This is for those of you who live in Egypt, having come from another country. What affected you most about the culture? What was the most difficult part to deal with? I´m curious as a Canadian expat living in Guatemala as to what the effect of Egyptian culture has had on expats.

For me - time meaning nothing. If an appointment is for 10 don't expect anyone before at least 14:00 depending on the day.
If something is supposed to be finished tomorrow, expect it the following week.

I guess that wouldn't surprise me all that much, but how does that attitude fit into the way that Egyptians drive?

Well it is a case of, I know where I am going, why should you! Why do I need to indicate? I know I am turning right/left. Why do I have to drive like a maniac? Well I could be trying to get to Cynic's on time!

I don't live in Egypt, but I've noticed that there seems to be more countries around the world where time ISN'T the be-all and end-all of a person's life. While I'm sure it's great for people that are used to that lifestyle, it sure does play havoc on everyone that visits.

I wish I could say my life wasn't centered around time but that is not the case. I can see what you mean though if you are not from Egypt how it would be something to get used to.

I started thinking about it and there aren't that many countries who are as time obsessed as the U.S. is ...England in the larger cities but certainly not in the country and the Japanese are very punctual even though sometimes they don't show up. I wonder if it's just us?

I always thought the US was more time-centric and rushed in general.

That said, has anyone who came back from an extended stay in Egypt suffered from reverse culture shock?

That's an interesting question, and it reminds me that some people take a few days of a vacation to "unwind" from their more hectic work schedules and relax for their vacation.

I'm sure this would be the case when they vacation in Egypt, too. I think it's ironic, but the laid back culture is probably exactly what they need to relieve their stress from their work life.

I had reverse culture shock coming back after two years in Scotland! And I came back to a rural environment here just as there. Much faster paced in the U.S.