Cairo is HUGE! Whether by measure of population (city over 10 million, metro over 20 million) or land mass (city over 175 sq miles, metro over 33,000 sq miles), it is undeniably an epic adventure to cover even a small portion of this exotic and fascinating largest city in the Middle-East and Africa. From the moment we landed at Cairo International it was evident this was a city that would require local talent to navigate, and I was grateful that had been arranged! We were met, taken out of the crowds, through customs and driven to the hotel in good time, where the hotel staff was equally efficient in getting us settled and graciously attending to our every need. After a phone call to our guide, Mahmoud Ahmed, we were set to meet our driver, Mohamad, the next afternoon.
Mohamad, Security and Stephen
Mohamad turned out to be a skillful navigator with a great smile, never imposing but never far away. He pointed out local landmarks and explained why the cabs would stop for so long in front of us to negotiate prices before taking fares. The traffic was dizzying at times, seemingly coming from all directions, making 3 lanes of 2 lanes, 5 lanes of 3 lanes and motorcycles weaving more lanes alongside and between lanes! When we arrived at Khan El-Jhalili, an ancient bazaar dating back to 1382, our guide, Mahmoud, was waiting for us.
Mahmoud
Mahmoud gave us basic directions concerning what to do, not to do and what to expect then left us to explore the marketplace on our own before meeting up again for tea and finalizing our tour agenda. The marketplace was fast paced and vibrant with colorful fabrics, exotic spices, enticing foods, shiny jewelry, clothes, hats, bags and all the usual tourist gift items.
Khan El-Jhalil
We wandered through wide crowded streets lined with vendors and narrow not so crowded alleyways with small shops hosting a variety of trades such as jewelers, barbers and bakers.
Khan El-Jhalil
Everywhere we looked and everything we saw reflected the ancient life of Egypt. We couldn’t help but wonder who had walked there and what their lives had been like thousands of years before us. The soft lights spilling out windows and old wooden doorways onto the narrow stone pathways was intoxicating to the imagination. Cats scurried around every corner in pursuit of a meal and appeared quite skillful at the task of survival.
At dusk we found our way back to the square where we had entered Khan El-Jhalili and enjoyed watching the crowd in the warm dim light that surrounded us while having tea and getting to know Mahmoud and the rich history of Cairo that he generously shared with us. He is a very kind knowledgeable young man with a beautiful wife and two daughters and we feel very lucky to have him as our guide.
Khan El-Khalili
Next we travel west to Giza to explore the pyramids…
Click Here for Full Khan El-Jhalil Slideshow
Cairo