Alexandria

It is difficult for me to pick out my absolute favorite of just about anything.  Favorite husband, favorite son, favorite mom – now that I can choose.  Ice cream flavor, decorating style, car – I just like too many different things in each category.  So, I’m not sure I can pick only one thing in Egypt that I like above all others.  However, the Bibliotheca in Alexandria has to be quite near the top.  I love books, I love learning and I love technology.  The Bibliotheca embodies all three in an architectural and construction masterpiece.  I can’t believe I haven’t written about it before now!  The library has the capacity for over 8 million books.   They are in the process of digitizing all the books.  You can view historic documents just like they were sitting right in front of you.  Most of the books are in Arabic, English or French.  There is an entry fee to the library and none of the books can be checked out.  However, they have a high speed machine that will print and bind a book for you to purchase (about $12.00) in approximately 20 minutes.  I recommend visiting the website at www.bibalex.org.

The rest of these pictures are pretty self-explanatory.  The harbor is beautiful.  The Corniche, the road running along the water, is 30 kilometers long.   But, the city is only 2 km wide.  The population is around 6 million.  Alexandria is cleaner than Cairo and the air is easier to breathe.  The architecture is newer, as Alexandria has been the location for many battles throughout the centuries and subject to earthquake damage.    In fact, much of ancient Alexandria is currently being excavated from the harbor.  Regardless, it is a beautiful city and one I hope you get a chance to visit.

Outside of the Bibliotheca -representations of alphabets from around the world

The Bibliotheca reading room windows from the outside

Carefully designed windows let in natural light without direct sunlight

Reading area

The Reading Area Inside the Bibliotheca – Seven Floors of Reading Space, Four Floors for Administration

The connecting Planetarium

Statue recovered from Alexandria Harbor in the underwater excavation currently going on

Qaitbay Fort

View of Alexandria Harbor from inside Qaitbay Fort

Boats in Alexandria Harbor

Whimsical Boat

Largest Mosque in Alexandria

King Farouk’s Summer Palace – It overlooks the Sea and has acres of beautiful gardens surrounding it

Another view of the Palace

Greek Amphitheater

The Greek Amphitheater – Since this picture was taken, you can no longer climb the steps.

Seat number carved into the stone

Columns

Columns Unearthed at the Site

Intricate Tile Work – Up until a couple of months ago, tourists tramped all over this day in and day out. Now it is roped off.

Amazing Craftmanship – So precise and no machines!

Remains of a classroom

Column yet to be unearthed

Excavating the Roman Baths near the Greek Ruins… pail by pail

Woman in the window. Love this!

Horse Taxi on the Corniche in Alexandria

Cars Driving on the Trolly Track WITH the Trolley! It makes for an interesting experience.

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