Madness, Mosques & Marriage proposals

---

Wow, where does one begin? Having safely arrived in Cairo, I immediately set out for Alex (2 1/2 hour train ride). This officially marks my 2nd day in Egypt & can we say "steep learning curve"?

I am staying @ the Hotel Union on El-Cornish & can recommend the room for those on a budget. For only 45EGP per night (approx $13 on the lousy conversion rate I got @ the airport) I have a spacious room with 2 single beds, a desk & hand basin. The bathroom is directly accross the hallway but despite this being the higher season for tourists, I havent had any issues (having to wait for shower etc). A friend of mine who also stayed @ the Hotel Union last year said the same thing. The rooms are clean & neat & the little balcony's with a view onto the street are charming & the hotel is located right in the heart of Alex.

It has surprisingly been a lot colder than I was expecting. The days have been around 13 degrees & can get quite chilly. How's this for a mental image...pj's w/socks, scarf, jumper & beani to sleep in! Yes...that cold!

Traffic is chaotic. Road rules are non-existant & it takes a leap of faith to cross the street. However, once you get used to it - the madness subsides (ever so slightly).

It has been an indescribable experience to be walking through the small crowded streets & to hear the muezzin (call to prayer) echoing from amplifiers attached to the Mosques. The muezzin occurs 5 times a day (dawn, midday, mid afternoon, dusk & evening).

People have been (in some cases very) friendly & you will often hear a ramdom "welcome" accompanied with a smile from people you pass in the street & people will regularly ask where you're travelling from. However, being a single woman travelling alone has meant I stick out like a sore thumb & was subsequently proposed to twice...on my first day. Steep learning curve under our belt, we have had a marriage proposal free day today! (Wish there had more info on this sort of thing in the Lonely Planet guide!!!).

Alex has a facinating variety of sites ranging from ancient to modern, spread all over the city. I have worn a nice little groove into my shoes the past couple of days & have learnt how to effectively bargain better for the taxi fair! There is so much to tell about Alex & I will endeavour to do better next time, but for now I must go. Till next time, Jo

---