Smoking and Sheesha
In Egypt, part of the culture as a way of socializing involves smoking Sheesha (tobacco from a waterpipe), and drinking tea (Chai). Sheesha and tea is a way of life, streets all over Egypt are lined with coffee and tea houses, (Ahwas and/or Cafes).It is also not unusual to see a cab driver smoking a cigarette in your cab. Most drivers are not trying to be disrespectful, they just don't realize that some people are offended by inhaling second-hand-smoke. Some Egyptians fail to see the link between smoking and some health problems. (However, Egypt is working on this problem though). For those visitors that have issues with inhaling smoke in taxi cabs, simply ask the driver that you prefer that he not smoke, and he will comply.
