Egyptian politics and prices

On holiday this week, one of the other girls and I have just really been exploring the Cairo area. We had her friend Amr take us to Coptic Cairo which is where there are old churches and even a synagogue for us to look at. The churches were all Greek Orthadox, but they were interesting to look at.
Afterwards, Amr explained to us that there had been cops where he had tried to park. They didn't want us to park close to the churches but Amr told them that we were from the American Embassy so they quickly changed their tune. He explained that as Americans, we have sort of a free pass when it comes to cops. They tend to bend over backwards for foreigners and let things go that native Egyptians would be arrested for. He also explained that bribes are extremely prevalent here. If you are able to pay off cops instead of getting a ticket or arrested, you do so. Amr said that a trip to get your drivers license involves paying bribes to everyone you interact with. Even the guy that just signs a form need to be bribed.
Also, Amr bought Shana and I ice cream bars. The woman tried to tell him that we had to pay more for them since we were foreigners, but since he ended up paying, she allowed him to pay "Egyptian Price". This is completely normal. Everywhere we go that does not have posted prices will charge "Egyptian Price" and "Foreigner Price". When we buy things, we always have to work ourselves down to Egyptian price, and it generally helps to have one of the local friends with you when you shop.
I just thought you would find that interesting.