Alexandria, Egypt
Alexandria, Egypt is a breath of fresh air. It a city on the Mediterranean Sea. It's known for its Hellenistic Age where it housed a library and lighthouse. There are many Greco-Roman landmarks, a souq and mosques.
I'm coming to realize that sea/beach towns are the same everywhere in the world. At least that's how I feel. Whether I'm in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the Island of Menorca, the Pacific Ocean, Wannsee in Berlin, strolling along the River Thames in London, or in Alexandria, Egypt- the feeling and the atmosphere is the same, as there is something about the water in how it draws people. People are relaxed and laid back in sea/ beach towns. The air smells of salt. The sun makes the water look enticing, and the seafood eateries, the good ones that the locals go to are delectable.
I enjoyed walking along the water with my second mom, a lovely woman with a great smile and kind eyes. She even taught me how to make stuffed grape leaves, which I'm excited to try myself and make for my parents when I see them next.
She and I laughed and talked arm in arm. She had a lovely itinerary planned for my visit- a really good Egyptian kofta restaurant, the Alexandria Citadel, the souq (which is crazy chaotic but I love it), the famous Alexandria Library, mosques, the El Saidy Bakery and the Alexandria Jewelry Museum. All were wonderful! And my second dad was a joy to watch an old Arabic movie. On my last day, a few hours before I left he ordered so much food that could have fed a whole squadron of soldiers.
If you're ever in Cairo and have a few days, the 2 hour train trip to Alexandria is well worth the trip. It's not so big so it's possible to see the touristy things.