The Enchanting Legacy of Alexandria

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [na'am]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlak]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [a'dhran]
• How are you?أزيك؟
  [ezayak?]
• Fine. And you?تمام. وأنت؟
  [tamam. wa-ant?]
• Do you speak English?بتتكلم إنجليزي؟
  [betetkalem ingilizi?]
• I don't understandمش فاهم
  [mesh fahem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseعايز أشوف القائمة، من فضلك
  [ayiz ashuf elqa'ema, min fadlak]
• I don't eat meatأنا مش بآكل لحم
  [ana mesh ba'akol lahme]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseعايز أدفع، من فضلك
  [ayiz adfa', min fadlak]

• Help!مساعدة!
  [mosa'ada!]
• Go away!روح بعيد!
  [ruh ba'id!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [etssel baleshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [etssel betebib!]
• I'm lostانا ضايع
  [ana daye']
• I'm illانا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...عايز أشتري...
  [ayiz ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا بس بشوف
  [ana bas beshuf]
• How much is it?بكام؟
  [bikam?]
• That's too expensiveده غالي أوي
  [da ghali awe]
• Can you lower the price?ممكن تنزل السعر؟
  [momken tenzel elsa'er?]

• What time is it?كام الساعة؟
  [kam elsa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة واحدة
  [elsa'a wahda]
• Half past (10)العاشر والنص
  [ela'asher wannes]
• Morningصباح
  [sabah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [ba'd elzohor]
• Eveningمساء
  [masa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyoum]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اتنين
  [etneen]
• 3تلاتة
  [talata]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [saba'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tes'a]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?وين في...؟
  [wein fi...?]
• What's the address?إيه العنوان؟
  [eh el'anoan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?تقدر توريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [takdar tawrini (ala elkhareta)?]
• When's the next (bus)?إمتى القادم (أتوبيس)؟
  [emta el'adim (otobis)?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى...)
  [tazkira (ila...)]

In 331 BC, Alexander the Great founded Alexandria, envisioning it to be the link between Greece and the rich Nile Valley. Designed by the architect Dinocrates, the city was strategically positioned on the Mediterranean coast, quickly becoming one of the most important cultural and commercial centers of the ancient world.

The Library of Alexandria, established during the reign of Ptolemy I Soter, became the most famous library of classical antiquity. It was an intellectual hub attracting scholars, scientists, and philosophers from all over the ancient world, including Euclid, Archimedes, and Eratosthenes. The library's destruction, often attributed to multiple events over several centuries, remains a symbol of the loss of cultural and scientific knowledge.

Constructed under the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus around 280 BC, the Pharos Lighthouse stood on the small island of Pharos. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it was an architectural marvel designed to guide sailors safely into the busy harbor of Alexandria. The lighthouse remained functional until the 14th century, when it was heavily damaged by earthquakes.

Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, played a pivotal role in Alexandria's history. Her liaisons with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and eventual defeat by Octavian (later Augustus), led to Roman domination over Egypt in 30 BC. Alexandria then became a major center of Roman culture and economy.

By the 1st century AD, Alexandria had become a significant center for early Christianity. The city was home to many early Church Fathers, including Origen and Athanasius. The Catechetical School of Alexandria was one of the most influential Christian theological and philosophical institutions, contributing greatly to the development of Christian doctrine.

In 642 AD, Alexandria was captured by the Arab forces under the command of Amr ibn al-As, marking the beginning of Islamic rule in Egypt. The city's strategic importance continued under the new administration, becoming a key maritime and commercial hub in the expanding Islamic world.

In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte's French campaign in Egypt brought Alexandria into the European consciousness once again. The Battle of Alexandria in 1801 saw British forces, allied with the Ottomans, take the city from the French. This period sparked renewed Western interest in Egyptology and the ancient heritage of Alexandria.

By the 19th and early 20th centuries, Alexandria had evolved into a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population, including Greeks, Italians, Jews, Armenians, and Syrians. This melting pot fostered a vibrant cultural and intellectual life, turning Alexandria into a beacon of modernity in the Mediterranean.

Alexandria is accessible via Borg El Arab International Airport, located about 40 kilometers southwest of the city. The airport handles both domestic and international flights. From Cairo, you can also take a train or a bus to Alexandria. The train journey from Cairo's Ramses Station to Alexandria's Misr Station typically takes around 2-3 hours. Buses are available from various operators and can take between 3-4 hours depending on traffic.

Within Alexandria, you have several transportation options including taxis, minibuses, and trams. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked through ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem. Minibuses are a cheaper alternative but can be crowded. The tram system is one of the oldest in the world and is an affordable way to get around, though it can be slow. Renting a car is also an option, but driving can be chaotic for those not used to it.

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is preferred in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available throughout the city. It's advisable to carry small denominations of cash for convenience, especially for taxis and tips.

Alexandria is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas after dark and be cautious in crowded places to guard against pickpocketing. Areas like El Mansheya and El Attarin have higher crime rates, so be particularly cautious there. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuables openly.

In case of an emergency, dial 122 for police, 123 for medical emergencies, and 180 for fire services. Major hospitals in Alexandria include Alexandria Main University Hospital and Mowasat Hospital. Pharmacies are widespread and usually open late. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices. Remove shoes when entering mosques and avoid disruptive behavior. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. In more formal settings, a slight bow of the head can be a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Alexandria like a local, visit the local markets such as Souq Ibrahimiyya and Souq El Gomaa for fresh produce and unique souvenirs. Enjoy a stroll along the Corniche, a waterfront promenade that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Don’t miss the chance to visit local cafés and try traditional Egyptian tea or coffee. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and eager to share stories and tips about the city.