The Le Caire

The Le Caire is not a hotel as such.

Certainly not on the order of a Hilton or Ritz-Carlton.

Some might call it a hostel, though not in the European sense.   

A more apt term might be “pensione”, or boardinghouse, as it offers reasonable accommodations to families as well as tourists and solo travelers. 

Located on Talaat Harb in downtown Cairo, it’s an easy walk to the Museum and other sites of interest.

My intent upon waking was to visit the Citadel of Saladin, leaving the Le Caire by mid-morning.  But with the temperature at 90 and climbing, I made it only as far as El Tahrir Square,

before turning back.

Talaat Harb is its own experience.  At a “normal” pace, it’s ten minutes or less

from the “Square” to Talaat Harb Square,

at the far end.

But to walk it slow, as in the manner of “slow travel”, provides an experience available no other way.

As with every city, their are houses of commerce,

and options for lodging.

Businesses large,

small,

and in between.

Strollers

and spectators.

Communicators

and silent ones.

There are the studious,

the observant,

the industrious,

and those just out for a ride.

There are those with power,

and those without.

And tucked back from Talaat Harb

there is the Le Caire.

Three floors up, an elevator is available,

but I prefer the stairs,

and those I meet along the way.

It’s not modern by any means,

perhaps that’s why I like it.

The food is wholesome,

the staff friendly,

and the owner, Mohamed,

a quiet man, curious, and with a big heart for those who seek shelter for a night, or longer.

If ever I should be asked for a recommendation, it would be an unequivocal thumbs up.

P.S. Travel is about connecting.