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Adel Murad
While in Cairo, Eat on a Mini
Cruise
One of the latest fashions to hit the Egyptian
capital is going on mini-cruises on the Nile to have lunch or
dinner. These so called "Tourist Restaurants" are on the
itinerary of many tourist groups and are also famous amongst
Egyptians themselves.
One of Many Dinner Cruise Ships
Most tours do not last more than two to three
hours between various points on both sides of the Nile, usually in
front of large hotels. The trips go up and down the river, either
to another disembarking point, such as south to Maadi, or back to
the same spot. The timing, content and price will differ from one
boat to another, but they offer lunch, sun-set tea, or full dinner
on board, complete with entertainment. Prices range from LE 30
($7.50) for tea and cake, to LE 100 ($ 25) for a full dinner.
Egyptians appreciate rides on the Nile anytime.
Some even hold their wedding receptions on such boat trips and
invite their guests for a meal on board. Others hold their
birthdays with friends and dance to 70's and 80's music by the
on-board band.
As for tourists, the main attraction is the
belly dance routine, which usually come on later in the program,
after the main course and just before the coffee. Tourists are
sometimes invited to share a dance with the belly dancer, so shy
individuals should keep well away from the centre stage.
The cuisine is usually international with a
salad bar, and a choice of meats or vegetarian. There is also a
choice of buffet, and a selection of Egyptian dishes. The music
can sometimes be on the loud side, but it goes on for two short
periods during an average of a two-hour journey.
Some Egyptian residents love the idea,
especially that the food is of acceptable quality, and the
entertainment is good. But most of the all, the main attractions
are the views outside while floating on the Nile. Worth a try.
***
The Egyptian Museum's
Centenary
Next year the famous Egyptian
museum in Tahrir Square will celebrate its first centenary. It was
designed a century ago, by the French architect , Marcel Dorgnu,
and became one of the earliest dedicated museums in the world. The
fashion in the last century was to hold museums in the palaces and
the grand mansions of the aristocracy.
In fact, the Egyptian museum itself is now a
listed building. But of more importance are the the contents of
pharaonic treasures inside, which are priceless. Although the
museum will probably keep some of its contents during its next
century, the current plans are to build a new even grander museum
over 60 feddans, on the outskirts of Cairo in the direction of the
Cairo-Alexandria desert road.
The display in the new museum will cover
Egyptian history on a chronological basis, starting from the dawn
of time. In the last half-century many pre-historic items and
artifacts have been discovered in Egypt, but lack a proper place
to display them.
There will also be a prominent display for the
"Builders of the Pyramids", those artisans and workers,
whose tombs were discovered recently near the Pyramids themselves.
Egyptians are very proud of this discovery, which dispels
outlandish theories of other races or outer space creatures
contributing to the building of the pyramids. It is a source of
great pride to modern Egyptians, that the pyramids were built by
their ancestors.
The new museums will also display the history of
Greek and Roman Egypt. There will also be a space for special
collections such as King Tutankhamun's, which is likely to be
transferred to the new museum. A collection of royal mummies will
also be on display in a controlled environment to protect and
preserve their condition.
Monuments discovered in Egypt since 1932 have
been in storage for lack of display space in the old museum. These
will have a place in the new museum.
The new museum is likely to cost in excess of $
one billion, but will be financed from international contributions
and from its own revenues. Gift shops, restaurants and shopping
malls will be part of the overall design.
****
Egyptian Proverb:
Ra's al Hikma, makhafat allah:
Literally: The zenith of wisdom is the fear of
God. A guideline for Egyptian behavior, especially towards others.
Fairness and compassion with others, especially the less
fortunate, are expected from those who profess to be good and
wise.
***
Egyptian Quotations:
"I read the inscriptions on the walls, and
cried; for this was the proof I have lived for… that the
Egyptians were indeed the builders of the Great Pyramids".
Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawas upon discovering the
tombs of the workers and artisans believed to be the builders of
the Giza pyramids (from an article in Arabic in the local press)
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