Alexandria for the Weekend

Selfie on the train with Bonnie & Bill

Fort Qaitbey

Last weekend we decided to head up to Alexandria on the train with Bonnie & Bill. Never having traveled by train outside of Cairo, it was wonderful to sit and watch the delta farmers in their fields as we passed by. Alexandria was going to be our first glimpse of the Mediterranean so I guess my expectations were pretty high. On arrival the taxi driver we decided to use was attacked by a couple of others. The driver didn't seem to like the idea of being hit over the head and started driving off with Tony still in the process of clambering into the taxi. First impressions eh?The Sofitel was lovely and situated right on the Corniche so after checking in we headed out, first to the Fish Market (restaurant not souq) then on to the highlight of the trip, Fort Qaitbey. The fort was built in 1480 and sits on a peninsular. We spent a few hours wondering around and taking a multitude of photos. We hadn't realised until this trip that being European and blond / grey is an oddity. The Egyptians were fascinated by Bonnie and Bill, constantly stopping them to have photos taken. This was very different to the attitude of some of the locals who threw stones and swore at us as we walked back along the Corniche. I guess the biggest disappointment though was the rubbish on the beach. Having come from clean, green NZ Tony and I still can't believe that people would treat the ocean this way. The last train back to Cairo was at 3.00pm so our Saturday was rushed. We found out, after walking for half an hour, on Saturday morning, that the library was closed on Fridays and Saturdays. The museum was hard to find but it was well worth the walk. The exhibits covered Alexandria's history really well. I found it strange there wasn't much mention of Cleopatra though. The crypt and the Turkish artifacts were awesome. Maybe one day we'll head back to Alexandria and spend more time there but not while there are other places to visit... Turkey later this month.

Iti, Tony & I on one of the coastal walls at the fort.

Looking back towards the Alexandria Library, the grey building centre right.

View of the bazaar from inside the fort.

The other side of the library with beautiful stone carvings.

These 2 Egyptian cats knew who the best fisherman was.

Looking out towards Fort Qaitbey, by Iti's right ear.

Managed to take this without being spotted.

The villa which holds the Alexandria Museum. Can't believe it was once
someone's home. It has 3 floors, a basement and a crypt.

The taxis looked like swarms of bees, very easy to spot in the hoards of traffic.