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].
