I have not been to this part of Egypt before. My prime motivation was to go to the site of the Lighthouse of Pharos, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world.
This is not an unattractive city albeit with the typical Egyptian overlays of dirt, rundown buildings and chaotic noisy traffic. The Mediterranean defines this city which is very different from the rest of Egypt which is Nilecentric.
Our accommodation is one of the highlights. For a modest price we are staying in a luxurious piece of history, the Metropole. Built in 1902. We are in a suite overlooking the Corniche where the Greek poet Constantine Cavafy lived and wrote.
The lighthouse at Pharos was destroyed in an earthquake. Its remains are on the sea floor and subject to underwater archeological research which is quite amazing. The Qaitbay citadel was erected over the site in the 15th century in many cases using stones from the light house. Today it makes for a pleasant excursion.
We take a horse and carriage ride back to the city.
