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.
Filed under Egypt
In Alexandria we stayed in a big hotel right on the beach! The view from our balcony was the Mediterranean… and the multi-lane highway right in front of it!
Apparently Alexandria was founded when Alexander the Great convinced the high priest at Memphis to crown him pharaoh of Egypt. Quite a persuasive guy, once presumes! While here we started by visiting the National Alexandria Museum which is housed in the building that used to be the US Consulate.
The Catacombs were next – a deep underground tomb like a reversed tower. The people took picnics down to have celebrations with their dead relatives, which was pretty spooky.
Another big attraction in Aexandria is the Fort. Supposedly using stone from the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, it’s an awesomely restored edifice. We walked around the bay along the beach to get to it – and there were heaps if kitty cats enjoying the sun (and the fishing).
The Cecil Hotel was another attraction – where Noel Coward and his cronies used to write. Very civilised.
We ate very well in Alexandria – fabulous seafood chosen live at the shop across the road, and prepared as you like it, and where I first experienced sahlab (yummy drink/dessert that’s kind of like milky custard/rice pudding with coconut, crushed nuts and dried fruit on top) and the ubiquitous sheep’s testicles! I didn’t order this by the way – one of the girls was feeling adventurous, but we all had a taste!
The Eid celebration took place while we were in Alexandria, which meant that a lot of people were buying animals to butcher and feast on. It was a bit strange to see people cutting a sheep’s throat on the side of the road before loading it into the boot of their sedan to drive home with!
Filed under Egypt
Two Weeks Away 