Alexandria, Egypt
Wednesday 11th January 2006
Day 389

OK, I couldn't resist the title – a fifties British movie, spoofed in lager adverts. However, having been soaked to the skin today, it was a bit on the cool side. Yes, it was raining on the Mediterranean coast. Heavily. Warming me up for the return to the UK. Lol.

This tour was meant to start and finish in Alex, but due to a scheduling problem, that failed. It is a pity, because I think that the city could be fascinating to explore given more time. As it was, the city certainly wasn't seen at its best in between the rain showers.

Time was spent visiting the Roman theatre, which was really quite small, but was apparently exclusively for the use of the Roman nobility in Alexandria. Then to the catacombs – which were actually surprisingly extensive, but another place that had banned photography. Finishing off the tour with a visit to the fortress, Fort Qaitbey. Why here? Well, the rock that the fort sits on, was the foundation for the Lighthouse of Pharos – one of the Seven wonders of the Ancient world.

Today's photo is of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina – the modern incarnation of the library of Alexandria. This was opened in 2002, and replaces the ancient Great Library, destroyed in a fire hundreds of years ago. The eyelash thingies allow light into the building without letting direct sunlight in.