My Egypt Days : Photologue

TaureanBull · 24th June 2010, 11:54

The Famous Cairo Black Taxi

I love this Hyundai model. I dont know why Hyundai can not launch it in India. I am sure it will find a good lot of customers in India.
Model : Hyundai Matrix

I am sure no doubts in this one.

Love to see Indian products in the market.

TaureanBull · 24th June 2010, 16:47

Some more cars......

TaureanBull · 25th June 2010, 02:01

A landmark of the modern Cairo located near the river Nile, Cairo Tower provides an excellent view of the city. It has revolving restaurants on top for a nice outing. Caught few glimpses from the outside.

TSEA · 25th June 2010, 10:47

Thanks for sharing this travelogue, very informative and good pics. Please post more

TaureanBull · 25th June 2010, 10:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSEA

Thanks for sharing this travelogue, very informative and good pics. Please post more

Thanks a lot. Yes I will do that. You can expect a weekly update of pics here. Planning on a DSLR and few trips in next two weeks so you can expect some good pics here.

Today (being a holiday here), I will post some pictures from my Alexandria trip.

TaureanBull · 25th June 2010, 11:12

I had 5 days of holidays in the end of April. So, we decided to visit the second most populous city of Egypt i.e. Alexandria. It is also the largest seaport.

Alexandria was established by Alexander the great and that is why this name, in 334BC from a group of villages. Alexander is believed to have died here. Alexandria was the capital for a long time during the reigns of Romans and sometimes after that. It is also famous for the Pharaohs' Lighthouse regarded as one of the seven wonders of ancient times. It was destroyed during an earthquake. Now, the debris lies under the sea and can be explored by enthusiastic divers.

Number of days (Excl travelling days) : 3
Mode of Travel : By train from Cairo to Alexandria and by Taxi in Alexandria
Distance from Cairo : 200km (approx 3 hrs drive time)

Places to be Visited :

Greeko-Roman Museum & National Museum of Alex
Fort Qaytbay
Pompey's Pillar/Serepeum
Kom-ad-Dikkah (Roman Amphitheatre)
Catacombs
Corniche
Montazah Palace

Places to be Visited on Next Trip

Underwater treasures (see the link for details)

Alexandra Dive Programs

Bibliothica Alexandria

TaureanBull · 25th June 2010, 14:40

Before I proceed on the Alexandria trip I thought I would just post some pictures of the Entrance Tickets of various monuments. I always collect the tickets for remembrance. The tickets here make a good collection.

The tickets are self explanatory bearing the name of the place in Arabic and English and the cost of the ticket. All the tickets are for single adult.

TaureanBull · 25th June 2010, 14:49

This is the set for the tickets of monuments located in Cairo. You can see different tickets for the Museum and Mummy Hall, similarly for Pyramid Complex and entry ticket inside the pyramid.

TaureanBull · 25th June 2010, 14:57

This set is for the pics of entrance tickets of monuments in Alexandria. The first one of my train tickets to and fro. The last one is of Muntazah Palace.

The Train Tickets As you can see the ticket is transferable as it is not reserved on a persons name. There is a difference in price. The return ticket is for an express train which has only one stop between Alexandria and Cairo.

TaureanBull · 25th June 2010, 17:13

We boarded the train on 21 April evening. I regret that I could not capture the pics of the train. The train was more or less like the shatabdi express except that there was no catering service. The journey was for about 3 hours. We reached the hotel and checked in. The touring around began the next day. The pics of the places follows.

Aamud-ad-Sawaari (Pompey Pillar)

Located on an elevated ground this pillar is tall. People believe that there was statue of a horse rider on top of the base of the pillar. Thus, the name. Some architects believe that Roman general Pompey was buried here after he was murdered here; having fled from defeat from Julius Ceaser.

There are several subterranean galleries. The most important being that of the Sacred Apis Bull. The original statue is in the National Museum.

aargee · 25th June 2010, 17:55

Shatabdi??? Then it means complete A/C? Is that the case with all the trains in Egypt or only this specific train? Also appreciate to throw some light on public transport including bus & trains in Egypt?

pulsar56 · 25th June 2010, 18:31

TaureanBull, just went through this travelogue from the beginning and all I can say is

Hope you keep updating this thread for your entire stay in Cairo.

TaureanBull · 25th June 2010, 18:47

Taxi : There are white taxi which have meters and black taxi which are without meters so you will have to bargain. By 2012 all taxis need to have meter by govt policy. Abt 1.25 LE/km.

