REPORT FROM ALEXANDRIA ( SEPT. 2002)
Dear friends and colleagues,
We are now getting many inquiries and expressions
of interest to participate in the 2003 ALA conference in Alexandria from
colleagues everywhere. Some abstracts are in. We are making final arrangements
with the two agents whom we are engaging for the conference: Travel Network in
New York for the flights and Star of Egypt Travel for hotel arrangements and
travel in Egypt.
RECENTLY FROM FAIZA:
I traveled in Egypt (with my five children)
during the month of July. It was a family vacation, but it was also an
opportunity for me to explore and prepare for our conference. We spent a few
days in Hurghada, on the Red Sea, where we sailed, snorkeled, windsurfed,
and swam all the time. My boys thought that was the best part of the trip. We
spent several days in Cairo as well; there, we visited the old mosques, the
pyramids, and the
Khan El Khalili—the thousand-year-old bazaar. Then,
we headed north to Alexandria and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean
coast west of Alex. That was my favorite part of the trip. I had a number
of meetings with the Library people and with a travel agent whom we have chosen
for our hotel and "in country" traveling. Her name is
Amira
Iskander
(not to be confused with
Amira Nowaira, our co-convener from
Alexandria University). I also visited a number of hotels, and this is what we
are proposing as the most suitable options:
For our conference hotel:
1) Hotel Helnan
Palestine—Montazah
This hotel was built inside the royal grounds
of the Montazah Palace. After the
revolution of 1952, these grounds were open to the public, and in the sixties,
this hotel was built; it has views overlooking the gardens, the royal palace
itself, and--most impressively--the sea. All the rooms in the hotel have a
magnificent view. In 2001, this hotel was completely renovated, and is now
rated 5-star deluxe. Though it has no pool, it has its own private beach.
Beautiful romantic setting. Great for outdoor walks. Particularly safe since
the grounds are entered through a guarded gate. We were able to negotiate the
price down to $80 for a single room and $85 for a double—this price includes
buffet breakfast and all taxes.
2) Sheraton Montazah
Situated on the Corniche, right outside the
Royal grounds of Montazah, the Sheraton will be used for overflow should we
have more participants than estimated.
3,4) Metropole Hotel
and Windsor Palace
| Metropole Hotel
 |
Windsor Palace
|
These two are considered historical buildings.
They date back to the beginning of the century, and were frequented by the
colonial expatriates (your Lawrence Durrell types). These buildings are small
(50-60 rooms each). Elegant with an atmosphere of early twentieth century
luxury, they were fully renovated and modernized in the last two years. Both
(just a couple of blocks from each other) are centrally located in the heart
of the downtown area. By contrast with the Palestine in Montazah, these are in
a very busy location. For those who like the bustle of a lively city center,
they’re fun, but nights could be noisy. Within 20 minutes’ walk from the
Library.
5) The Plaza Hotel
This hotel is a 4-star hotel that is a good
deal for a tighter budget. Situated right on the corniche (the road along the
coast), all its rooms have a great sea-front view. The rooms are quite
adequate. The hotel is about half-way between the downtown and the
Montazah
Palace. Rates: Single $45, Double:$50.
These four hotels are all on the coastal road,
the "corniche," making transportation easier than if one had to
navigate in all the crowded, old internal streets.
Faiza Shereen
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Please check in the next few days
for the pre and post conference options provided by our travel agent. We
strongly recommend that members arrive a day early and take advantage of the
group special which includes airport pick-up, a night in Cairo in a 5-star hotel
on the Nile, guided visit to the pyramids, the sphinx, and solar boats, packed
lunches, and transfer to Alex—all for $90 per person (sharing a double room)
or $130 per person (in a single room). These are group prices and good only for
a specified minimum number of people.
