He might sound cynical at times, but he is never far from the truth. Yet his comments are always constructive since behind his apparent pessimism, he betrays a deep sense of love for his country. I suggest your magazine should run articles on cross-cultural issues that are not clear for foreigners living in the Arab world. This way these issues will be resolved and will be less frustrating for the first-timers. I find it rather annoying that just because I am not Egyptian, I am expected to pay more for a service or product.
Many tourists save their money to visit another country.
My Egyptian coworkers tell me not to pay more because then everyone else will be expected to pay more too. For example, I live in an apartment and pay the bawab LE 50 per month for absolutely nothing and the Egyptian tenants pay him nothing at all. I know it is not much money, but it's the principle. The man who fixes our machines also fixes the machines for Egyptians. These people are not doing anyone a favor, they are doing the job they chose to make a living.