When I told my parents I was going to travel to Cairo alone, I’m pretty sure they heard ‘SYRIA, IRAQ, TERRORISM, BOMBS,’ since this is how most Europeans visualize the Middle East once the subject comes up. With the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and the Russian airplane crash in Sinai before that, Europeans’ idea of visiting the Middle East doesn’t look like it’s changing anytime soon – and that’s a shame, for I spent the most wonderful time in Cairo. Cairo, with all its imperfections, is such a beautiful, intense mess. Overall, it did not manage to make me feel unsafe; however, it did sometimes make me uncomfortable. But for what it’s worth, here’s how my week in Cairo unfolded as a blonde, Western female tourist. But before I delve deeper into my trip, I should perhaps explain what I mean when I say ‘Western.’ I was born and raised in the Netherlands, which is probably one of those places on earth that are the complete opposite of the most chaotic city in Egypt. Around here, we have lines to guide you through traffic. We have traffic lights, seat belts that you actually need to…
