Six weeks in Cairo with an AIESEC project

About AIESEC:

For almost seventy years, since it was founded in the aftermath of World War II, AIESEC has been offering students the opportunity to develop their skills and shape their personalities in order to become the leaders the world needs. This journey has been made possible through a constant connection among AIESEC members worldwide, creating a strong network of communication and mutual support that goes far beyond cultural borders.

AIESEC is a global, non-political, and not-for-profit youth organization founded in 1948 by a group of young Europeans from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. Its foundations were deeply influenced by the social, political, and economic climate of that time. The original vision was to build a worldwide network that aspired to peace and the fulfillment of humankind’s potential, allowing young people everywhere to grow, learn, and develop their personalities in a peaceful environment while becoming the best version of themselves.

Today, AIESEC is present on every continent, with 126 national committees and more than 70,000 members around the globe. What began as a post-war dream has grown into a living, breathing movement driven by young people who believe in leadership, cultural exchange, and positive global impact.

This is why I am going to Cairo. Just like the AIESEC project I completed in Brazil during the autumn university semester, this spring I will be starting a new adventure. I will be joining an entrepreneurial project in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, working with VL Hospitality and Investment. It is another step in my personal journey with AIESEC, another chance to learn, to contribute, and to experience the world through a different perspective.

DAY 1 – Tuesday 26.02.2019

My flight from Milan to Cairo departed at 13:40 and landed at 18:30. At the airport, Martin, an AIESEC member, was waiting to pick me up. I had originally chosen the King Hotel in downtown Cairo, hoping to be surrounded by the city’s true energy and everyday life. Instead, I was taken to the Travelholic Hostel in New Cairo. The decision was made for practical reasons, as New Cairo is cleaner, safer, and more modern, and in that sense they were absolutely right. Still, part of me wished I could have stayed downtown, closer to the raw atmosphere of Egypt, where the city feels louder, warmer, and more alive. Unfortunately, that experience would have to wait.

DAY 2 – Wednesday 27.02.2019

” The view from the last floor of the Hostel “

DAY 3 – Thursday 28.02.2019
I woke up early the next morning and spent some time socializing with my roommate, Ness, who is from Tunisia. Together, we went to Cairo Festival Mall, where the modern side of the city revealed itself through wide spaces, familiar brands, and a slower rhythm than I had expected. In the afternoon, I attended my first AIESEC reunion in Nasr City, finally meeting the people behind the project and feeling that sense of connection that comes from being part of a global community. Later that evening, we headed to Khan el-Khalili, where we stopped for dessert among narrow streets, glowing lights, and the constant buzz of voices and movement. By the time we returned to the hostel, I was exhausted but grateful, already feeling that Cairo was beginning to leave its mark on me.

DAY 4 – Friday 01.03.2019

“Pyramids view with camels and horse”

Around 9 a.m., I went to the bus stop and we headed toward Giza. Standing in front of the Pyramids for the first time felt surreal, as if history suddenly became tangible. I entered the largest one, Cheops, and although it was an experience unlike any other, the inside was not as breathtaking as I had imagined. After climbing endless stairs in intense heat, the magic slowly gave way to exhaustion. Still, being there was something I will never forget. Afterward, we walked farther away to find a better viewpoint, the kind you often see in photos, where all the Pyramids line up perfectly against the horizon. From there, we walked down toward the Sphinx, closing the day with one of the most iconic symbols of Egypt watching over us in silence.

“AIESEC group in front of the biggest pyramid”

DAY 5 – Saturday 02.03.2019

” Alexandria view from the Citadel “

We left Cairo early on Saturday morning at 8 a.m., and I shared an Uber from my hostel to the bus stop with my friends from Bangladesh. About two hours later, we arrived in Alexandria, where the air felt different and the Mediterranean immediately gave the city a calmer, more open atmosphere. Our first stop was the Qaitbay Citadel, where we spent about an hour exploring and enjoying the incredible views over the city and the sea. From there, Alexandria unfolded beneath us in a way that felt both historic and alive. We then visited the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, spending another hour inside. Although I appreciated its modern design and cultural importance, it was not my favorite place in the city. Later, we took a lunch break in downtown Alexandria, allowing ourselves a moment to slow down and recharge. As the day came to an end, we made our final stop at Stanley Bridge just in time for sunset. Watching the sky change colors over the water felt like the perfect closing scene before we headed back to Cairo, tired but full of memories from a long and beautiful day.

DAY 6 – Sunday 03.03.2019

( Office at: VL Hospitality & Investment )

First day at work at the company VL Hospitaly & Investment in Nasr City, actually just visit the company.

DAY 7 – Monday 04.03.2019

” The view up to the Ritz Carlton Nile “

The next morning, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., I focused on work, settling into a routine that balanced productivity with the excitement of being in a new city. In the late afternoon, I headed to the Ritz-Carlton by the Nile to enjoy one of the best views in Cairo. Sitting there, watching the river flow while the city moved endlessly around it, felt like a quiet pause in the middle of the chaos, a moment to reflect on everything I had experienced so far.

DAY 8 – Tuesday 05.03.2019

After a morning at work, I made a quick stop at the supermarket to pick up a few essentials before heading back to the hostel.

DAY 9 – Wednesday 06.03.2019

” At the Egyptian museum with my hostelmates “

I woke up early in the morning and took a Careem with my hostel mates from Bangladesh to visit the Egyptian Museum. Exploring the museum, surrounded by ancient artifacts and the stories they hold, was truly captivating. For lunch, we stopped at Kazaz to enjoy some traditional Egyptian food, a flavorful and comforting experience. In the afternoon, we wandered through Khan el-Khalili, buying a few souvenirs and taking pictures of the vibrant streets and bustling market life. By the evening, we returned to the hostel, tired but full of new memories from another unforgettable day in Cairo.

