"Alexandria - Gateway to Egyp ..." a Alexandria Travel Page by E_R_I_C

Egypt's "new" capital was born April 7, 331 BC. It was named after Alexander, yet he never saw a single building rise there. After his death, he was returned there to be buried. Since the Roman Empire's peak, Alexandria has remained a pivotal port for trade along the Nile River.

The city itself, at least during my visit, was very different from all the other cities I had visited in Europe, America, and the tiny sprinkling of the near East - Israel. It seemed almost third world-ish, if I can create a new word for my description. It was drab, cold and probably not a dream vacation spot to most Americans and western Europeans. If you want to visit a place that is truly different than any European port of call on the Med, then take a stop at Alexandria. Read some of my tips for some other info about my experiences at this very interesting city.

While I was visiting Alexandria, I was in the US Navy. It was February, 1990. At that time, we were told to be careful of the places we ate at, because our stomachs were not able to handle some foods or the way they are prepared. I'm not sure if there was any credance to this, but I only ate at one restaurant at a nice hotel on the shore. It was very good. I didn't hear any stories of anyone getting sick, so I think it may have been precautionary. I believe we were also told to drink only bottled beverages as well - no tap water. Again, things may have changed since I was there. It is something to consider though if you are planning to visit. It may not hurt to bring some bottled water if you want to completely avoid Ramses' Revenge.