Stand on the parapet of the Citadel, and look over Cairo, and see
the sun rise. Far in the distance is a sandstorm. Many people in the
United States think that the weather in Egypt is as clear as crystal
always. That is a great mistake. The days there are rarely as clear as
American clear days. In January, February, and March you are likely to
have sandstorms, or the sirocco, or wind from the desert, which almost
obliterate the sun.
Down by the edge of the desert is the Dead City. The tombs there and
their interiors are wonderful. The beautiful buildings have been allowed
to decay. It is an oriental peculiarity not to repair anything.
On the other side of the Citadel are the tombs of the Mamelukes. I advise
anyone going to Cairo to visit these tombs; for they contain very curious
sarcophagi, and the tomb mosques are interesting, each of them being
surmounted by a picturesque dome.
Our modern expositions and fair grounds would not be complete without
"the streets of Cairo." As we know, a bit of street life is shown, more
or less accurately--chiefly less. A fairly correct impression of Egyptian
street life is, however, created by such artificial reproductions. One
of our pictures will no doubt recall these exposition impressions. The
genuine old streets of Cairo are fascinating. Some are so narrow that the
traveler must go on foot, or on a donkey. The shops are almost within
arm's reach on both sides, and many of them are temptingly attractive.
There on one side they make famous leather goods; on another they sell
glassware. Be careful not to buy unless you know how to bargain.