English "

I think Books and CDs not helpful .....

I don't think LyndaJane wants a course anyway but many language schools teach Modern Standard Arabic and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic as I study both.

There is a good book shop in Zamalek on 26 July St called Diwan which does English books/language books. The American University of Cairo bookshop also has a great selection.

Foodwise I will suggest some places in Zamalek which are quite popular and not too expensive: many people like Maison Thomas which sells pizza, Didos which does pasta, Cilantro or Beanos do decent coffee and sandwiches and the Bakery at the Marriot is not too bad for a cappucino/pastries. I quite like Abu El Sid for Egyptian food. Metro is a Western supermarket chain and they have branches in Zamalek.

Hope that helps for now

Beatle : good advices may you feel the one 1st time in egypt more then me
i'm never had this feeling .....

by the way you compared prices by your country as sure here in Egypt all Cheap but its too mush as Egyptians thats why i advice to learn that way i show

and all cafes you show its Large Cafes not local or Egyptian Style
and you still dont know EGyptians Minds

[Beatle]

[quote=Jack.Ishac;202926]

Originally Posted by Beatle

and all cafes you show its Large Cafes not local or Egyptian Style
and you still dont know EGyptians Minds

My Egyptian friends have introduced me to most of the places I refer to above! But I agree that they are not typical Egyptian cafes - I only tend to go to those with Egyptian friends. I am sure LyndaJane will get to try those once she has spent some time in Cairo

[Jack.Ishac]

My Egyptian friends have introduced me to most of the places I refer to above! But I agree that they are not typical Egyptian cafes - I only tend to go to those with Egyptian friends. I am sure LyndaJane will get to try those once she has spent some time in Cairo[/QUOTE]

Great , anyway if anyone wanna know more or need any help i hope i can help thats all .....

by the way I'm Happy to know how foreign feel and thinking ... thanks Beatle