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December 29th Log |
Dec 29th Pics |
| Have I mentioned what a wonderful
hotel Le Meridien Pyramids is? The staff are wonderful. The
assistant manager, Hussam Gamal
c.s@meridien-pyramids.com.eg, is great. Even though I had a
very small problem, he took good care of me. He deserves a
promotion. And the view from my room is incredible. I had
breakfast, as usual, in the Royal Club lounge. I'm really
starting to enjoy this. I watch the news about the devastation
in Asia. I once again thank God for blessing me and allowing me
to travel safely.
My driver, Hamey, comes at 8 AM and we head off for
Alexandria. He's a pretty cool guy. He use to do safaris in
southern Egypt. He tells me many funny stories. Along the way,
there is lot of agriculture. I was amazed how much could be
grown in this area. We stop after a hour at the MASTER
restaurant.
New Rule: When in a foreign country, don't turn any knobs in
the toilet that you are not sure what they do! I turn a knob to
flush the toilet and out comes a jet of water. All over my leg.
Man, I am so embarrassed. How stupid do you have to be? I dry
myself the best I could, which wasn't very good, covered my leg
with my jacket and headed out the door. Of course the attendant
stops me and asks me for a tip. My leg dried very quickly in the
car. Silly me.
Driving to Alexandria |
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| After a 3 hour car drive,
we arrive in Alexandria. It is a very busy seaport town. The
Mediterranean is beautiful, but it's a little cool today, so no
snorkeling. Our first stop is the Montazah Palace.
Unfortunately, it is under renovations and we are not allowed
in.
From Eyewitness Travel Guides Egypt
Montazah Palace is set in extensive gardens and overlooks a
truly beautiful stretch of the coast. Built at the beginning
of the 20th century by Khedive Abbas II, a relative of King
Farouk, the palace mixes Turkish and Florentine architecture:
the central tower was inspired by the Palazzo Vecchio in
Florence. Although the palace itself is closed to the public,
the lush park and semi-private beach are popular places to
relax.
Montazah Palace |
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| Hamey asked if I want I would like
to take a short boat ride to see the Presidents houses. Sure,
why not. It was a short little cruise (20 minutes), but it was
nice. We took a ski boat out to see the sites.
Mediterranean Sea Boat Ride |
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| Next, we go to the Citadel. It is
in remarkable condition. A very impressive fortress. From
Eyewitness Travel Guide Egypt
Although the turreted Fort Qaitbey situated on the tip of
the Eastern Harbour looks like some kind of toy castle from
the corniche, up close it is an imposing building. The fort
was built in the 1480s by Sultan Qaitby (1468-96) on the site
of the Pharos Lighthouse, using stone from the dilapidated
building. With the keep there is a small mosque - the oldest
in Alexandria - and a Naval Museum displaying relics from
ships sunk nearby, the result of Roman and Napoleonic sea
battles. The fort was badly damaged by the British Bombardment
in 1882 when the mosque's minaret was blown clean off. From
its elevated position, set back from the corniche, the fort
has fantastic view of Alexandria and out to sea.
The Citadel (Fort Qaitbey) |
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| For lunch, we eat at the Restaurant
Sea Maid and proceed to have the best meal of my trip. You go up
to the presentation area, pick your fresh seafood, and they cook
it for you. We ordered 2 fish (I don't remember what kind), 1
kilo of shrimp, and 1 kilo of calamari. While you are waiting,
they brought us all sorts of dip to try with our bread. I should
mention that Hamey knows everyone here. He spent a month-long
honeymoon at the hotel across the street and ate every meal
here. They first brought our fish (whole) and our calamari. It
was terrific. Then they brought the shrimp, which was even
better. If you ever come to Alexandria, bring Hamey and eat at
this restaurant. Restaurant Sea
Maid |
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| Our last stop the Bibliothecca
Alexandria. The library is huge. I looked for Lisa's book, but
they didn't have it. She'll have to mail them a copy. From
Eyewitness Travel Guide Egypt
Founded in the 3rd century BC, the Bibliothecca Alexandria
was the greatest library in the ancient world,
attracting the best international scholars. The library and
cultural center was re-inaugurated in October 2002, more the
two millennia after the original building was destroyed by
fire. The new Bibliothecca Alexandria is striking in its
architecture and also contains a Planetarium and Science
Museum. The main library is encased in a giant cylindrical
building at the far northern end of the corniche.
Bibliothecca
Alexandria |
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| It's time to head back to Cairo. My
belly is full and I've had a great day. We stop at the same rest
point of my previous embarrassment. Fortunately, it's a new
shift Another great day! |
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