Middle East – Top 5 Destinations!

No. 3 – Cairo, Egypt

The largest Arab city, and one of the most densely-populated in the world, Cairo is bustling day or night. As a matter of fact, I would only venture into the streets after 10 pm. One can enjoy central Cairo best at night, not only because it’s more lively, but the city and its lights extend into the river Nile with its many faluka boats. It’s a party atmosphere!

During the day, you will be among many tourists checking out Egypt’s plethora of archeological sites, mosques, universities, and one of 98 – count em, 98 – pyramids. Of course, famous for its Great Sphinx and the Giza pyramids, Cairo offers a lot of history – both ancient as well as recent. A highlight of my trip was touring the pyramids on a camel named ‘Obama’. The U.S. President’s visit a week earlier had left a pretty good impression on the Egyptians.

Aside from the pyramids, there’s plenty to see in Cairo. The Citadel of Cairo built by Saladin, and its mosque with its grand pulpit; Al-Azhar University, the world’s second-oldest institution of higher learning; the Cairo Museum; the old and Christian quarters, which includes the famous Hanging Church; all are a must see. Khan al-Khalili, Cairo’s largest market, is bustling with shoppers all the time and you can pretty much find anything you need here.

Considering that this time of the year is the ‘dead season’ for tourists, I was amazed how many foreigners ventured into Cairo and its sweltering hot weather. I happened to bump into a van-load of young women from the States in a papyrus shop – where workers demonstrated their artwork from scratch – only to keep running into them in the museum, in the Citadel, and later in the evening strolling downtown. Given the current state of the world’s economy, visiting Egypt and the Middle East in general obviously seems easier on the pocket-books.

The effect of globalization can easily been seen on Cairo’s billboards, and its numerous western fast food chains. I have to admit, after eating falafels and shawarma for a couple of weeks, I was finally relieved to sneak into a local KFC.

Of course there are numerous sites outside of Cairo that one can check out, especially Memphis, Mount Sinai and Alexandria. Although I couldn’t fit it into my itinerary, the drive from Cairo to Alexandria during sunrise is supposed to be magical, as well as catching the sunrise on the top of Mt. Sinai. Definitely one needs a full week to explore Egypt and what she has to offer.