Spotlight on Cairo!

🇪🇬Cairo

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a city where the legacy of ancient civilizations coexists with modern chaos. While the pyramids are its most iconic image, visiting the city reveals a wealth of royal palaces and Islamic architecture, offering a profound sense of history.

The Weight of History Felt in Cairo 🏺🏰
📍 Giza Pyramids 🛕

The undeniable symbol of Egypt. The sheer size of the Great Pyramid of Giza, built for Pharaoh Khufu, was overwhelming. However, the area was crowded with tourists, camel handlers, and persistent vendors, which made the experience a bit exhausting (laughs).

📍 Saqqara 🔺

Home to Egypt's oldest pyramid, the "Step Pyramid." Compared to Giza, it was less crowded, providing a more serene atmosphere to appreciate its historical significance.

📍 Islamic Cairo 🕌

The heart of Arab-Islamic culture, this area is filled with mosques and bustling souks (markets). The Mosque of Muhammad Ali, with its Ottoman-style architecture, stood out, and the view from its elevated location was breathtaking. While exploring the streets, I discovered that many locals are surprisingly fond of Japan. Some offered directions, and others expressed their love for Japanese anime, making me feel a warm connection in this foreign land.

📍 Egyptian Museum 🏺

A treasure trove of artifacts, including the golden mask of Tutankhamun and the treasures of various pharaohs. In 2024, the "Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)" is set to open, promising an even larger collection.

📍 The Citadel 🏰

A fortress from the Ayyubid era located on a hilltop in Cairo. The panoramic view of the city from here was simply stunning.

📍 Khan el-Khalili Market 🛍️

Cairo's largest souk, characterized by its maze-like alleys. Spices, lamps, jewelry, and souvenirs are packed into every corner. However, the aggressive sales tactics require some negotiation skills!

The Real Atmosphere of Cairo 🌆
While the city boasts many historical buildings, its infrastructure is more run-down than expected. Taxis and buses are overcrowded, and the constant honking creates a chaotic environment 🚖📢 → Traffic jams are a major issue. Be cautious of pickpockets, scams, and pushy vendors ⚠️. Despite this, many locals are friendly and helpful, with some even guiding me or sharing their love for Japan.

Egyptian Cuisine I Enjoyed in Cairo 🍽️
🍛 Koshari

Egypt's national dish! A mix of pasta, rice, lentils, and chickpeas topped with tomato sauce. It looks unusual but tastes surprisingly good, especially when enjoyed at a local eatery.

🥖 Falafel

Chickpea fritters, often served in a sandwich. A classic and delicious choice.

☕ Mint Tea (Shai Nana)

A sweet tea infused with mint. Sipping it at a market café was a relaxing way to unwind from the day's adventures.

Impressions & Summary of Cairo
✅ Beyond the pyramids, the city is rich in royal ruins and historical architecture.
✅ While chaotic and bustling, Cairo offers a deep sense of history and culture.
✅ Pushy vendors and salespeople are common, but kind and helpful locals made the experience memorable.
✅ Egyptian cuisine is uniquely flavorful, with koshari being a delightful surprise.

Cairo is truly "a treasure trove of history blended with the chaos of modern life." It's a lively and noisy city, but stepping into its depths reveals over 4,000 years of history, making it an unforgettable destination.