By the River Nile by Kareem Adawi in Cairo, Egypt

I was on assignment on behalf of the Future University in Egypt to document Egyptian culture for their annual celebration of arts at the Cairo Opera house. I wanted a different take on the pyramids, something unusual, so I hired a guide who took me to an unusual vantage point where you can see four pyramids instead of the iconic three pyramids. The Fourth pyramid is said to house the remains of an ancient Egyptian Queen.

Name:Kareem Adawi
Occupation:

Engineer

Preoccupation:

Traveling to a lot of places where I can take unusual photos. I primarily shoot fine art so it is interesting to see what photos I can capture during my visits to exotic locations.

Tell us about Cairo:

Cairo, Egypt is a well known 7,000 year old city that needs no introduction. It contains the remains of ancient civilizations, Pharaonic, Islamic, Coptic and many remains of different dynasties & kingdoms. Today it is a city that is home to 34 million people, each with a unique story and an unique understanding of heritage, traditions and life in general.

A perfect day?

A walk through the streets taking photos. There’s always something to see and do in Cairo. Personally I love Khan El-Khalily Street, which is a place of all handmade jewelry and ornaments. The level of attention to detail and craftsmanship is something that I enjoy watching time and time again.

What is the best thing about Cairo?

That you get to see and experience many different cultures, listen to stories, visit historical monuments and recreational spots.

What is the worst?

It is densily populated which can be problematic if you want to visit multiple places in one day.

What would be surprising about Cairo to an outsider?

The unique atmosphere of each place and the hospitality of the Egyptians.

If Cairo was a person or character who would it be?

It would be the typical proud old man who always dwells on the past in a nostalgic way.

Who are three of your favorite artists?

Henri Cartier-Bresson, Steve McCurry, Ansel Adams

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Name:Kareem Adawi

City:Cairo

Favorite place to eat:

El Dahan Barbecue

Favorite place to drink:

El Fishawy Cafe

Favorite shop:

Any of the many shops on Khan El-Khalily Street.

Local Tip:

You have to visit the pyramids and have dinner by the river Nile.

Must Do:

Bring a camera along, read about Egyptian history to better enjoy the experience and have fun.