Cairo: The Jewel in the Desert

Cairo: The jewel in the desert

Introduction

Cairo is a beautiful desert city situated in the corner of Africa. Rich in history and sightseeing, Cairo will leave you stunned and wanting more.

Things to do

Pyramids of Giza

You'll need half-day to fully absorb the grandeur of one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. The main highlight of the pyramids is the largest one, the pyramid of Cheops. You experience a feeling of awe knowing that this massive structure was constructed using prehistoric technology. The sphinx and the solar boat museum also located in the vicinity certainly adds to this awe.

Al-Azhar Mosque

Built in  972 AD, this is one of the oldest universities and one of Egypt's earliest surviving mosques. You get thrown into the past by looking on the outside but once you enter (removing your shoes at the entrance of course),  you are immersed in the prayerful and reverent atmosphere of the mosque.

Places to eat

Koshary About Tarek

The most famous restaurant in Cairo, this restaurant serves only one dish, Koshary. This dish ensures the restaurant is always packed but this dish is well worth the wait. A combination of pasta, lentils, chickpeas, tomato salsa, fried onions, a special garlic dressing called da'a and chili sauce. The restaurant has two floors to cater to its hustle and bustle and the service is quick and welcoming.

Must try foods

Kebab la Kofta

This delicious dish is a combination of succulent and juicy meat cubes grilled over charcoal, typically lamb or veal and seekh kebab. It is usually served with baladi bread and a variety of salads and dips, usually tahni and baba ghanou. For any meat-loving visitor to Cairo, this dish is a must try.

Things to watch out for

The Heat: Cairo is situated in a very hot and dry climate, be sure to always bring sun protection such as hats and be sure to keep your water supplies stocked up.

Hotel: Pyramisa Suites Hotel Cairo

A decent hotel which ensures you don't spend too much of your money, this hotel will ensure that you get the rest you need to explore Cairo at your best the next day. At $118 a night with free breakfast, this hotel is well worth it.

Airfare

As of 5/10/17, the airfare to Cairo from Sydney is $1013, keep on the lookout however as there are cheaper fares to be found in other parts of the year.

Overall opinion

If you love a rich history and culture as well as wondrous sights and can bear the heat, Cairo is the city for you. The people are very much friendly are you will leave this place with many amazing memories. 4.5/5

Information and images sourced from
https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en-gb.html?aid=356933;label=metagha-link-localuniversalAU-hotel-16031_dev-desktop_los-1_bw-30_dow-Saturday_defdate-1_room-0_lang-en_curr-AUD;sid=ba9ee4dce851dc3af88ddad26c2b2aa5;checkin=2017-11-04;checkout=2017-11-05;city=-290692;highlighted_hotels=16031;hlrd=with_av;keep_landing=1;redirected=1;source=hotel&utm_campaign=AU&utm_content=los-1_bw-30_dow-Saturday_lang-en_curr-AUD&utm_medium=localuniversal&utm_source=metagha&utm_term=hotel-16031&
https://www.cheapflights.com.au/search/flights-to-Cairo/from-Sydney/departing-2017-10-05/
https://theculturetrip.com/africa/egypt/articles/the-10-best-restaurants-in-downtown-cairo/
http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/cairo-egy-cai-cai.htm
http://www.alrahalah.com/2012/03/top-10-foods-in-egypt/

-Alex Silvino