Dear Chandler,
If you get the chance, be sure to the Tanoura while you are there. It was performed in a building close to the Khan El Khalili when I was there last April, and it was easy to find, but if you have any trouble finding the Sufi, probably someone in the Khan can tell you. They had just moved to that location when I was there, so hopefully they will still be in that place. Also, the museum is in the process of moving but it is well worth going to see, even torn apart!! Let's see, the fabric souk is great.... I forget the name but hopefully someone will know. If not I will email my friend Hallah who lives in Cairo and makes costumes there and ask her for you. Have the best time ever!!
Regards,
A'isha

Hi Chandler!

I was in Istanbul last August and in Egypt in 2003. Istanbul, of course all the major sites - Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and be sure and see the Cisterns. If you're facing Hagia Sophia, you go down the street on your left, and the entrance is there. I think about 9 Lira to get in.
Also, if you have any interest, I have a friend there, Nurdogan, who has a shop - but NOT a high-pressure tourist shop, he's on tribe, and he gets people together with instructors for dance, drum, etc. Or you can just stop in to listen to his music library and have tea.
Absolutely love him, there is NO pressure.
In Cairo my favorite thing was the felucca rides on the Nile at sunset. I went 4 times, so I must have loved it, LOL.
Also be sure and see Coptic Cairo, it is so different from the rest of Cairo, no trash in the streets. Much fewer shopkeepers trying to lure in too.
Taking the subway in Cairo was really easy, more so than taxis so I got around on it in the women's car - first one up front, as much as I could.

Have a FABULOUS journey!
~Zafira