Wow.. sorry to hear about your trip. Egypt is certainly an experience.. good or bad can really depend on how patient you are.. the constant hassle from touts and requests for baksheesh are certainly annoying at best but usually they will not become threatening... to them you are jus a walking dollar sign. My wife and I went in July last year when it seemed there were no tourists and had a mixed time (the only place we have become sick from the food, and we were careful of what we eat).. we hired a driver for the day and we were the only ones at the pyramids in Dashur (the bent pyramid) and even the crowds at Giza were nearly nonexistent. Sure we got scammed ($100 for 4 papyrus that I could have gotten for $25), and USD$20 for the buggy ride around the pyramids.

What is the best rate anyone has been able to haggle for a taxi into town/Conrad? Last year was 40LE, this year 45LE was the best they would accept. $7.25 for two people I suppose isn't too bad.