Buses : There are big buses like DTC which have a standard fare of LE 1. Non AC and always over crowded. There are private mini buses which are popular, Non AC but spacious and fast. Fare as per distance. There are AC coaches for long travels. Mainly to Sinai area (Sharm-el-Sheikh), Hurghuda, Alexandria etc. Reasonably priced.

Metro : There is a metro link within Cairo. It covers a large area and a new line is also being built. Non AC. Special compartments for Ladies. LE 1 the standard fare. Preferable by everyone if the destination falls on route. See the link below :

Welcome to Egyptian Rail Roads
A Metro Station

Trains : There are trains of all classes. These are all sitting trains. Not all classes are AC. (Janshatabdi??) These are popular for the short distance travels upto 200-300kms. Again see the link below. Long distance train also exists.

Welcome to Egyptian Rail Roads

Sleeping Trains: This is the most famous train among tourists to travel from Cairo to Luxor/Aswan and back. It has good services. It is privatised.

Welcome to Abela Egypt

Flights : Flights exist to most of the tourist destinations by EgyptAir. Fares are average.

Waterway : There are very few passenger ships from the port. However, there are famous Nile Cruises/Dinner Cruises.

The Nile Cruises are from Luxor to Aswan with 3 to 10 days duration. Dinner cruises are in Cairo with dinner on board the permanently anchored boats. There are fellucas (small sail boats) to take an evening ride in the boat. Dahabiyas are also famous for long distance cruises. They are like shikaras in Dal Lake with facility to stay overnight. However, these are tourist attractions.

TaureanBull · 25th June 2010, 19:11

There are some roman baths in the area of Pompeys Pillar. The subterraean excavation is still on. The pillar is believed to built on/from debris of an old pharaonic temple.

Roman Baths

Subterranen Tunnels

Apis Bull The original in the National Museum of Alexandria. This is at the end of one of the tunnels.

TaureanBull · 25th June 2010, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by aargee

Shatabdi??? Then it means complete A/C? Is that the case with all the trains in Egypt or only this specific train? Also appreciate to throw some light on public transport including bus & trains in Egypt?

I have already answered in two posts earlier about the transport. Here are some more pictures to give an idea. Only road transport as of now.

The Government Bus

The MiniBus

The Tourist Bus

The White Taxi

24th June 2010, 11:54	#61
TaureanBull Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,071 Thanked: 326 Times View My Garage	Few Cars from the Plethora of Cars Here Pic Set 1 The Famous Cairo Black Taxi I love this Hyundai model. I dont know why Hyundai can not launch it in India. I am sure it will find a good lot of customers in India. Model : Hyundai Matrix I am sure no doubts in this one. Love to see Indian products in the market.
	() Thanks

24th June 2010, 16:47	#62
TaureanBull Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,071 Thanked: 326 Times View My Garage	Pic Set 2 Some more cars...... Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

25th June 2010, 02:01	#63
TaureanBull Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,071 Thanked: 326 Times View My Garage	Cairo Tower from Outside A landmark of the modern Cairo located near the river Nile, Cairo Tower provides an excellent view of the city. It has revolving restaurants on top for a nice outing. Caught few glimpses from the outside. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

25th June 2010, 10:47	#64
TSEA BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 420 Thanked: 852 Times	Thanks for sharing this travelogue, very informative and good pics. Please post more
	() Thanks

25th June 2010, 11:12	#66
TaureanBull Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,071 Thanked: 326 Times View My Garage	Trip to Alexandria I had 5 days of holidays in the end of April. So, we decided to visit the second most populous city of Egypt i.e. Alexandria. It is also the largest seaport. Alexandria was established by Alexander the great and that is why this name, in 334BC from a group of villages. Alexander is believed to have died here. Alexandria was the capital for a long time during the reigns of Romans and sometimes after that. It is also famous for the Pharaohs' Lighthouse regarded as one of the seven wonders of ancient times. It was destroyed during an earthquake. Now, the debris lies under the sea and can be explored by enthusiastic divers. Number of days (Excl travelling days) : 3 Mode of Travel : By train from Cairo to Alexandria and by Taxi in Alexandria Distance from Cairo : 200km (approx 3 hrs drive time) Places to be Visited : Greeko-Roman Museum & National Museum of Alex Fort Qaytbay Pompey's Pillar/Serepeum Kom-ad-Dikkah (Roman Amphitheatre) Catacombs Corniche Montazah Palace Places to be Visited on Next Trip Underwater treasures (see the link for details) Alexandra Dive Programs Bibliothica Alexandria
	() Thanks

25th June 2010, 14:40	#67
TaureanBull Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,071 Thanked: 326 Times View My Garage	Entrance Ticket Collection Pic Set Before I proceed on the Alexandria trip I thought I would just post some pictures of the Entrance Tickets of various monuments. I always collect the tickets for remembrance. The tickets here make a good collection. The tickets are self explanatory bearing the name of the place in Arabic and English and the cost of the ticket. All the tickets are for single adult.
	() Thanks

