Alexandria, Egypt

An invitation to Alexandria, the pearl of the Mediterranean

By: Amna El-Tawil

When you hear the word Egypt, you think of the pyramids, the sphinx and pharaonic temples. What Alexandria has to offer is a slightly different Egyptian experience, however. This Mediterranean city has its own distinct culture and even its own unique weather. This is where Mideastern meets Mediterranean, and where the small city feel intertwines with metropolis features, leaving you with that very distinctive Alexandrian sensation.

What to wear
Alexandria is a pleasure to visit in every season. In winter, it’s at its quietest. The streets are washed with the pouring rain, and lay glistening under the city lights. It is one of the very few cities with rainy winters in Egypt. While hot blooded locals cover up in parkas and coats; those coming from cold countries will not feel the need for warmth. In fact, December in Alexandria is only slightly colder than summer in London during the day.  The winter temperature falls between 10 degrees Celsius at night and 20 degrees in the morning.

Alexandrian summers are all about the sea, the beach and the long sea-side Courniche.  You can go jogging in the morning while enjoying the scenery, and then have a light breakfast at one of the many sea view cafes. You will want to pack the lightest possible cloths. The temperature is usually in the mid-thirties and rises to forty degrees Celsius during the day. Summers in Alexandria get crowded as it is
considered a vacation spot for many locals from other cities. I would say the perfect ‘summer’ experience you can have in Alexandria would be in May and June. The heat is not as brutal, the beaches not as crowded, and the sunshine beautiful as ever.

Where to go

Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The modern day Library of Alexandria was built as a tribute to the Ancient Library of Alexandria that was accidentally burnt on the hands on Julius Caesar in 48 BC. Marc Anthony later gifted Cleopatra a collection of books to replace the burnt books.



Library and Museums
The modern day library is considered the main French library in Africa, and houses a rich manuscript museum, in addition to a museum of late Egyptian president Sadat; Nobel Prize winner and the initiator of the first peace treaty with Israel in the Middle East.

Concerts and Events
If you are looking for a night of free or very cheap, yet high quality entertainment, check the Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s event calendar. The library is home to many cultural events, and is considered the perfect place to attend a film viewing, a short lecture, a play or even a topnotch underground music concert (you would be surprised how good some of the local bands are).

· Down Town Alexandria
This is one of my favorite places in Alexandria, specially in winter. Down town Alexandria is the ultimate place for a long walk while window shopping and people-watching. You will find many merchants; some may be pushy, but a simple firm ‘no’ will put them off. If you are looking for souvenirs, this is where you will find them, just make sure you haggle to at least half the starting merchant offer.


Souvenir merchants in front of Qaitbay Citadel, down town
If you are lucky enough to have the chance to visit in winter, stroll the down town Alexandria streets for a feel of aged class and splendor in the ancient cafes and restaurants. Two restaurants you must try during your visits are located in down town: Santa Lucia; an upscale Italian offering live entertainment, delicious food, and the best service in town, and China House; a restaurant located on the roof of Cecil hotel offering one of the best views of the Courniche and the sea.

Karachi, Pakistan

Karachi – The City Of Lights


By Ansab Khan


Karachi, a city of Pakistan, East Asia, is one of greatest cities of the world. It is highly population density city having over 20 million people not only from within the country but also from other countries such, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and other adjacent countries. Karachi is capital of Sind province, and it is hub for the people of Pakistan where everyone is warmly welcomed. Usually people come from across the country to find job, as Karachi is heaven for commercial purposes, having international airport and Ports.


Its summer time, and if you are planning to take tour in Karachi, this is right time and right choice for you, as Karachi is situated near sea which makes the climate moderate in every season.
Karachi is heaven for tourist, and believe me if you heard someone saying that he has visited the entire Karachi, then he is laying. They are so many attractions for tourist such beaches, parks, museums, Historic places[list] and buildings, entertainments and many more, you can keep counting.
One interesting thing you will find in Karachi is bike and biker, this is the only thing that you can enjoy and avoid as well. how you can enjoy is biking skills of youngsters, the way they ride bike is noticeable but it is dangerous too because rush of traffic but these guys have not fear and worries about anything when they start the bike, they forget everything and enjoy their ride which causes crucial accidents on daily basis.


Besides this, the funniest part of Karachi transportation is public transport which includes Rickshaw, Ching Chi, Buses, and Mini Buses. They are highly decorated and the funny quotes, saying and one liner written on them are epic, if you know local language, you would really enjoy them. I’m quoting some for you with English translations. “Maa ki Dua, Jannat Ki Hawa”, (Mother’s Prayer, Heaven’s Air), Sharmeeli Nagin (this is really tough for me, Sharmeeli mean Shy and Nagin mean Female Snake, Shy Female Snake, and now imagine this is written on slow paced bus driving exactly before, how would be feel…) “Dekh Magar Pyar Say” (Watch But with Love) and the last but not the least, “Himmat Hay Cross Kar, Warna Bardasht Kar”, (Cross, if you have courage, otherwise tolerate.)


There are several food streets in Karachi, in North Nazimabad, Hussainabad, Burns Roads, Boat Beson, and Do Darya etc which have local and international restaurant. The most famous foods are biryani, nihari, haleem, Karhai and barbecue. You also have international cuisine such as Arab, Japanese, Italian, Chinese, South Indian, and Korean etc. there is one another thing that is Pathans’ Tea Stalls and shops on every corner, normally youngsters spend their weekend nights on tea stall having chit chat with hot tea. There are load of tea shops but one famous is Café Piyala near Gulberg, you must visit once.


Karachi is the fun and people loving city, accommodate every kind of people. You can have food with minimal or no amount. Although it is good point of attraction for tourists nevertheless tourism is reduced drastically because the unrest and uncertain situation in Karachi. General Election has been held in Pakistan, it is hoped that this will be effective positively the situation overall.

#Famous Places in Karachi
Beaches Seaview, Manora Island, Sandspit Beach, Hawke's Bay Beach, Paradise Point, French Beach, Cape Monze, Nathiagali Beach

Museums National Museum of Pakistan, Pakistan Air Force Museum, Pakistan Maritime Museum.

Parks Bagh Ibne Qasim, Boat Basin Park, Mazar-e-Quaid, Karachi Zoo, Hill Park, Safari Park, Bagh-e-Jinnah, PAF Museum Park, Maritime Museum Park
Historic places and buildings Chowkandi graveyard, Mewa Shah Graveyard (One of the Largest Graveyards of Pakistan), Karachi Port Trust, Sindh High Court. Hindu Gymkhana, KMC Head Office, Ghulam Husain Khalikdina Hall, Frere Hall, Empress Market, Jehangir Kothari Parade, St Patrick's Church, Mohatta Palace and Karachi Cantonment Railway Station buildings
Entertainment Arena, Atrium Malls and Cinema, Capri Cinema
Water Parks, Amusement Parks, Shopping Malls,
Clubs.