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Alexandria is a thriving Egyptian port city with a harbour that can be considered one of the most exotic and romantic in the world. It is proud to be known as one of the cleanest cities in all of Egypt, and the mayor has in the recent years channelled huge funds to developing his charge into a tourist class destination. The latest additions to Alexandria include the Royal Hospital and the National Library with original collections that date back to the times of Cleopatra and the Romans.
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| Favourite spots: |
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Numerous huge squares built facing the harbour front, each bearing at least a huge monument to some famous person in Egyptian history. In the evenings, these public spots are filled to the brim with countless locals sitting by and enjoying the cool ocean breeze. There is also a very long stretch of open air market - fruits, fresh seafood, warm rolls, spices, incense - directly behind the bund.
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| What's really great: |
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I was fortunate to have found myself beautiful and cheap accommodation, and even more fortunate to have been allocated a huge double room to myself that enjoyed an unparalleled and unhindered panorama of the ocean and harbour. It pays off being courteous and amiable - the hotel owner remembered me even after two weeks when I went back to Alexandria from Siwa Oasis, and gave me the same suite as before. I also particularly enjoyed smoking a sheesha at the ground floor cafe, while playing backgammon with a newly acquainted fellow backpacker who later shared the room with me.
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| Sights: |
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Pompey's Pillars, the Catacombs, the Fort, open air markets aplenty.
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| Accommodations: |
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New Welcome Hotel, LE30 (ask for it!) for a double room with superb harbour views and en suite facilities. Hot showers available at the corridor in a clean and well maintained common bathroom.
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| Hangouts: |
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Havana, owned by a Coptic Christian man, where smoked pork and lamb are excellent entrees.
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| Restaurants: |
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Mohamed Ahmed, undisputed favourite among locals. Cheap and satisfying dishes, if not somewhat oily.
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| Other recommendations: |
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There is a long street filled with open air barbeque restaurants where you can enjoy the freshest seafood in the whole wide world! Find your way there when you get off the Fort, it's about 10 minutes' walk southeast.
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Published on Monday August 12th, 2002
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Tue, Jan 06 2004 - 09:17 AM
 by kathrin
| Information: |
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