We left Cairo yesterday via train, and arrived in Alexandria late afternoon. This city is such a welcome change from the extreme heat we've been subjected to since arriving in Egypt. Alexandria sits right on the beach, and feels like its in the 80s with a light breeze. Getting here wasn't too bad either. We took the metro to the train station in Cairo, and after battling the precarious queues at the ticket counter, we purchased first class tickets for 50 Egyptian pounds each ($8.00 USD), and boarded a spacious, air-conditioned train car with reclining seats. It was a very nice way to make the two-hour trip. While waiting to buy our train tickets, we were drenched in sweat from carrying our backpacks in the sweltering heat for more than an hour. Then, the people here really have no concept of waiting their turn. People kept cutting in front of us, and even when we finally got up to the counter and requested our tickets someone completely jumped in front of us to get money back for the ticket he had just purchased. I was really annoyed with this person, and verbalized my disgust for his bad manners. Kale told me to shut up, and accept the situation. I told him to suck it:) lol
When we arrived in Alexandria, the weather was perfect. We headed toward the beach where we found the Union Hotel.
Typical street scene
We were able to check emails, enjoy the sunset and buy beer. The Union Hotel is Christian-owned, so they sell alcohol. Because it is Ramadan, it is difficult to find bars that will serve you. After relaxing for a bit, we set out to find dinner. We walked up a street perpendicular to the Union, and stumbled upon prayer time. There was a prayer bellowing over some speakers, and there were literally thousands of people praying in the street. It was peaceful, beautiful, moving and nothing like anything I have ever witnessed. I am so glad we're here during this time to experience this celebration. After the prayer came to a close, people headed to their local cafe where they would spend the rest of the evening drinking juice, coffee, tea and smoking shisha. The streets are busy until 3 or 4 am here. Its so different from the schedule we're used to, and we haven't quite adjusted. For dinner, we bought some pita bread, roasted corn-on-the-cob and lime-drenched fava beans off a street vendor. We also had some hummus at a local restaurant on the beach. Our entire dinner cost us about $2.50 USD. We went back to our room around midnight, and took advantage of some intermittent sleep, awakening one or two times throughout the night via car horns and music. Tomorrow evening, we will hopefully be able to enjoy an air-conditioned room:)
Some sunset pics
Typical street scene
We were able to check emails, enjoy the sunset and buy beer. The Union Hotel is Christian-owned, so they sell alcohol. Because it is Ramadan, it is difficult to find bars that will serve you. After relaxing for a bit, we set out to find dinner. We walked up a street perpendicular to the Union, and stumbled upon prayer time. There was a prayer bellowing over some speakers, and there were literally thousands of people praying in the street. It was peaceful, beautiful, moving and nothing like anything I have ever witnessed. I am so glad we're here during this time to experience this celebration. After the prayer came to a close, people headed to their local cafe where they would spend the rest of the evening drinking juice, coffee, tea and smoking shisha. The streets are busy until 3 or 4 am here. Its so different from the schedule we're used to, and we haven't quite adjusted. For dinner, we bought some pita bread, roasted corn-on-the-cob and lime-drenched fava beans off a street vendor. We also had some hummus at a local restaurant on the beach. Our entire dinner cost us about $2.50 USD. We went back to our room around midnight, and took advantage of some intermittent sleep, awakening one or two times throughout the night via car horns and music. Tomorrow evening, we will hopefully be able to enjoy an air-conditioned room:)
Some sunset pics
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