i was reading the complaints page of a famous tour guide book on the web?

Question

Why is it full of complaints about luxor, I found the people ok dont they know how to say no, ok every where has people trying to make a buck , we saw through these people the first day for instance we went out in the afternoon, ignoring what the chief tour guide said, don't trust an egyptian etc etc, he must of forgot to mention himself, being one. we hooked up with some Guy called Hamada or some name like that, very charmig, full of local knowledge, now butter would not melt in this guys mouth,
a guy came over , want a felluca want a boat you know how much to cross the Nile only five pounds , hamada broke in maybe again he said to the boy, and told us its only 1 le to go on the ferry.
now he has the hook in, cut the story, in the restaurant he had 2 beers ordered the most expensive meal, and had 30% commission from the owner, but still cheaper than the Itab, the boy we found out latter was his son, but for the most we found them to be o'k as soon as they say my friend walk

Answer 1

yes we have a few bad people here in Egypt just like every where else in the world, thats life don't forget life is hard here to make a living .this is the biggest open air musium in the world
and thousands of visitors come here every day. only problem is the big tour companies are getting the main share of the tourists spending money, so the average person in the street trying to make a living only gets the measly pickings from backpackers and those doing egypt on thier own, trying to save as much money as they can, so of course you will get hassle but do not blame the Egyptian , blame the tour companies they have created this situation, in aswan there is not the kind of hassle you get here in Luxor simple reason there are not a lot of Hotels
people only stay maybe over night and its a must to do the Felluca on the nile around Elephantine island. if you don't haggle in the souks you are not in Egypt thats what Egypt is about always has been bartering .If you ask the price and they say x amount you say ok , they are not happy and will think that you are stupid or have to much money, so please learn the word La Shukran say it in a strong voice if necissary ,come to Egypt be a little hard faced and Enjoy the experiance,

Answer 2

Some tourists may face some problems as they don't have enough information about Egypt in general. At the same time every city in Egypt has it's own nature or mentality. When misunderstandings and wrong ideas is used in books or guides, they fill many pages and sell many books which means money.
I think it's not a good idea always to visit a country like Egypt without trying to know about Egyptians themselves and life.
Luxor is not the city of angels, also it's a touristic city all the residents has a relation with tourism business one way or another. If you visit Aswan where residents almost the same, you'll find the most kind hearted people in Egypt and may be in the world. These kind of variety is the "lovely Egypt"

Answer 3

one of the most well known series is fairly known for being negative, i would also add derogatory at times about other countries and cultures. to the extent that when travelling as a group we would use other guidebooks such as bradt and rough guide cos we were too embarressed to show THIS book to the local guides we met

maybe this attitude goes across to the people that use this book???

Answer 4

yes i know exactly what you mean, have to say they mostly make me smile,