LocumLife - October 2008 - (Page 29)

Hidden among the city’s alleyways are unique neighborhoods that have their own distinct character. Here you will find small coffee houses (ahwa) and cafes where you can sample local fare, people-watch, and enjoy a game of backgammon. Capture the essence of Cairo with a shopping excursion to Khan al-Khalili bazaar. In this 600-year-old marketplace, you will find everything from reproductions of ancient artifacts to jewelry and rugs to exotic perfumes and incense. Be prepared to haggle as shopkeepers enjoy bargaining with tourists for their purchases. The Egyptian pound is the legal currency but some shopkeepers will accept U.S. dollars (approximately $1 U.S. = 5.435 Egyptian pounds). Credit cards are accepted in the larger shops. Dominating the Cairo skyline is the Citadel and Muhammad ‘Ali Pasha Mosque with its twin minarets. The Citadel, constructed by Salah El-Din in 1183 AD to protect the city, is one of the most impressive examples of Muslim military architecture. Centuries later, Muhammad ‘Ali Pasha restored the Citadel and erected an Ottoman-style mosque on the site. For a look into Cairo’s Christian roots, hop a riverboat or take the underground to the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga), located on the east bank of the Nile in the old Coptic Quarter. Dating back to the 4th century AD, this is one of the oldest Christian churches in Cairo. The crypt below is all that remains of the original church where it is said the Holy Family rested on their flight into Egypt. Fifteen miles southwest of Cairo lay the most recognizable sights in the world, so be sure to set aside time to explore each of these magnificent monuments. Also known as Khufu’s Pyramid, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three structures in the necropolis and the only remaining member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Included in www.LocumLife.com DAYTRIPPING IN AND AROUND CAIRO Watch belly dancers. These exotic dancers perform to the beat of the tabla drums while demonstrating the mesmerizing moves of their ancient craft. Sail down the Nile. To see a number of Egypt’s ancient sites, cruise down the Nile in comfort—many packages include ondeck swimming pools and delectable brunch. You can also take the inexpensive route and hire a felucca, the Egyptian sailboat. Visit the Hanging Church (al-Muallaqah). Constructed above the gatehouse of a Roman fortress, this Coptic church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Of special interest are 110 icons, a sanctuary and altar screen crafted of ebony and inlaid ivory, and a beautifully carved marble pulpit. TOURISM INFORMATION Egyptian Tourist Authority http://www.egypttourism.org Egypt State Information Service http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Default.htm Tour Egypt http://www.Touregypt.net TravelGate http://www.travelgate.net/ A MEMORABLE JOURNEY From the bustling streets of Cairo to the pyramids of Giza, this destination is a trip of a lifetime, one not to be missed or soon forgotten. No doubt, if you plan to visit this ancient land, your journey will be filled with pleasant memories. LL References to this article and more information can be found online in the Leisure Time section of www. LocumLife.com. Cathy Drumm, MA, RN, is director of nursing education/QA at Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens in New York, New York. the complex are the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, as well as a number of smaller monuments. Facing the rising sun, The Great Sphinx stands guard over the Pyramids of Giza. Carved out of limestone bedrock around 2,500 BC, the statue has the head of a human and the body of a lion. Since 1,400 BC, excavation parties have been trying to rescue this great sentinel from the encroaching desert sands. Twelve miles south of Cairo is the ancient capital of Memphis, which was founded in 3,100 BC. While there, visit the small museum housing the incredible Colossus of Ramesses II. Nearby Saqqara contains the burial grounds for the city and is best known for the Step Pyramid of Djoser (Zoser), an innovative advance in monumental stone design. OCTOBER 2008 LocumLife 29 http://www.egypttourism.org http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Default.htm http://www.Touregypt.net http://www.travelgate.net/ http://www.LocumLife.com http://www.LocumLife.com http://www.LocumLife.com

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LocumLife - October 2008 Insights Editorial Contents From Nalto STAT! The Basics Med Ec-cerpts Last-Minute Luxury Where Do You Stand? Gastroentrerology Career Center Advertiser Index Opportunities Direct Destinations Passport - Cairo, Egypt Contest Rules Anyone's Guess La Vita Locum

LocumLife - October 2008

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