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| Cairo City Map |
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| The Pyramids Of Giza |
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| Zabaleen |
Although Cairo has many great things, it also has some economical problems. Because being a mega city Cairo has very high levels of pollution and trash. There is a certain area for all the trash in Cairo in which it gets reallocated to. The people who live here are called the "Zabaleen" which is translated into garbage collectors. I had the "pleasure" of witnessing this insane trash disposal system as garbage is the only thing in these peoples lives. Although being a mega city comes with advantages, it also comes with disadvantages such as this. The heat doesn't help either, with average temperatures being in the 30's. You can imagine the stench out of this district. I took the liberty of taking a picture.
TOP TEN PLACES TO VISIT IN CAIRO:
1.) The Egyptian Museum is a must see if only to view King Tut and the vast amount of treasure uncovered from his tomb. Because of the historically known rampant theft of Egyptian valuables, the Museum is enshrined with police and security guards, so take your film from your camera before entering.
2.) Islamic-Cairo should definitely be on your list of things to do. Hardly different from hundreds of years ago, the streets twist and turn until you feel you’ve stumbled into some giant maze, but take your time and admire the architecture telling tales of times past.
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3.) Khan Ali-Kalili is Cairo’s biggest open air market. Virtually unchanged since the 14th century some of the people here have been in the Khan market business for generations. Located in the heart of Islamic-Cairo, tourists amble through rows and rows of exotic jewelry, spices, perfumes and souvenirs.
4.) From here, head north up the side of the Mosque of Sayyidna al-Hussein, one of the most sacred Islamic sites in Egypt, toward the old northern gates for more sites of historical note. Directly South of the market you’ll find a busy market street running down to the gate of Bab Zuweila, the sole surviving gate from the old city's southern wall dating back centuries.
5.) You must not miss the Citadel in Cairo. This massive stone fortress was built by Salah ad-Din in the 12th century. It was later crowned with the Mosque of Mohammed Ali. It now offers amazing views of the city and in the distance, if the haze has lifted, even the pyramids. The Citadel continues to serve as a historical monument to Egypt’s tumultuous past.
6.) The Pyramids, while over-touristy and sometimes crowded with foreigners, are a spot not to miss. While during the day they are impressive, the evening Sound and Light show are even more spectacular. Lit up with brightly colored spot lights and ambient music, it brings a new life and meaning to the ancient structures.
7.) Along with the Pyramids, the Sphinx is one of the most renowned monuments in Egypt. All your friends will be jealous when you tell them you saw the Sphinx in person because of its huge magnificence. While admittedly very touristy, the Sphinx still guards the Giza Plateau with dignity and allure.
8.) For lunch or dinner stop by Felfela which serves local traditional cuisine infused with Middle Eastern and African tastes, textures and methods of preparation. Though Felfela is a chain, it is well maintained and true to its origins. It remains popular with both tourists and locals and many have their most memorable culinary experiences at Felfela. There are dishes available for all sorts of ambition, from the most trepid to the most adventurous, dishes are served by knowledgeable wait staff and are prepared with expertise.
9.) If you’re able to go during the month of November, Cairo hosts the Arab Music Festival which features some of the best Middle Eastern-influenced musical concoctions. Features at the renowned Cairo Opera House, the Arab Music Festival presents a mix of classic, traditional and orchestral fused pieces with subtle tones of Western and Jazz influence.
10.) If you’re seeking shelter from the bustle of the city streets, head to Heliopolis, a suburb of Cairo established exclusively as a garden reserve in the midst of desert and city life. In years prior Heliopolis housed European officials who colonized and ruled Egypt, and now houses some upmarket Egyptian homes.
Cairo itself is a glorious city with many marvelous features. I myself personally love the culture that emanates throughout the city, it is very interesting to see how the central hub of the Middle East operates. It is a lovely tourist destination, but the living conditions are not as good as other cities because of the over population and pollution factors. Cairo is a very beautiful city in the day and in the night as well. It has a prime location due to being located directly on the Nile River.
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| Cario At Night http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8VAtVBg6V0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNm2Ec2T-js&feature=channel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k05TSnMmVjY&feature=channel |
