Elizabeth’s photo of our view. I forgot to take photos of this.

I woke up and headed down to breakfast before Elizabeth. The breakfast area looks out over the pool, which was half full with muddy water. Its a good thing we were so busy and wouldn’t have time to swim…because it wouldn’t have been an option. Due to the flooding I’d read about the night before, the pool’s water and flood water had mixed together and so had to be cleaned. The food wasn’t that good either. I was starting to realize that buffets was not a great option. I tried a little of everything but ended up not finding anything I really liked. While talking with some of the other group members I watched as two fully covered in abaya Women ate. It was fascinating watching them scoop up food on a spoon and maneuver it under their face-mask flap at the neck up towards their mouthes.

Then we headed out to the van. Across from our hotel was the Montaza Palace and gardens, although I only saw the white and red entry gate.

I made the perfect choice of sitting on the left side, and enjoyed seeing the beautiful aqua-green water and daily life of Alexandrians as they walked along the corniche.

It took a while to reach our destination due to traffic and since our hotel was at the opposite end of the city. But soon I could see the Citadel of Qaitbay across the water.  This beautiful fort on the water is thought to be made up of blocks from the lost Pharos Lighthouse, one of the original 7 Wonders of the World destroyed by a series of earthquakes.

As we walked to a viewing point I was sad to realize we didn’t have time to go inside. Although I’m told there isn’t much to see I wanted to at least put my hands on the blocks, to feel what would have made the magnificent lighthouse. 

Instead, I watched the waves crash on the breakers, the locals fishing. Some young girls ran about while kittens played at our feet. Nearby a man had a little table ready to sell tea and drinks for those that were thirsty.

After the last few days of being constantly on the go, it was nice just to relax and listen to the ocean. But we only had one full day in Alexandria and there was so much more to see, so it was time to head on.