I am a giant! In front of the library model.
We had a lovely day trip to Alexandria with tour guide Nibal. We had decided on a more relaxing day, so instead of the fortress and catacombs, we visited the library and the palace, and whiled away a few hours on the beach.
Breakfast
Since we drove up and back in a day, it was an early start, but we were able to doze in the car. Our first stop was for an Egyptian breakfast of fuul, felafel and dips.
The Library
Once fortified, we made our way to the Library of Alexandria – a huge new building designed to pay homage to the previous Alexandrian library that was a repository for knowledge and culture in the ancient world. We were amazed at the symbolism of what seemed like practical design choices, like the holes in the walls for noise reduction reflecting the ancient papyrus storage.
Digital mummy
While at the Library we saw the digital projects they are working on, such as digitising Arabic texts to ensure the longevity of resources, and digital 3D mummy projections for research without disturbing the real thing.
Digital programs
We also visited an exhibition covering the work of Shadi Abdel Salam, a costume and set designer for Egyptian films. Lots of amazing sketches and photos, but no cameras allowed.
Ready for a swim
After the amazing library, we headed to the Montaza Palace grounds for a walk, then a swim at a public beach. The water was incredibly salty and not as clean as we are used to with our pristine beaches in Australia, but it was a very relaxing and refreshing swim. A few sellers walk up and down the beach selling snacks and drinks, as well as sunglasses and shisha, which is very convenient.
The Mediterranean
Montaza Palace
The Mediterranean
Late lunch was eaten at sunset at an amazing restaurant built on a jetty out into the bay. As waves rolled in, we kept expecting them to break over us, but magically, only the furthest table had a bit of spray.
Fish!
The restaurant
Seafood bisque
We ate a delicious grilled fish meal with salads and dips, before it was time for the long journey back to Cairo. What a fabulous day!
Two Weeks Away 