Had my cruise itinerary not included Alexandria, I probably would not have returned to Egypt. Given the opportunity to visit, I went with an open mind. I was anxious to see the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina (the Library) built to replace the ancient one, previously burned by Julius Caesar in 48 BC during the Alexandrian War. The ancient Library was to have held the world's knowledge. The architecture of the new Library is magnificent to my eye, the competition for its design having been won by a Norwegian. This wonderful modern edifice of gray granite, glass and steel was opened in 2002. Inside the feeling is open with beautiful wood complementing the glass. On each of the 15 levels, there is contemporary sculpture with the nude female body well represented. A lower level houses a contemporary art
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