“Prepare yourself to get into a time machine”, is what my friend told me when we met each other to go on a trip to Port Said.
Before going on my curious expedition to the northern end of the Suez Canal, all my friends were questioning my purpose to go to such a boring and unexciting city. Especially since it seemingly doesn’t stand a chance as a getaway destination when compared to the likes of ‘El Gouna’ and ‘Sahel’. But Port Said, to a considerable number of people, only resonates with customs and markets.
I honestly didn’t give much attention to my friends’ presuppositions about a place they’ve never been. So, what I did was simply nod and smile at their criticism whilst my mind wondered about the excitement ahead.
The road took us about two hours or maybe even less. Upon our arrival, everything seemed usual with serene alleys and main roads where traffic is usually tolerable. As soon as we reached my friend’s house, we parked the car and I don’t remember seeing it again, except on our way back.
Our means of transportation was by bicycle which felt like going back in time, taking us on a journey that left us both in love.
The term Port Said is a name comprised of two words, Port, needless of explanation, and Said, a reference to Mohamed Said Pasha, Egypt’s governor back in 1855. This name was chosen by an international committee formed by England, France, Russia, Austria, Spain and Italy.
The city’s most significant memorials are the Suez Canal and Al-Fanara alongside other fascinating landmarks and sites.
This is basically what you’re going to read about Port Said in history books and on the internet. However, Port Said will always have much more in it than just what was written about it in the lines of history.
If you genuinely want to get to know Port Said, you have to wander in its beautiful streets to appreciate its old sophisticated buildings and the smiling soothing complexion of its inhabitants. Also, whilst trying hard to digest the amazing scene of cultural homogeneity represented in the old houses’ balconies, styled in French, Greek, and Italian architect with typical Egyptian laundry hanging on the balconies’ ropes.
You have to go the market, similar to El-Wekala that is located in Cairo,to spend hours hand-picking from piles of imported clothes, only to get out with a unique T-shirt and maybe a pair of trousers that you can only find at that place.
You also need to pay an indulgent visit to the fish store and head directly to Fatma’s shop to have it cooked for you. I bet you will never taste something as delicious.
And since dessert makes everything better, you have to go to Aloush’s store. I advise you not to take all your money because you will leave completely broke.
Aloush, is an old-fashioned chocolatier and the secret behind Aloush is the lack of order and the randomness in the arrangement of goods. Suddenly, you’re that young kid who recently found their dream place, the island of chocolate.
Right after, don’t forget to ride Al-Maadya, in order not to miss the ships’ view located along the Suez Canal and to walk in the streets of Port Fouad, which occupies a big place in the hearts of those who appreciate tranquility and relaxation.
Coffee shops ought to be your following destination. You will enjoy the locals’ stories and probably laugh at their stretched Egyptian accent. Port Saidians have an incredible imagination and a unique way of telling stories. Whether you believe their stories or not, you will most definitely fall in love with every spoken word they say.
Do not get surprised when the band ‘Semsemya’ suddenly breaks in, just for you to enjoy and listen to some of their authentic songs whilst seeing the elderly dance their hearts out to their beautiful tunes. And if Semsemya captivated you, which I bet it will, head to the Canal Museum to get introduced to all the famous artists of Semsemya.
The English writer Rudyard Kipling said, “If you truly wish to find someone you have known and who travels, there are two points on the globe you have but to sit and wait, sooner or later your man will come there: the docks of London and Port Said.”
But what Kipling forgot to mention is that, in Port Said, you will also meet yourself for the first time.
