Alexandria has about 3.5 million people as compared to the 35 million or so who live in the Cairo/Giza sprawl. It is split into two sections, the west being much older and poorer. Despite being one tenth the size, it is ten times nicer, at least on the eastern side of town. We saw everything from abject poverty to profound opulence here. The catacombs are smaller than the ones in Vienna, but much more ornate. The National Museum was very nearly of the same quality as the one in Cairo, save the Tut exhibit. It was better organized and lit, with extensive artifacts from all periods of Egyptian history. We visited the site of Alexander's Lighthouse, which along with the Pyramids, was among the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. The coast is absolutely beautiful, again especially to the east. You can dive on the remains of Cleopatra's palace in gin clear water, see King Farouck's two mansions, visit one of the cooler and most modern libraries in the region, stay in a world class Four Seasons hotel or just sit on the beach. Two blocks away you can also see people begging in front of a mosque who have never done anything in their entire lives but sit in front of a mosque and beg.
Alexandria has about 3.5 million people as compared to the 35 million or so who live in the Cairo/Giza sprawl. It is split into two sections, the west being much older and poorer. Despite being one tenth the size, it is ten times nicer, at least on the eastern side of town. We saw everything from abject poverty to profound opulence here. The catacombs are smaller than the ones in Vienna, but much more ornate. The National Museum was very nearly of the same quality as the one in Cairo, save the Tut exhibit. It was better organized and lit, with extensive artifacts from all periods of Egyptian history. We visited the site of Alexander's Lighthouse, which along with the Pyramids, was among the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. The coast is absolutely beautiful, again especially to the east. You can dive on the remains of Cleopatra's palace in gin clear water, see King Farouck's two mansions, visit one of the cooler and most modern libraries in the region, stay in a world class Four Seasons hotel or just sit on the beach. Two blocks away you can also see people begging in front of a mosque who have never done anything in their entire lives but sit in front of a mosque and beg.
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