I'm taking a bus from Cairo, the capital of Egypt, heading north towards Alexandria, Egypt's second largest city.

I should arrive in about three hours.

According to the guidebook, Alexandria is located on the western edge of the Nile Delta,

a triangular delta at the mouth of the Nile River.

One of the largest deltas in the world,

it is described as being in the shape of a lotus and is indeed the ‘Gift of the Nile.'

Ah, so it's a fertile area that faces the ocean.

We're about halfway there, and now, we're taking a break.

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

Are you two on your way to Alexandria?

Yes.

We love Alexandria.

It's like we're at home.

Really.

It feels historical.

The nostalgic atmosphere is what
makes Alexandria so appealing.

Sounds like a great place!

Ah I can see the city now.

Hmm, for historical Egypt, it looks like a modern urban city.

I've arrived!

Good morning!

Welcome!

It's 10 AM.

And now ready to begin my stroll!

Oh, it looks like they're getting ready to set up a food stall.

Good morning!

First, I'd like to check the map.

Alexandria is a port town facing the Mediterranean Sea.

The bus dropped me off at the edge of town, and it looks like the ocean is a bit far.

I'm going to take my time and enjoy the stroll.

Oh, look at all those people relaxing at the cafe.

Huh?

Wow. What is he doing?

Okay...

I definitely did not expect to see that!

Hmm.

Fascinating to walk through this city.

Huh?

Those containers... is that milk?

I thought so.

They're pouring it into the big tank.

Huh. So it's milk delivery.

I've never seen milk delivered in that way before.

That is a large tank.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Do you sell milk here?

Yes, it's fresh milk,
straight from the farm.

Oh... straight from the farm.

Everyday?

Yes, at 10 AM and 11 PM.

- Right after the milking,
so delivery is twice daily.
- Fascinating.

It's brought and
then refrigerated. Everyday.

That makes sense.

Wait, a customer...?

Pouring it into a plastic bag?!

Oh, that's how they sell it.

It must be fresh and delicious.

Fat content is about 7%.

Wow, that's rich!

It's buffalo milk.
Not cow milk.

Buffalo milk...

Is this a common drink in Alexandria?

Yes, 90% of consumption
is buffalo milk.

This milk especially is
fresh and safe.

It's popular with
both young and old.

It has lots of calcium and
good for the sick as well.

It's very good.
Different from processed milks.

I see.

Thank you.

So, buffalo milk is highly nutritious.

That sounds so healthy.

Oh, now that is a magnificent looking building.

According to the guidebook, this is...

"Misr Station of Alexandria.

Built in the later 19th century as a terminal for the railway that links Cairo, the capital city with Alexandria."

I can definitely see the influence of The British Victorian style of architecture.

Lots of trees around here.

Just look at that sky.

It is so calming and I feel wonderfully relaxed.

What's this?

A park?

Wait... are those ruins?

And they are right in front of the station?

Is this the entrance?

Hello.

- Hello.
- What's here?

- It's the Roman Theater.
- The Roman Theater.

Do I buy a ticket here?

Yes.

Thank you.

Excuse me.

- Hello.
- How much is the entrance fee?

Tourists 100 EGP,
students 50 EGP,

Egyptians 20 EGP,
students 10 EGP.

Credit card only.

Then, one tourist please.

Let's go in.

It's huge.

Wow, it's an amphitheater.

Time for the guidebook.

"This theater was built in the 4th century.

Egypt at the time was a province of the Roman Empire, and Alexandria prospered greatly as its center."

Ahh, I see.

Ruins of Roman baths have also been found nearby, conveying to people today the prosperous lifestyles of the time.

I see!

Roman ruins near the British style station.

It seems the remnants from different eras can be found scattered throughout the city.

I guess that's what was meant by "sensing Old Egypt."

1 PM.

I've arrived at the center of the city.

This building also looks European.

The pillars seem Greek. Or Roman?

Wow, the streets around here too.

It doesn't feel like I'm in Egypt.

Hm? What is this place?

All that antique looking furniture piled up.

Is this a repair shop?

A lot of the shops seem to be shuttered up.

Oh. This place is open.

Ahh... this seems to be all antiques too.

All different kinds of interesting things.

Hello.

Hello.

Welcome.

Um, excuse me.

Do a lot of stores around here carry used furniture?

