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Saturday, June 11, 2016

Alexandria

The city was founded more than 2,000 years ago by Alexander the great and today it's the second largest city and the economic hub of Egypt. It's a coastal city that lies on the Mediterranean Sea. Neighboring countries across the sea are Cyprus, Greece and Turkey. The main international airport has been close for renovation for a while now and those traveling by air can reach Alexandria through the nearby Borg El Arab International Airport. You could also get there by road from Cairo, and yes, they do have Uber drivers available at very reasonable prices if you want to avoid hassling with taxi drivers.

Alexandria Corniche

Engineer's Club Beach

The Corniche is usually bustling and gets quite crowded by evening, best time to enjoy would be in the morning or early afternoon. There are many cafes and restaurants spread across the shoreline, and Alexandria is very famous for it's fresh and tasty seafood. I heartily recommend trying their lobster and crab dishes, which in most restaurants you could pick out from displayed items according to your liking.

Local fisherman

More fishermen

As you go on the corniche towards the east, you'll find the Stanley Bridge, which is architecturally different from everything else in Alexandria. The bridge divides a popular beach area from the sea.

Stanley Bridge

Stanley Bridge

Stanley Beach

There are a lot of places to visit. For me anyone visiting Alexandria must visit the library which is called Bibliotheca Alexandrina, there used to be a strong French influence on this city. The library really looks out of place due to its modern design. It also has a large museum section that has lots of artifacts, historical and modern artworks.

Pharoah statue outside the library

Entrance to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina with hieroglyphics

Inside the library

Main library gallery

Industrial artifacts

Nubian busts

Museum area

If you're into more historical stuff, you should visit the Royal Jewelry Museum, that houses collections from King Farouk and his family members. His sister was married to the Shah of Iran, which is why you'll find Persian influences. Unfortunately, photography was prohibited inside.

Royal Jewelry Museum

There are more becahes, notably the San Stefano Beach, where the Four Seasons Hotel and adjoining mall are. However, if you crave a more private beach and serene surroundings, the North Coast with its smaller cities like El Alamein, Marina and Sedi Kreir are a short drive away.

Alexandria Corniche at night

More info on Alexandria: WikipediaTrip Advisor
More info on library: Bibliotheca Alexandrina
More info on Royal Jewelry Museum: Royal Jewelry Museum

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