living in Alexandria

The TAFL Experience
you are here to interact with a people and their culture

When not in class

When not in class, you may stroll along Alexandria's sandy beaches by shores of the Mediterranean, explore ancient monuments, tour the royal palaces with their lush gardens, buy at specialty bazaars, or visit the city's diverse museums.

Here is a quick glance at what is in store for you:

The city

Alexandria is Egypt's largest port and second Capital. It is also known as Egypt's gateway to the west. It is one of the Mediterranean's major summer resorts, whose coast stretches over 70 kms. It is a vibrant place to live in, with parks, beaches, entertainment, shopping venues, cultural events and Graeco-Roman and Arab monuments. Everyday, its shores uncover treasures that breathe history.

Climate

Alexandria generally enjoys a moderate climate all year round. In winter, the temperature is at least 17°C by day, dropping to around 9°C at night, with occasional wind and rain. In summer, Alexandria is a favourite resort. Temperatures range between 22°C and 26°C accompanied by moderate humidity.

Transport

An unhurried but sometimes crowded Tram Service offers a panorama of character and style for next-to-nothing. Taxis are always easy to find. Their meters are mainly symbolic, so most drivers expect the customer to pay what is right.

Shopping

In the District of Attareen, a haunt of students for generations, you can find some wonderful things at truly bargain prices. Claims that people would be disappointed if you didn't haggle are somewhat naive, but they are certainly always delighted to negotiate. Raml Station is a popular shopping area downtown where you can buy almost anything, and trendy shopping malls like Zahran and watanneya carry merchandise from around the world.

The cultural

Alexandria is a vibrant city of art and culture. It comes alive as it hosts popular theatrical and musical performances, an International Film Festival, a Mediterranean Modern Art Biennial, numerous cultural centers, and a UNESCO-supervised version of the ancient Alexandria Library. Alexandria's Conference Hall hosts local and international seminars and conferences.

Worship

Alexandria has many places of worship representing the Islamic, Christian and Jewish faiths. The Church of Alexandria is Mother-Church for Copts all over Egypt and Coptic Pope is named The Pope of Alexandria.

Orthodox, Greek, Catholic, American and Protestant Churches are found all over the city. Islamic sites include many historic mosques like Abou el Abbas (1219), built in Andalusi style, el Bosery Mosque and Sidi Bishr Mosque. The Synagogue of Alexandria is situated in the city centre, on Naby Danielle Street.

Time Out !

Sports

The Alexandria Stadium in Shallalat is one of the grandest stadiums in the Middle East. It hosts national and international sports events throughout the year. Many sport facilities are available, including gymnasia and sports clubs.

Cinemas

In addition to providing the usual Multiplex fare, Alexandria's cinemas showcase the best of contemporary American, European and Arabic movies. Modern theaters include the Osman Group and the renaissance in Semouha. Downtown, the Metro and Amir are more classic in terms of ambiance and interior design.

Food

Alexandria's ageless cosmopolitanism is nowhere more apparent than in its food. Greek, Italian, American, Turkish, Lebanese and French influences can be tasted in the local dishes or in specialty restaurants, while the aroma of Mexican and other exotic cookery is steadily gaining ground. For vegetarians, the ordinary cuisine of the common people affords a variety of tasty treats. International fast food is widely available.

Pubs

The pubs of Alexandria are few but legendary. There are various locations where E.M. Forster is said to have met Cavafy: some are jewels of Art-Deco Carpentry. Some are small enough to be filled by a single group of friends; in others you can discuss existence with regular or just listen to somebody playing the Oud.