This district is famous for antiques.

Oh, famous for antiques?

We find them from old houses

and villas where foreigners
used to live.

Foreigners?

Greek, Hebrews...
many nationalities.

So there have been many people from other countries living here?

This is a record player.
It has a radio too.

It's old and made in the UK.

Would you like me to play it?

Oh, sure!

It's old. It needs time
to warm up.

Okay.

Will it really play?

Oh!

Wow!

Sounds soft and nostalgic.

Wow, all these were left behind by foreigners?

- Look. This is also UK-made.
- Wow...

18th century.
Owned by the upper class.

See the intricate craftsmanship.
No one would do this today.

Artisans were meticulous.
No attention to profit.

Yeah.

No one would think
this could be opened.

Without a key sticking out,
no one'd notice.

It opens?

The details are amazing.

The keyhole is on the lion's face.

Oh, it opened.

Wow, so that's a chest!

Look at the style and details.
This wood carving too.

- Who'd make this today?
- Very impressive.

You wouldn't find this kind
of work on Arabian antiques.

So they are keepsakes from foreigners.

Germans, Greeks, Jews,
all kinds of people lived together.

There was harmony between
Egyptians and foreigners.

Egyptians love everyone,
no matter where they're from.

I see. Thank you.

Thank you.

Good-bye.

So Alexandria was a very international city.

Wow, the ocean!

It's the Mediterranean Sea.

And this view of the Mediterranean Sea from the African continent looks like this.

Ahh, it feels great!

Huh? Are there people swimming here?

Oh, and look, people sitting on the dike.

Here too.

Seems to be a dating spot.

Ahh, that's right.

Apparently, at the edge of the cape, there's a famous fortress that is said to be a symbol of Alexandria.

That must be it.

I think I'll wander over in that direction.

Welcome. My name is Nagwa Ibrahim.

Born and raised in Alexandria.

I studied photography at the University of Fine Arts.

And now I teach there.

Alexandra has been influenced by many different cultures, enabling it to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

I'm going to share with you some of Alexandria's history and fabulous sites.

So let's begin the tour.

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC.

He founded the city during his invasions of Africa and Asia and named it after himself.

After the death of Alexander the Great, his successor Ptolemy I completed the city.

He founded the Ptolemaic dynasty in Alexandria.

Cleopatra was the last queen of the Ptolemaic dynasty in the 1st century BC.

The place where we are now is the Cleopatra Bath Station.

Cleopatra's baths are also located here.

This was Cleopatra's personal bath.

There are so many "Cleopatra" spots around the station!

Preparatory School for Girls,

Cleopatra Hotel,

and Cleopatra Barbershop.

She is a great presence for us, as a symbol of grace and beauty.

The next reign that destroyed the Ptolemaic dynasty was the Roman Empire.

This area was named Camp Caesar.

It is said to be where the Roman general Julius Caesar,

who is also known to be Cleopatra's lover, built up his military position.

The area is along the sea and known today for its many lovely cafes.

You can enjoy shisha here.

Wouldn't it also be romantic to share intimate conversation just like Caesar and Cleopatra did?

The influence of the Roman Empire is still strong in Alexandria.

The milk stores are examples of this.

They feature cheese called 'Rumi,' made from cow or buffalo milk.

Similar to Italian parmesan.

The mozzarella cheese used in pizza has also been produced in Alexandria for a long time.

The rule of the Roman Empire ended in the middle of the 7th century with the rise of Islamic Arab powers.

At the end of the 19th century, the Suez Canal was built

and Egypt was ruled as a British colony through World War II until the 1950s.

During this period, the doors to Alexandria opened to Europe and it prospered greatly as a port city.

It became one of the world's leading international cities,

with many Greeks, Italians and French people making their homes here.

This cafe opened near the historic Utterin district in 1928.

At that time, Alexandria was brimming with European culture, and that atmosphere still exists here today.

Turkish coffee is very popular all over Egypt, however Alexandria has a long history of drinking espresso.

This espresso machine was created in Milan, Italy over 100 years ago.

It's an antique that may be difficult to find even in Italy.

I hope you enjoyed your mini tour.

Alexandria is a beautiful city that continues to integrate different cultures.

It is known as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean."

So please come and visit.

It is now 3 PM.

