15 Nov 2022
I had a magic day in Rosetta/Raschid with guide Sara and driver Ibrahim. The first part followed their normal tour itinerary - if there is anything 'normal' about being able to stand where the Rosetta Stone was discovered! - but rather than returning directly to Alexandria and to suit my personal previously notified interests, we came back via Aboukir Bay and town.
The tour of Rosetta town included visits to several fascinating historic buildings (the town museum in another such building is sadly closed at present) and to the market area, all with a security escort for certain safety, as well as a short boat trip on the Nile which gave a clear impression from the view of the less developed east bank of how Rosetta's waterfront may have appeared in 1798-1801. Industrial complexes and security installations make visiting the shores of Aboukir Bay impossible during such a tour but Sara and Ibrahim did all they could to ensure that I saw as much as possible of the area and its topography - they could not have been more helpful!
I can recommend this tour not only to anyone who is similarly interested in the French Expedition, but equally to anyone wishing to visit the historic town of Raschid and learn about its culture, past and present. Raschid will show you the real Egypt.