First Journey Day 13: Scrolls of the Sea
Date: September 6, 2023
Location: Alexandria, Egypt
Alexandria, Egypt’s storied port on the Mediterranean, carries the echo of scholars and sea-winds. Today I wandered the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, where the city’s ancient curiosity meets sunlit stacks and the hush of turning pages.
Steps into the Bibliotheca
Today was a day of profound introspection and learning. Alexandria, with its rich tapestry of history, has always been a place I've yearned to explore. The highlight of my day was undoubtedly my visit to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. As I stepped into this architectural marvel, I was immediately transported to a world where the past and present coalesce. The vastness of the library, with its sunlit reading rooms and endless shelves of books, was awe-inspiring.
Manuscripts and Millennia
I spent hours poring over ancient manuscripts, marveling at the wisdom of bygone eras. The library, a tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, felt like a bridge connecting millennia of knowledge. I was particularly drawn to the sections on art and history, where I found manuscripts detailing the artistic traditions of the Mediterranean region. The sketches, notes, and thoughts of artists from centuries ago resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the timeless nature of our craft.
Windows to the Mediterranean
As I sat by the library's vast windows, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, I felt a deep sense of connection – not just to Alexandria, but to the countless scholars and artists who had walked its streets. The gentle breezes carried whispers of stories from ages past, and I felt honored to be a tiny part of this grand narrative.
A City in Gold-Tinted Dusk
Today was a reminder of the power of knowledge and the importance of preserving our history. As the sun set, casting a golden hue over the city, I left the library with a heart full of gratitude and a mind enriched with newfound wisdom. Alexandria, you have been a revelation.
Travel Notes
- Weather: Partly cloudy; 29°C high, 22°C low. Gentle northerly breezes that softened the afternoon glare and sent ripples across the harbor.
- Scents: Salty sea air mingled with paper, ink, and warm wood from the reading halls.
- Sounds: Whispered conversations, the soft thrum of footsteps, pages turning, distant gulls riding the wind.
- Reflection: Knowledge moves like the tide—arriving, receding, returning— and we are steadied by the shoreline of memory.
Continue the Journey
If this quiet day by the sea spoke to you, you may also enjoy the previous stop, “First Journey Day 12: Echoes of Benghazi”, or the next Egyptian chapter, “First Journey Day 14: Hieroglyphic Hues”.