Wow, the street is full of stalls!

Oh... that building looks historic.

Let me see, where am I now...

I discovered a buffalo milk shop, then explored the Roman Theater ruins.

After looking at European antiques, I walked north to reach the sea.

And now I'm around here.

Wait, Tokyo?

Oh, I didn't expect that!

Just look at that fabulous building.

I wonder if people are still living there?

I'd like to check it out.

This way, this way.

Huh? I have to go that way?

Wow. He entered there...

So did he...

So, is this the entrance to the building?

Oops, excuse me.

Someone's coming out.

Hi.

I'm going to go in.

Oh, it's so bright in here.

And there are tables and chairs...

It looks like a cafe.

Ahh, the windows are gorgeous!

And light streaming in from the glass roof.

I wonder how long the glass has been there?

Ooh, everyone's relaxing.

Hello.

Umm...

Whoa!

That startled me.

Alright. Let's start over...

- Hello.
- Do you come here often?

Yes. I'm here all the time.

This building seems very old.

It's from when Egypt
was under the rule of the UK.

It's a famous cultural heritage,
and one symbol of Alexandria.

A cultural heritage.

Is this cat always with you?

Yes, I love cats.

Oh, you woke up.

Thank you.

It seems to be a comfortable place for cats, too.

The carvings on the arches are incredible.

- Welcome.
- Thank you.

Oh, it looks like I can exit from here too.

If you look up, it feels like traces of old Alexandria faintly emerge.

And now, I'm back at the seafront.

Wow, it's bustling.

This area is a sandy beach.

Oh, I'm almost at the fortress on the Cape.

Just look at all the sun umbrellas and chairs...

Beyond the swimmers, I can see lots of boats.

Are they fishing boats?

The fish must be delicious in this city too.

Wow, close up, it's really big.

No wonder it's a symbol of Alexandria.

Excited about going inside...

Wow, it looks commanding against the blue sky.

According to the guidebook...

"The Citadel of Qaitbay.

Built in the 15th century using materials remaining from a lighthouse.

They used to stand here.

That lighthouse was conceived by Alexander the Great and completed in the 3rd century B.C.

Its height was an impressive 134 meters, and its light was said to reach 50 kilometers away.

Alongside the pyramid and others, this was considered one of the seven wonders of the world."

So Alexandria was truly a light that shone on the Mediterranean world.

I think I'll walk around the fortress.

Hm? Can I get to the sea from here?

Is that someone hammering?

What is that?

Oh, it looks like the frame of a ship.

It's huge...

Hello.

Hello.

Um, are you working alone?

No, there are others.

They're making
other ships over there.

Over there, too.

But still, building this big of a ship with a single hammer...

Would you like to see?

Oh, may I? I'd love to.

Oh, there are so many ships...

But it seems a little small to be called a shipyard.

Interesting that they're building boats right on the beach...

Wait! Look at that! It's huge.

It's made of steel.

Wow...

- This is my father.
- Hello.

Hello.

Sorry for interrupting your work.

Wow, now, this is quite a large boat...

- It's 35 meters.
- Whoa.

So you don't use cranes?

Our company isn't big.

It's a workshop, so we manage
with minimum equipment.

I noticed a lot of fishing boats on the beach, do you make those kinds of boats also?

About half of them.

That many!

He seems to be a very competent craftsman. This is definitely a historic port city.

Is shipbuilding a thriving business here?

I heard a long time ago that

ships have been built for
about 300 years.

300 years.

And your son is following in your footsteps...

My efforts were well spent.

Oh...

I taught him what I was taught.

In our religion, God tells us.

If you gain knowledge,
it remains as light.

Thank you so much!

- Good-bye.
- Good-bye.

Imagine someday this boat will sail off on the Mediterranean Sea.

The port city of Alexandria has interacted with so many cultures over the ages exchanging information and knowledge.

It is said, "Knowledge is light."

The brightness that illuminates far over the ocean, continues to shine today.

Hello. I'm Youssef Misiri.

I was born and raised in Alexandria.

Today I will share three delicious foods that are the pride of Alexandria.

As you know, Alexandria is culturally very similar to Europe.

The cuisine here is completely different from Cairo and is closer to European cuisine.

Please join us.

First, number three!

Roz bil laban!

