CLASSIC CAIRO: ROMANCE THROUGH THE AGES
by Eleanor S. Morris

Talk about a romantic destination, Egypt is the oldest tourist destination in the world. The ancient Greeks and Romans came to gawk at the pyramids and the Sphinx, and they're still standing for us to marvel at today.

A good base for experiencing these marvels of the ancient world is the Sonesta Hotel Cairo, just 10 minutes from the Cairo International Airport. The hotel offers an Airport Welcome Service which includes help with visas, passport control and luggage, plus transfer to the hotel in a complimentary limousine. Guests can relax and enjoy the poolside bar or luxurious spa as well as enjoying sightseeing, shopping, dining and the nightlife of Cairo. The Hotel offers a daily complimentary shuttle bus to downtown Cairo and on Fridays, to other places of interest in Cairo.

Begin at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. One of the most prominent museums in the world, it will give you the opportunity to acquaint yourselves with Egypt's ancient history, 5,000 years long. Spectacular is the magnificent King Tut (Tutankhamun) collection, with exhibits like the gleaming gold shoulder mask from King Tut's mummy.

The Pharonic Village reveals the lifestyle of ancient Egyptians, considered the oldest civilization. Daily activities are portrayed, and you'll find the papyrus museum instructive. As well, you'll be impressed by the Fortress of Salah-Al-Din, known as Al-Qalaa, the Citadel. It was built in 1183 AD by the famous (or infamous) Saladin of the Crusades. It overlooks the city from the Muqattam Hills, and houses a number of important monuments, among them the 90-meter-deep Bir Yusuf, Joseph's Well.

MOSQUES

Then on to the Islamic monuments in the city, the elaborate mosques. (Both men and women are expected to dress modestly when visiting churches or mosques, and women are required to cover their head before entering mosques.) Close by is the Mosque of Sultan Hassen at the end of Al-Qalaa (Citadel Street), it was built by a Mamelouk ruler as both mosque and school.

At nearby Al-Refai Mosque, one of the most richly decorated mosque in the city, several members of the former Royal Family, including King Farouk, are buried, as well as the ex-Shah of Iran, Riza Pahlevi.

Two other mosques worth noting are the Blue Mosque, for its impressive blue mosaics, and the Alabaster Mosque, visible to all of Cairo and so named because its walls are faced with alabaster on all sides.

GIZA, THE PYRAMIDS AND THE SPHINX

Soon it's time to head over to Giza, a mere 10 kilometers from Greater Cairo, for what else? the Pyramids and the famous Sphinx.

The Great Pyramid of Cheops, one of the most famous structures in the world, was built by King Cheops around 2650 BC. The second pyramid, built by Khafre, and the third, by Menkaure, are smaller than Cheops. You'll be astounded at actually viewing the precision and ability of the ancient Egyptians in building the structures. All three are surrounded by several small pyramids of the royal families, nobles and high-ranking people, all built to preserve the bodies of their dead, since they believed in resurrection and immortality.

As for the Sphinx, one of the most famous monuments in the whole world, it has the body of a lion and the face of a man. Huge and imposing, it dominates even the pyramids. The Sphinx and the Three Pyramids are regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

And while you're there, be adventurous and take a ride on a camel--there's sure to be a camel driver on the sands, hoping for your business.

DINING

Egyptian food is known for its tasty dishes. Elegant restaurants in the Sonesta and other major hotels offer such delicious oriental dishes as Kofta (ground meatballs), Kebab (grilled meat), Mulukhia (green soup), Tahina (tahini) Salad, Hamam Mahshi (stuffed pigeon), Baba Ghannoug (Tahini and eggplant), Stuffed Grape Leaves, Foul and Falafel (cooked and fried beans), and Kusheri (rice and lentil mix). (Bottled water is highly recommended.)

SHOPPING

Souks (markets) offer varied Egyptian products around the city. Here are three of the most attractive:

KHAN KHALILI BAZAAR and SAGH contains an array of shops dating to the 14th Century. Here you'll find a magnificent variety of gold and silver works, embroidered clothing, leather goods, ivory-inlaid woodwork and other attractive handicrafts.

KERDASA is known for embroidered cotton and silk dresses (galabeyas) as well as other hand-made products.

HARANEYA is the main center for hand-made carpets. There are also shopping areas in major hotels, as well as in the center of town. Private sector boutiques include such as Gategno, Omar Effendi, Benzion and others.

For more information, check out www.sonesta.com/egypt_cairo.