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Note: This entire trip was done barefoot, as always, whenever the temperature allowed it.
Our adventure began with a flight from Düsseldorf to Istanbul, then from Istanbul to Alexandria. We arrived at 1:30 AM, still had another hour to go until we reached our place. We tried looking for buses but there was nothing at that hour. Eventually, we met Muhammad (an Uber driver), he offered to take us home. We got in but the car wouldn’t start. He called some people to push it and finally, it worked.
We arrived home around 3 AM and followed the steps the landlady had given us: the key was inside a coded box. We just needed to open the box, grab the key, open the door and it´s done. Sounds simple but when we opened the box, there was no key. We heard the TV inside the house and I said to Lisa, “It sounds like someone’s inside.” It was 3 AM, we had no choice, we ring the bell.
Inside, the tenants said they had rented the house until the end of the week, while we insisted it was rented to us. We called the landlady, who realized she had given us the wrong house. Ours was further down the hallway. After disturbing the neighbors, we finally found our key and got some rest.
The next day, we woke up late and tired. We went to the seaside and realized that Alexandria is a busy city (read the article about Alexandria). We spent three days there, exploring the city and recharging our energy. Honestly, busy cities aren't our thing, we prefer remote places close to nature. Still, it was interesting to see Egyptian daily life.
Our next stop was Siwa Oasis. To get there, we had to take two buses: first to Marsa Matruh, then to Siwa Oasis. The journey took about 8 hours and cost 450 EGP (about €9). We woke up early for the 7 AM bus, taking a taxi to the station to avoid a 1.5-hour walk. The trip was mostly through emptiness, occasionally we’d see camels, otherwise just sand and sky.
Upon arriving in Siwa, we realized we could easily get around by hitching rides on tuk-tuks or other vehicles, then negotiating the price.
After Alexandria, we wanted to find a remote place, so we went to a salt beach with a lake. It was so relaxing, we even napped and played a bit. Walking on the salt, our legs would sink deep. The sun was blazing, as we walked back a truck passed by and we hitched a ride with Ahmed, the driver. Thanks, Ahmed!
We wanted to visit the salt pools, 20 km away, not walkable. A tuk-tuk ride cost 1000 EGP (about €20). Instead, we rented a quad bike for 4 hours for 1200 EGP, which Lisa negotiated to 1100 EGP (about €22). This was the best option: we could go wherever we wanted and had way more fun. You also can go by jeep, which would’ve been more expensive.
The journey to the salt pools felt like a trip back in time: barefoot children playing, simple houses, dusty streets and no shops. Navigating was tricky because the GPS showed only desert, no roads. To be honest I felt daunting, as everything looked the same. The salty pools were incredible, floating effortlessly, is hard to keep the legs underwater and swimming is impossible. Don’t dive, the salty water stings your eyes a bring fresh water to rinse off, being covered in salt isn’t comfortable.
After washing off the salt at home, we grabbed food in the town and then we prepared the backpacks for our next stop: the Giza Pyramids.
I woke up feeling awful, the previous day we ate chicken that probably wasn’t good. With a 10hour trip to Giza ahead, Lisa suggested staying another day in Siwa Oasis but I felt good enough to go. We took buses to Marsa Matruh, Cairo and finally a taxi (using the App inDrive is cheaper) to the pyramids. Exhausted, but we made it.
Our Giza plan: rest, explore and visit the pyramids, our place had an amazing terrace view of them.
The next day, we visited the pyramids. Entry was 700 EGP (about €24) but going inside costs more (check the photo with prices). Being near them was breathtaking. Imagine a 50-story building made of stones, each one cut to fit perfectly, built 4,500 years ago. Genius!
Inside, you will have many people offering rides with camels and horses. Please don’t support this! The animals are mistreated and overworked.
With two days left, we planned to explore Giza and then head back to Alexandria’s airport.
Egypt challenged us like no other place and also the poorest country we’ve visited, with different ways of thinking and living. Getting around and communicating was tough. For example: We couldn’t stop without being swarmed by vendors or curious people. We couldn’t show affection (once, we kissed and a man got mad with us). But that’s all part of traveling.
I recommend you to go to Egypt not just for the Pyramids of Giza but for the reality of its people.
Any questions, advice, or exchange of opinions? You know what to do. send a message.
Don’t forget:
If you go there,
Carlos
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