Roz bil laban is a sweet tasting dish that is a mixture of boiled rice and milk and is similar to Japanese food.

And as you can see, the surface is covered with crushed nuts.

Roz bil laban is very popular and made all over Egypt.

The Alexandria version uses fresh milk, and as there are many farms here, the quality of milk is superb.

A gift of the Nile Delta.

It's very sweet and freeze as well.

The nuts on the surface are also very fresh and their flavor is also superb!

And number two is...

Kibda iskandarani.

This is made with thinly sliced fresh beef liver and then stir-fried with oil and spices.

It is served as a sandwich and eaten like this.

The key to its delicious taste is the freshness of the liver.

Due to the fertile Nile, pastures in Alexandria are rich in stock breeding thrives

and as livestock is sent from all provinces of the country to Alexandria, fresh liver is readily available.

And so, Kibda iskandarani became popular.

Ahh... A masterpiece, a true masterpiece!

And number one is...

Singari!

As Alexandria faces the Mediterranean Sea, fresh fish is always available here.

Among the fish cuisine, we recommend Singari as the best Egyptian dish.

Three types of fish are used. Mullet, croaker and sea bass.

These fish are suitable for Singari.

The cooking method is to open it into two pieces.

Add tomatoes and onions and add carrots and cucumbers.

Sprinkle with spices.

It's a simple dish, but above all, the fish must be fresh.

This cuisine is more Mediterranean than Egyptian or Alexandrian.

This is the best. The flavor, the freshness.

It's bursting with the tastiness of fish.

This Singari is indeed the pride of Alexandria.

As you can see, the food in Alexandria is fabulous.

There were Greeks, Romans and Arabs in Alexandria.

We hope that people from overseas will come to Alexandria and try our food.

I'm sure you'll like it.

It is now 6:30 in the evening.

I have walked along the coast in the opposite direction of the fortress.

There seem to be a lot of new buildings around here.

Oh, what is that...?

Wow, so many beach umbrellas.

I guess it's a seaside resort.

Oh, it's a cove.

I'm going to go down and check it out.

Hello.

- Hello.
- May I go in?

Yes.

Thank you.

A building that surrounds the beach.

What an interesting shape.

Seem to be a lot of locals enjoying the scene.

Hmm. A row of doors.

Are these all rooms?

Oh!

A group of women enjoying themselves.

Hello.

And some men here.

It appears that not everyone has come here to swim.

They're here to relax...

Hmm, that person is sitting alone.

Oh, hi.

Hello.

Are you finished with work for today?

I'm on a break as lifeguard.
It's almost time to go back.

A lifeguard... I see.

Um, there are a lot of doors surrounding the beach area.

What are they for?

They're resort cabins.

Families and others can
rent and use them as they like.

Are they available to anyone?

Yes. The government leases them
by the day.

Also by the week or by the year.

I see...

Do you rent one of them?

Yes, it's here.

Oh, may I...?

Oh, you fixed it up so nicely!

What do you use it for?

I like diving and fishing.

And I have my lifeguard job.

I use it for diving and fishing
with my kids in the winter.

In the summer, I use it for work.

How nice.

Seems like a great way to live.

That photo looks old...

This has quite a history. It says "1924."

Oh, is your break over?

He seems to have been doing this for a long time.

I'd like to show you something.

A cat got trapped in the pier
and was rescued after 250 days.

Wow, where?

It fell to the foundation
of the bridge.

We gave him food
and water for 250 days,

until we could save him.

From November to July.

Wow... that must have been quite an ordeal!

So kind, to put all of that into a cat rescue.

The sun sets into
the ocean from here.

It's really beautiful.

People come here because

they want to take pictures of
the sun setting over the water.

When the air is clear,
the sky turns bright red.

Wow... You really love this location.

Cairo has remnants of
Islamic culture.

And Alexandria has
vestiges of Rome and Greece.

It presents an Egypt that
Cairo doesn't.

A natural beauty.

I see.

Thank you very much.

Thank you. Bye.

Good-bye.

Ah, Alexandria, it's a very special place.

While valuing Islamic tradition, the kind people who live here

treasure the history and climate as well as incorporating foreign culture.

The scale is immeasurable.

And may indeed be what makes Egypt such an attractive country!

Ahh, I'm so hungry!

Okay, time to go and enjoy some of that Mediterranean fish!