Beyond Pyramids and Cleopatra

Synonymous with a civilization so ancient, visit Cairo to discover the myths for yourself and explore the city behind the clichés.

Think Cairo, think Pyramids. It’s only natural. But when you try to go beyond and travel from the past into the present, the city will flout all accepted linear concepts of time. The layers of intrigue that begin from the pharaohs, carry on with the Sphinx, flow from the Nile, will finally stumble you upon the chaotic streets of Khan el-Khalili.

Welcome to the land of Tutankhamen and Nefertiti, and most certainly not Cleopatra, as the locals will tell you, she is a reminder of betrayal and not glory.

There are a lot many other things that the locals will tell you - don’t believe it all. Egyptians are charming, they are flattering, they are engaging and they love Indians, particularly Amitabh Bachchan (and that’s a fact). But they also mean business. So it’s best you do your homework, find a local you trust, practice your bargaining and then hit the road.

Now start from where it all began. Hire a car to Giza. Take a guide, the stories they conjure from their country’s past are worth your while. They will bring the legends alive, especially when they’re narrating them while you’re both on a camel’s back. Take a tour inside the pyramid to really feel the goose bumps. Stare the Sphinx in the eye, try to imagine what they were thinking when they built this magnificent half-beast, half-man. Carrier of secrets, boons and curses, come back at night to see the Sphinx talk at the breathtaking light-and-sound show.

Before you leave, don’t forget to pick up memories from the desert - have your name inscribed in a bottle of colourful sand.

If history is your calling, Egyptian Museum is your destination. Once you are done seeing the relics of ancient kings and queens, you might want to meet them themselves. Yes, go to the section that keeps the mummies. There isn’t much one can say about that experience - you have to see it to believe it.

Time for some indulgence. Find your way into the famous bazaar of Khan el-Khalili. A tourist’s delight - you will find yourself attracted to all the knick knacks of the world. The aromas from different varieties of itr and delicious preparations of food will distract you as you are tempted into buying replicas of the pyramids (they say the three bring good luck when kept together) or papyrus paintings or shiny chandeliers or collapsible camel stools. Then try a few flavours of shisha, sip on some Arabic coffee, taste some mulukhiya and Shawarma but save the epicurean moment for the Nile cruise.

A bit heavy on the wallet, the ride on this river is something you want to spend that hard earned money on. You lose count of the number of courses you have consumed by the time the fifth dish is served. The belly dancers on board add to the feast. The highlight however, is a folk performance that leaves you dizzy on that luxurious chair.

So pack all this and much more and your journey will be graced. Alhamdulillah!