TRAVEL THERE: FADED GLORY ON THE SEA
Ah! Civilization! Crystal chandeliers, beautiful draperies, crisp linen sheets, thick carpeting. Welcome to Alexandria’s Cecil Hotel!
So Happy to be There
Izzat pulled up in front of a glorious edifice right next to the Mediterranean Sea and set our bags on the sidewalk. A bellman appeared and ushered us through a revolving door and the obligatory security equipment. My mind registered old style elegance in the lobby, but I’d had a long day and was just ready for a decent room.
After the usual front desk rigmarole they pointed us to one of those antique elevators encased in black rod iron. We rode it to our floor and WOW! It wasn’t the Fairmont, but to my eyes it was even better. This was elegance the way it used to be and for my money, I like it that way. Gorgeous furniture, elaborate urns, ubiquitous crystal chandeliers and a floor that only creaked a little bit. As we strolled down the thick elegantly patterned carpet we were impressed with the way the magnificent door to each room was recessed to create a small alcove.
Then we entered our room. It was small, but so lovely that I didn’t even care. Of course my first stop was the bathroom and there I found some comic relief. In the mode of luxury hotels everywhere, the ends of the toilet paper had been folded into a point, but this one was a little off balance. It was just what I needed.
Moving In
Since we’d be in Alex for several days, I went through the motions of unpacking what we’d need in the way of clothes and toiletries. As I got us organized for the next few days, Bill was inspecting the room. He discovered the balcony which overlooked a park and the sea. He even found the ice bucket and then went on an expedition to locate the ice machine.
In my unpacking, I’d found the bottle of Bourbon my nephew had bestowed upon me and when Bill went for the ice, he also found a can of Coke Zero. I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a drink quite so much!
The Breakfast Buffet
After a good night’s sleep I was up early and raring to get out to the museum. The Cecil didn’t have a gym, but we’d be doing a lot of walking, so I wasn’t too worried about it.
Once we were ready to attack the day, we headed downstairs to breakfast. Yes, it was another buffet, but the space designated for the morning repast was a delight. Black and white marble floors, large bouquets of fresh lilies, huge windows, antique iron chairs and marble topped tables. What was there not to like?
I was sick to death of breakfast buffets, but the space was so pleasant that I was able to enjoy the atmosphere. I was also very excited about the day ahead. The days of leisure were over and we were going to start in on my long list of museums. I could not wait! Come back next week and join us on our way to the Library of Alexandria.
jane sadek 