Egypt, France airdrop aid to Gaza amid growing humanitarian crisis, global criticism of Israel    Supply minister discusses strengthening cooperation with ITFC    Egypt launches initiative with traders, manufacturers to reduce prices of essential goods    SCZONE chief discusses strengthening maritime, logistics cooperation with Panama    Egypt strengthens healthcare partnerships to enhance maternity, multiple sclerosis, and stroke care    Egypt keeps Gaza aid flowing, total tops 533,000 tons: minister    Egypt reviews health insurance funding mechanism to ensure long-term sustainability    Gaza on verge of famine as war escalates, ceasefire talks stall    Gaza crisis, trade on agenda as Trump hosts Starmer in Scotland    Egyptian president follows up on initiatives to counter extremist thought    Indian Embassy to launch cultural festival in Assiut, film fest in Cairo    Egyptian aid convoy heads toward Gaza as humanitarian crisis deepens    Culture minister launches national plan to revive film industry, modernise cinematic assets    Egypt will keep pushing for Gaza peace, aid: PM    I won't trade my identity to please market: Douzi    Sisi calls for boosting oil & gas investment to ease import burden    EGX to close Thursday for July 23 Revolution holiday    Egypt welcomes 25-nation statement urging end to Gaza war    Sisi sends letter to Nigerian president affirming strategic ties    Egypt, Senegal sign pharma MoU to unify regulatory standards    Two militants killed in foiled plot to revive 'Hasm' operations: Interior ministry    Egypt, Somalia discuss closer environmental cooperation    58 days that exposed IMF's contradictions on Egypt    Egypt's EHA, Huawei discuss enhanced digital health    Foreign, housing ministers discuss Egypt's role in African development push    Egypt reveals heritage e-training portal    Three ancient rock-cut tombs discovered in Aswan    Sisi launches new support initiative for families of war, terrorism victims    Egypt expands e-ticketing to 110 heritage sites, adds self-service kiosks at Saqqara    Egypt's Irrigation Minister urges scientific cooperation to tackle water scarcity    Palm Hills Squash Open debuts with 48 international stars, $250,000 prize pool    On Sport to broadcast Pan Arab Golf Championship for Juniors and Ladies in Egypt    Golf Festival in Cairo to mark Arab Golf Federation's 50th anniversary    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Paris Olympic gold '24 medals hit record value    A minute of silence for Egyptian sports    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



On Foot in Cairo
Published in Daily News Egypt on 18 - 04 - 2008

Crossing a street is nothing short of a daunting task for those who are new to Cairo. But with a little time and experience, it becomes just another thing that happens everyday, to the amazement of tourists who are completely blown away by the supposed chaos in the streets.
Streets are crowded with foot traffic and uneven side walks. Add to the mix that this city is a congested and busy place. It is getting hotter and hotter by the week, and taking a relaxing stroll around a place like downtown would seem nearly impossible.
But despite all of that, there are some motivated individuals here who are brushing those factors aside and doing what so many might quickly refuse: walking around Cairo.
Muhammad Farag didn't know that a personal hobby would one day, in February 2008 to be exact, transform itself into an organized walking group. Farag, a self-proclaimed lover of walking, explains that he started the Cairo Walking Group in order to be able to see the charms of Cairo by foot and because "walking with people is better than walking alone.
A few months later his personal hobby, combined with the enthusiasm and dedication of its first members, has helped to execute six walks that have covered all parts of the city. "A lot of people think I'm a tour guide. I'm not. I just love to walk and thought others might, too. Everyone is welcome; bring your friends. It's free, just show up. says Farag.
The first six walks have all followed a certain basic formula that has resulted in new walkers showing up every week. Participants meet at 8 am in Tahrir Square in front of KFC, and leave shortly thereafter and follow the route set for the day, which could take them just about anywhere.
Every Friday morning has a different destination and routes. Some recent walks have visited all the areas up to and surrounding the Citadel, Shobra, Imbaba, and northern parts of Cairo.
While usually lasting two or three hours, Farag always leaves the door open to increase the time and length of the walks. The group truly caters to its members, giving them all decision-making power as to the pace, the distance, the time, and the precise routes by which to travel.
Appropriate dress code is sometimes called for when visiting more traditional and conservative neighborhoods, but all in all, the Cairo Walking Group is an open organization that seeks nothing but the enjoyment of a leisurely stroll.
"I want to make walking an experience, in order for people to see new things, get exercise, and meet new people says Farag.
Getting around Cairo on foot is not, after all, such an impossible idea to consider. Though still in its early stages, the Cairo Walking Group has high hopes for the future. With a website that is set to launch by April 20, facilitation and organization of the walks and the members will smooth the progress of the group's events both formal and informal. The walkers often go out for lunch, visit tourist sites, and take boat rides after ending their walk.
For additional information contact Muhammad Farag at: www.cairowalkinggroup.com or by email: [email protected].


Clic here to read the story from its source.