Local traditions and culture in Alexandria

On the drive to Alexandrea we fields of corn , grapes, citrus and of course dates.

We also noticed these strange little houses that looked like bird house condos! They are actually pigeon houses. Locals raise pigeons for food.

Tourists can visit most of the mosques in Alexandria, but they should dress modestly and women must cover their heads with a headscarf.

As for the mosque of Mursi Abul Abbas, women can only visit one of its side rooms.

Remember to leave your shoes at the entry (you’ll get a piece of paper with a number) and collect them on your way out by making a donation (usually 1 Egyptian pound).

On the way to the hotel, I noticed only one or two women with their heads not covered. So covering heads with scarves is required in Alex (or maybe in the area I stayed?).
Yes, cover your head if you do not want to be glazed at all the time, or if you do not like to get comments from everyone without exception...

But even if you do wear a scarf, do not expect to go unnoticed. If you do not know how exactly the Arabic women fix their scarves, or if you dare to wear sun glasses, and if you wear trousers, you will still be glazed at all the time. Arabic men would never take into account if you are accompanied by a man. So I would say the streets of Alexandria are not a perfect place for jealous husbands :)

It is very common that you will find Egyptians giving fives (your hand clapping on a friend's hand). They do this when you or them says something that sounds funny or looks funny. So expect that through out your conversation with an Egyptian he will give you five and another five and another five.

So dont think he is crazy. and ladies, dont think he is trying to hit on you and hold your hand but rather he is showing appreciation to a funny thing you said.

A man kissing another man on the cheeks in the street is common cause this is the way Egyptian men greet each others. The strange thing is a man kissing a lady hi or goodbye. Some of my foreign friends asked me weather i am a gay and i was completly surprised cause i am not, they told me why do you keep kissing your men friends.
Dont fall into this trap.

At Least Do This:
As a man , expect that if you meet with another man and had a conversation and met again, he might kiss you . so dont panic as this is the way he is expressing frienship and kindness. But dont get used to this habit cause it gets irritating especially when it is hot.

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Charming old building in Alexandria - two pics.

This shot was taken at the Alexandria Train station.
It's written in Arabic and reads "Alexandria", the name of the town. :)

When you visit the Montaza Gardens, don't forget to go over to the Bridge of Love. It's believed that if a couple kiss on this bridge, their love will last forever.