Discovering Alexandria, Egypt : A Coastal Escape for a Bali Family

 

Location of Alexander the Great's original lighthouse

For one adventurous Bali family, their recent trip to Egypt turned into a captivating blend of history, culture, and coastal serenity. 

Alexandria Egypt Built by Alexander the Great

The family, consisting of a well-known Canadian developer, his Indonesian wife, and their two older sons, had just completed an eventful week in Cairo before heading to Alexandria for a breath of fresh air.

Xander, Azizah and Darius

A Breath of Fresh Air in Alexandria

Seeking respite from Cairo’s hustle and pollution, the family decided to leave their home exchange two days early and take the fast train Talgo to Alexandria. 

Upon arrival, they checked into a beachfront Airbnb hosted by Amir, a highly-rated local superhost. 

View from Airbnb In Alexandria, Egypt

The offseason timing made this getaway both affordable and serene.

Beachfront Living at a Bargain

Their 12th-floor beachfront apartment offered sweeping 180-degree views of Alexandria’s stunning beach. 

The recently refurbished space featured three bedrooms (two with ocean views), two bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen, complete with a microwave, oven, and washer-dryer. 

The highlight of the apartment was undoubtedly the spacious balcony, perfect for enjoying the Mediterranean breeze. 

Although road noise from below was noticeable at first, the family quickly adapted and embraced their tranquil surroundings.

Transportation in Alexandria proved exceptionally economical, with Uber rides costing as little as $2 for a 20-minute trip. 

With their comfortable base established, the family eagerly set out to explore the city’s treasures.

Original Harbour which would have been the moorings for Alexander the Great's fleet

Tracing Ancient Legacies

Known as the "Bride of the Mediterranean," Alexandria is steeped in history and legend. 

Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, the city’s storied past includes tales of Cleopatra and her submerged palace. 

Their first destination, the Engineers’ Club, offered a vantage point to imagine Cleopatra surveying the same harbor centuries ago.

The Lighthouse of Alexandria

While the Lighthouse of Pharos built by Alexander the Great no longer stands, its legacy lives on through the Qaitbay Citadel, a fortress built on its ruins. 

Exploring the citadel, the family admired its historic architecture and breathtaking sea views, experiencing a tangible connection to one of the orginal Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

Another highlight was the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, an underground Roman burial site discovered by chance in 1900. 

Its intricate blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman styles provided a fascinating glimpse into Alexandria’s multicultural past.

Cultural and Modern Marvels

The Royal Jewelry Museum offered an opulent display of Egypt’s royal heritage, showcasing intricate jewels and personal artifacts from the country’s monarchs. 

The family’s modern adventures included a stroll along Stanley Bridge, a contemporary architectural gem, and leisurely walks on the Corniche. 

Montaza Palace and Gardens

The family concluded their journey with a visit to Montaza Palace, a magnificent blend of Ottoman and Florentine architecture. 

The expansive gardens provided a peaceful retreat, rounding out their exploration of Alexandria with elegance and tranquility.

A Day with Their Host

One of the trip’s most memorable days occurred shortly before their departure, when Amir and his wife hosted the family for a quintessentially Alexandrian experience. 

The day began with coffee at the city’s oldest coffee shop, steeped in history and charm. 

Amir and his wife

This was followed by Friday afternoon prayers at an ancient mosque, where the family appreciated the cultural significance of the moment.

Later, Amir took them to a newly developed area of the city for a feast at Balbaa, a massive renowned restaurant. 

The meal—a sumptuous spread of lamb steak, kabobs, and all the traditional trimmings—was described as nothing short of epic. 

To their delight, no one experienced any stomach troubles afterward, allowing them to fully savor the culinary adventure.

Practical Tips for Alexandria Explorers

Navigating Alexandria was straightforward and affordable, thanks to a combination of Uber rides, taxis, and walking. 

For families seeking a blend of historical discovery, cultural immersion, and coastal relaxation, Alexandria delivers an experience that is bothy to captivate travelers of all backgrounds, leaving them with cherished memories of Egypt’s Mediterranean jewel. enriching and rejuvenating.