Alexandra

Up early, 5:30 wakeup before a 3 ½ hours bus ride to Alexandra. We arrived at around 9:30am by starting at some catacombs, they were discovered via donkey falling down a shaft in the roof. The Romans both mummified and cremated their dead in this location. It was interesting to see that they had a big room for celebration, near the entry, drink to the dead, a fitting way to be sent off. The art work in the original room was very different, a mixture of both Roman and ancient Egyptian designs. Additional rooms were added for 300 more people but they were rather bland. The mummies found were in bad condition as the Egyptian never passed on the full secrets of the mummification process. The location is struggling with water coming from the soil as the bottom floor is submerged and the water continues to rise. Machinery can't be used to fix it as it will damage the location.

Next stop was Pompey's Pillar, Pompey was believed to be buried on this site after he was murdered in 48 BC and that the capital atop the corner served as a container for his head. The Arabs called it Amoud el-Sawan or Column of the Horseman.

We visited a Roman Theatre which was only found 20 years ago when the local government was going to convert a rubbish tip into park. It was in great condition and would have been a great location for plays and other entertainment.

Off to Citadel of Qait bay on the coast and the views were gold. This is the location of the ancient lighthouse which is one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world. It is most likely either under it or destroyed.

A mosk was next on the list, which brilliant in there design and looks. The tour guide translated the prayer which is yelled out on the microphone 5 times a day. After the prayer, most Muslims head to the mosks to pray in unison.

Lunch was in a location on the coast, not being to hungry I was happy to get something small. A burger, chips and pepsi looked fantastic at $5, I forgot about taxes, sitting down fee, service charge, etc.. Ended up costing $10 which isn't to bad but it certainly was a surprise.

Last stop is of a modern library before the long trip home. I was hoping to send some stuff home today but we couldn't find a post office so It looks like I will have to send it from London. The day wasn't to bad, less than I was expecting though. It was touted as the 2nd biggest city in Egypt and one of the most beautiful, along the coast was nice and it was different from all other cities here with so much Roman history.