Maybe I'm missing something...

Submitted by Caution_to_the_wind (United States), Jul 2, 2009 at 01:44

I don't know what to think after reading all of these horror stories... Here's the quick run-down of my situation: I'm a 23 yr old (african-) American female that traveled to Cairo and Luxor solo. In Luxor I met a (seemingly) nice guy at the train station who helped me set up a tour for the day. We shared small talk over breakfast - and the only thing out of the ordinary was him asking me what religion I was. I responded Christian and he wanted to know if I was a "strict Catholic" or protestant. I said protestant and he said that was good and we'd be good friends.

I didn't think much of it but in hindsight...maybe he was considering the technicalities of marriage. Nonetheless, we parted ways and I went on to enjoy my day. Later that morning he returned to my hostel to ask if I wanted to sail in falluka later that evening. I agreed but thought that I would be sailing alone. When I arrived for my falluka ride that evening - my friend was there waiting and the flattering began. We had a nice sail but he talked about how he had waited all day to sail with me and talk with me, etc. We shared good conversation which is when he told me that sometimes he's a "bad Muslim", which lead to listening to Bob Marley, smoking a little *herb*, a few drinks, and a romp in the sack after dinner

. I was only in Luxor for the day so I thanked him for the experience and got ready to catch the train out of there. I just got out of horrible engagement so for me it was just a nonchalant de-stress. Nothing more, especially since I don't get flattered very easily. To my surprise he insisted on getting contact information so that we could keep in touch and he asked me to stay a few more days so we could get to know each other. He showed me around the town, holding hands the entire time, and I met a few of his friends. I gave him a bogus phone number but took his business card.

To my surprise he had looked me up on skype (I have a unique name) and contacted me a few days after I returned home...a little upset about the bogus number. I said he must've written it down wrong but we've been chatting for a few weeks now. Like most of the horror stories he texts me throughout the day and we skype every morning. We've never talked about a romantic future but he always says we should stay in touch because "who knows" and he claims to feel a "special connection." He always mentions how much he loves my body...which I must admit - is amazing...haha, I'm still young. He often asks if I like him though.

The odd thing is, I felt something of a connection too, but it's simply not in my nature to get wrapped up in this sort of thing. Before our naughty behavior we discussed my previous engagement, his previous marriage, STDs, our families, and the like. Everything he said could have been lies and it really wouldn't bother me much. I am probably the tourist with low morals that makes these men treat all women like toilet paper.

Nonetheless, chance or fate or something has it that I will be returning to Egypt in a few weeks. My friend has been pleading for me to return and I finally told him that I would. He asked me if I could stay for at least 2 weeks so that we can spend time together, get to know each other better, and he can show me more of Egypt. Now when we talk - every conversation revolves around the plans he's making... I don't know how I feel about this though especially considering: - local/tourist involvement is 'illegal' without one of the Urfi marriages or tour guide license

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