Alexandria in One day

I have visited Alexandria a couple of times before but it has been more for its beaches and spending a relaxing time; maybe some sight-seeing, if time permits But when I took my parents, who are visiting us, to Alex, we knew we had just this one day and had to make the most of it. And though this is not an itinerary that I had thought through in detail, rather something that I worked out on the spur of the moment, things fell into place pretty nicely and we managed quite an action-packed day! Of course an early start is essential; coffee and breakfast at Masters, halfway to Alex, gears you up for the day ahead!

The Meditteranean Blue

Am putting down the sights in the order that we visited them. Check it out!

KOM-AL-DIKKA- Our first stop- the only roman amphitheatre in Egypt. It seemed like a miniature version of the amphitheatre that I had visited in Jerash, Jordan. But it is excellently preserved and serves as a good introduction to the advanced acoustics prevalent in the ancient times, when no microphones were needed for the actors to be heard by the audience. A separate ticket is required to visit the “Villa of the Birds” containing some beautiful mosaics. Of course, the mosaics are not as elaborate or as beautiful as the ones that I visited in Paphos, Cyprus-but definitely worth a “dekho”

POMPEY’S PILLAR – was next on our itinerary, but in hindsight, we felt that we could have seen the monolithic granite pillar from outside the gates. Nothing much to see here- though, apparently, this was the site of the first settlement in Alexandria. Now it is little more than a mound of rubble.

CATACOMBS OF KOM ASH SHUQQAFA - provide a glimpse into the Roman burial practices. Apart from the many decorated tombs, you can also see the banqueting hall for the grieving relatives at this Roman burial centre. Cameras are not allowed.

At this point, you can take a break for lunch-try the Egyptian fare at Mohammed Ahmed, where I had my “full of fuul” (see earlier blog entry)

BIBLIOTHECA ALEXANDRIA - The highlight of any visit to Alexandria is the architecturally impressive Alexandrian library designed by a Norwegian architectural firm (Children below the age of six are not allowed inside) The library can hold up to eight million books and is aesthetically designed to allow for maximum natural light to come through; at the same time, the design and the inclination of the glass-paneled roof protects the books from the elements. The copier at the library can print any book in the library in 20 minutes! Though the bibliotheca does not yet allow for borrowing of books, it offers browsing and copy facilities for a nominal fee. The visiting hours are curtailed on Fridays from 3-7 pm. The entry ticket entitles you to a free guided tour. We took the English tour at 3.30 pm on a Friday. Their re-vamped website is now functional at http://www.bibalex.com/

FORT QAITBEY – on the eastern end of the Corniche, is built on the remains of the ancient Pharos lighthouse. Beautiful views across the Mediterranean Sea can be enjoyed through certain “look-out posts” from inside the fort. There is a small souvenir and fish market outside. You can stroll right up to the sea and feel the salty sea water spray you as it hits against the rocks. Great spot to view the sunset.

CRUISING THE CORNICHE: From Fort Qaitbey to the Montazah Gardens, the drive along the Corniche is not to be missed…with the outdoor cafes and colourful apartment blocks on your right and the sea to your left, the entire stretch is extremely picturesque and the drive exhilirating!.

Tired and exhausted? The perfect antidote to the tiredness from a day of hectic sightseeing?-Spend an hour at a roadside café, on the Corniche, relaxing with the locals and tourists over a Shay Bi Nana (mint tea) and shisha tuffah (a hubbly bubbly with apple flavour). You are now ready to head back to Cairo!.