Cairo

Situated at the crossrroads of Asia and Africa, Cairo is one of the grand cities of the Islamic world, it is the largest cit in the Middle East and Africa and the fifteenth largest city in the world. With a population estimated at around 18 million, swelling by another million each day with commuters and thousands of migrant workers, it is no wonder that Cairo is called a city that never sleeps.

Masr, Cairo's Egyptian name meaning both the capital and the land of Egypt, is a city of contrast, the old side by side with the new. If you love life you will love Cairo.

It's when you get to understand the Cairenes that the magic happens. They have got to be some of the best natured people in the world. The cairenes take everything in stride, good and bad, Thanking God when things are good and when they are bad being thankful that they are not worse.

Oddly in such a populated city there is very little public violence. Of course there are arguments and shouting matches, but everybody mixes in, uts in their two cents worth and opposing parties end up shaking hands.

Egyptians love to laugh and joke, so remember to smile, all your dealings will be the better for it. Forget the pollution, forget the dust and forget the noise and let yourself get caught in the magnificent energy of Cairo.

Getting around

Driving in Cairo is hectic and to the unfamiliar, challenging, Cairo subway known as the metro is excellent for getting around. The buses on the other hand could be somewhat confusing to visitors to Cairo. Your best bet would be to rent a chauffeur driven car, the rates are very reasonable, and you can get around without having to worry about traffic, directions or parking.

Cairo is also a fascinating walking city but be aware that crossing the streets will need some courage. Just keep those rules in mind, stay close to the locals and cross when they do, when started keep going, do not stop and freeze in the middle of traffic.

Another pleasant alternative is to take a river taxi, they leave from various docks and you can ask your hotel  concierge or friends where the nearest dock is to you.

Street taxis are also plentiful, cheap and easy to hail. For clean air conditioned cabs, look for the bright yellow cabs. They cost a little bit more but you may find them well worth it.

History

Although Cairo is younger than Alexandria, the whole city is a living breathing museum reflecting the ancient influence of Pharaonic, Persian, Greek and Roman influence.

Founded 2500 years after Memphis, the first capital of unified Egypt (upper and lower Egypt) Cairo was named Babylon by the Roman invaders and became Al Fostat (the city of tents) when the army of Islam conquered Egypt in 641 AD. Al Fostat became a spohisticated metropolis when Europe was still in the Dark Ages. In 968 the Fatimid's called it the city Al Qahira, later called Cairo by the Europeans who found the name easier to pronounce.

It remained a medieval city at heart for 900 years until Mohammed Alsi began the modernization of Cairo. By 1920 the city was six times larger than medieval Cairo.

Things to Do

In Cairo there is more to do than most can do in an average vacation, so the following will cover the highlights.

The Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza
Giza
The Great Pyramid of Khufu
Queens' Pyramid
The Solar Barque
Pyramid of Khafre
Menkaure Pyramid
The Sphinx
Pyramids Surrounding Spots