I don't think you have to worry about being harassed by the police while at the Festival . . . I think Raqia probably has enough influence to keep that from happening. If anything, since there are so many foreign women in Cairo at that time for the Festival, she is providing extra security along with the hotel's to keep away trouble makers (i.e. locals wanting to chat up foreign women for purposes of . . . well, you can figure it out . . . you might get some marriage proposals while there, LOL).

I never had problems while staying at the Mena House as it is a good hotel. Generally the service is quite good and you will be able to mingle with lots of like-minded ppl while attending the Festival. Just be prepared for the overwhelming crush of ppl because it is attracting such big crowds now.

And, yes, to the everyday Egyptian, they might not consider BD a respectable activity, but you will be amongst friends most of the time. Remember when you go outside the hotel to dress conservatively (and comfortably for the heat) . . . usually long sleeves/skirts/pants (i.e. avoid shorts/short skirts) help, but head scarves are not required. Oh, forgot, you have blond hair!!!

LOL, well that always attracts some attention, but that will happen to Arabs also who have "lightened" up their hair . . . it's getting a bit confusing these days. When I went to the Festival 2 years ago, I went to the Khan el Khalilli with a woman from Morocco and a woman from Lebanon . . . they had blonde hair and dressed much more fashionably . . . I was very conservative compared to them . . . they got some comments from the men and gave back as good as they got! Surprised those guys a lot!!

And you can be harassed for just being a Western woman in Egypt . . . no need to be saying you are a belly dancer . . . that is just the way it can be . . . the men want to chat you up . . . maybe just to speak English, but there is always more behind it, LOL!!! Just ignore them. When you go to the Khan, everyone wants to sell you something . . . so there will always be someone trying to talk to you . . . usually along the lines of "come into my shop to see my *******!' fill in with whatever items the shop carries!

If you want more info about being in Cairo for the festival, feel free to email me or you can check out Shira's tribe.