cwalters

Geo: 31.2135, 29.9443Alexandria stretches along 12 miles of the Mediterranean coast and is the second largest city in Egypt. It was founded in 332 BC by Alexander the Great and its rich history includes Cleopatra and Anthony and a litany of Roman Emperors. The city grew to be the largest of the known world at the time. Alexandria was sacked and burned during the civil war that followed the takeover by Julius Caesar. For more of it history go to http://www.ancient.eu/alexandria/The city today has the potential to be quite beautiful. Fort Qaitbey still remains as does the Pillar of Pompey but little else of its ancient history remains. The new library is spectacular and also houses several museums of art and antiquities as well as a special Sadat Memorial Exhibit. Fort Quitbey is a fortress built ... read more

Geo: 30.0982, 31.2461I am going to try to do Egypt in 3-4 postings. This is the first. Egypt is an amazing place to visit. I chose to do a tour with G Adventures. This is a small group tour company that I also used last year to go to Israel and Jordan. Brenda, my travel buddy, also did the tour. We have known each other since 6th grade and first traveled together, to Europe, right out of high school. I realized very quickly how little I know about its incredible history. Of course, I knew it was ancient and could name a few historical figures – Tutankhamen, Ramses II, Nefertiti, Cleopatra etc.. I had no idea of the actual periods of time of their existences and how important or not important they were in the overall ... read more

Geo: 37.9792, 23.7166... read more

Geo: 41.8955, 12.4823So, it is really down to the wire now and I am trying to make the most of the last two days in Rome. Today I headed out to do a walk around to some of the more well-known sites that I never tire of seeing. I started out at St. Peter's Square. Busy there today. The line was very long to get in. It went almost all the way around the perimeter of the square. Still fewer people than in peak season but the longest I have seen so far on this stay. The fountains were running today which made my day as I have been here many times when there weren't. I then moved on to Campo di Fiori. I just love to wander around and look at all the fresh fruits ... read more

Geo: 41.8955, 12.4823Rome is chock full of churches and basilicas and there are two things that make this great regardless of your religious persuasions. 1. They are free to enter and open most days except between about 12:30-3pm. 2. They have incredible works of art by both famous and not so well known artists from over the centuries complete with information in English about the chapels and the art.Much of the art was commissioned by wealthy families for their private alters and tombs. Here is a list some of the churches and what you can see and it is by no means complete. Each of these also have incredible ceilings, floors and altars all worth spending a bit of time to explore.St. Peters Basilica – Bernini sculptures, Bernini and Michelangelo architectural designs, frescos and paintings by ... read more