25th June 2010, 14:49	#68
TaureanBull Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,071 Thanked: 326 Times View My Garage	Entrance Ticket Collection Pic Set This is the set for the tickets of monuments located in Cairo. You can see different tickets for the Museum and Mummy Hall, similarly for Pyramid Complex and entry ticket inside the pyramid. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

25th June 2010, 14:57	#69
TaureanBull Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,071 Thanked: 326 Times View My Garage	Entrance Ticket Collection Pic Set This set is for the pics of entrance tickets of monuments in Alexandria. The first one of my train tickets to and fro. The last one is of Muntazah Palace. The Train Tickets As you can see the ticket is transferable as it is not reserved on a persons name. There is a difference in price. The return ticket is for an express train which has only one stop between Alexandria and Cairo. Last edited by TaureanBull : 25th June 2010 at 14:59.
	() Thanks

25th June 2010, 17:13	#70
TaureanBull Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,071 Thanked: 326 Times View My Garage	The Visit We boarded the train on 21 April evening. I regret that I could not capture the pics of the train. The train was more or less like the shatabdi express except that there was no catering service. The journey was for about 3 hours. We reached the hotel and checked in. The touring around began the next day. The pics of the places follows. Aamud-ad-Sawaari (Pompey Pillar) Located on an elevated ground this pillar is tall. People believe that there was statue of a horse rider on top of the base of the pillar. Thus, the name. Some architects believe that Roman general Pompey was buried here after he was murdered here; having fled from defeat from Julius Ceaser. There are several subterranean galleries. The most important being that of the Sacred Apis Bull. The original statue is in the National Museum. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

25th June 2010, 17:55	#71
aargee Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: TSTN Posts: 6,236 Thanked: 9,641 Times	Shatabdi??? Then it means complete A/C? Is that the case with all the trains in Egypt or only this specific train? Also appreciate to throw some light on public transport including bus & trains in Egypt?
	() Thanks

25th June 2010, 18:31	#72
pulsar56 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 1,172 Thanked: 342 Times View My Garage	TaureanBull, just went through this travelogue from the beginning and all I can say is Hope you keep updating this thread for your entire stay in Cairo.
	() Thanks

25th June 2010, 18:47	#73
TaureanBull Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,071 Thanked: 326 Times View My Garage	Means of Trnsport Taxi : There are white taxi which have meters and black taxi which are without meters so you will have to bargain. By 2012 all taxis need to have meter by govt policy. Abt 1.25 LE/km. Buses : There are big buses like DTC which have a standard fare of LE 1. Non AC and always over crowded. There are private mini buses which are popular, Non AC but spacious and fast. Fare as per distance. There are AC coaches for long travels. Mainly to Sinai area (Sharm-el-Sheikh), Hurghuda, Alexandria etc. Reasonably priced. Metro : There is a metro link within Cairo. It covers a large area and a new line is also being built. Non AC. Special compartments for Ladies. LE 1 the standard fare. Preferable by everyone if the destination falls on route. See the link below : Welcome to Egyptian Rail Roads A Metro Station Trains : There are trains of all classes. These are all sitting trains. Not all classes are AC. (Janshatabdi??) These are popular for the short distance travels upto 200-300kms. Again see the link below. Long distance train also exists. Welcome to Egyptian Rail Roads Sleeping Trains: This is the most famous train among tourists to travel from Cairo to Luxor/Aswan and back. It has good services. It is privatised. Welcome to Abela Egypt Flights : Flights exist to most of the tourist destinations by EgyptAir. Fares are average. Waterway : There are very few passenger ships from the port. However, there are famous Nile Cruises/Dinner Cruises. The Nile Cruises are from Luxor to Aswan with 3 to 10 days duration. Dinner cruises are in Cairo with dinner on board the permanently anchored boats. There are fellucas (small sail boats) to take an evening ride in the boat. Dahabiyas are also famous for long distance cruises. They are like shikaras in Dal Lake with facility to stay overnight. However, these are tourist attractions.
	() Thanks

25th June 2010, 19:11	#74
TaureanBull Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,071 Thanked: 326 Times View My Garage	Trip to Alexandria Pic Set 2 There are some roman baths in the area of Pompeys Pillar. The subterraean excavation is still on. The pillar is believed to built on/from debris of an old pharaonic temple. Roman Baths Subterranen Tunnels Apis Bull The original in the National Museum of Alexandria. This is at the end of one of the tunnels.
	() Thanks