DAY 10 – Thursday 07.03.2019

( The most famous egyptian dish is the Koshari )

The morning was spent at the hostel, relaxing and getting ready for the day ahead. Later, I went with my hostel mates to Cairo Festival Mall and then to Rehab City, exploring shops and picking up souvenirs and a few essentials along the way. In the evening, we enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant in Rehab City, sharing laughs and stories before heading back to the hostel to rest.

WEEKEND ALONE IN CAIRO DOWNTOWN BOOKING A ROOM Friday & Saturday March 2019

DAY 11- Friday 08.03.2019

( View from the Nile tower )

I woke up in the morning and called an Uber to head downtown to the Four Seasons for breakfast, enjoying a relaxed start to the day. Afterward, I checked in at the Galaxy Hotel Cairo and took some time to rest. I still remember booking a smoking room or maybe all the rooms allowed it but either way, I was able to enjoy a smoke in the privacy of my bedroom. Later, I took another Uber to the Grand Nile Tower to watch the sunset, a perfect way to see the city bathed in golden light. For dinner, I stayed close to the hotel at the Nile Lounge, enjoying a calm evening by the river before heading back to my room to sleep.

DAY 12 – Saturday 09.03.2019

( Mohamed Ali Palace )

I woke up early in the morning and took a careful walk through the streets, capturing pictures along the way since photography has always been a passion of mine. The city slowly came to life as I made my way to the Mohamed Ali Palace, enjoying its stunning architecture and the calm of the early hours. After exploring the palace, I walked back to the hotel, taking in the city’s sights and sounds along the way. Once back, I checked out and headed to the Sofitel for a relaxing glass of wine, giving myself a moment to reflect on the trip. In the evening, I returned to the hostel, feeling content and ready to rest after another full day of discovering Cairo.

DAY 13 Sunday 10.03.2019

” The view from the last floor of the Hostel “

After a day of work, I returned to the hostel and spent the evening watching the sunset with my hostel mates. The sky over Cairo turned golden and warm, and sharing that simple, beautiful moment with friends made the day feel complete.

DAY 14 Monday 11.03.2019

Work and then Hostel.

DAY 15 Tuesday 12.03.2019

” Reahb City “

I woke up, got dressed for work, and called an Uber, but before heading in, I stopped at McDonald’s for a quick breakfast. I ended up arriving a little late, around 11 a.m., and worked until 4 p.m. After finishing, I went to Costa Coffee in Rehab City to relax for a while, enjoying a calm moment to recharge after a busy day.

DAY 16 Wednesday 13.03.2019

” Mohamed Ali mosque “

I woke up early with my roommate Ness and our hostel mates from Bangladesh and India, and together we set out to visit the Mohamed Ali Mosque and the Sultan Hassan Mosque. The grandeur of the architecture and the peaceful atmosphere of the mosques made the morning truly memorable. For lunch, we all went together to Kasas Restaurant in downtown Cairo, enjoying traditional dishes and sharing stories from our morning adventure. Afterward, we returned to the hostel, tired but happy from a day full of exploration and new experiences.

DAY 17 Thursday 14.03.2019

” Three pools, Dahab “

I spent the day at the hostel, relaxing with my roommate and enjoying a quiet day while eating food delivered to our room. At 9 p.m., I took an Uber to the bus station to join the rest of the AIESEC group for our journey to Dahab. The overnight bus ride was absolutely uncomfortable, but after nearly 600 kilometers, we finally arrived in Dahab at 8:30 a.m.

I traveled with the same group I had been with in Giza and Alexandria, though my hostel mates from Bangladesh had already left. It was a lively and diverse group, full of energy and different perspectives, with Italians, Germans, Greeks, Brazilians, Indians, and Kenyans all sharing the adventure together.

DAY 18 Friday 15.03.2019

” Blu Lagoon, Dahab “

Breakfast next to the sea with amazing view and check in at the Dahab Bay Hotel and relax till 12 am  I went to explore and take some pic around the coast. Then with the own bus we went to lagoon, take the bath there, and come back for the lunch at 6 pm.

Then we went in the Dahab down town in the Main Street full of markets and restaurant than back again in the Hotel for dinner it was Pizza ( I think the worst that I eat in my life ) and finally sleep.

DAY 19 Saturday 16.03.2019

” Quad tour at the three pools, Dahab “

We wake up in the morning, had a breakfast and then went to the 3 pools this day was too cold and too windy so I just walk around without taking a bath.

At 2 am we did the a quad tour and then we had a lunch there and we come back in the hotel for relax and dinner and then with own bus we went in Sharm el Shaik we visit the main mosque of Mustafa and then we went for clubbing at Little Buddha and then we come back in the hotel around 5 am.

DAY 20 Sunday 17.03.2019

” The Hole blue, Dahab “

Breakfast in the morning at the Hotel,  then Hole blue for snorkeling and was amazing really super amazing experience, then come back home for relax and dinner and at 10 pm we left with own bus to St.Catherina and at 3 am start our walking to the Sinai mountain to se the sun rise at 5:50.

Day 21 Monday 18.03.2019

” At Sinai mountain “

After the sunrise we went down we stopped in St. Catherina to visit the church and then straight to the bus that we leave around 10 am and we arrived in Cairo at 4 pm, fortunately the bus leave in New Cairo so I just called an Uber I arrived at home shower and sleep.

DAY 22 Tuesday 19.03.2019

I spent all day at home relax and chill all day I oreder at home the delivery food from KFC at home and then I just went out in the evening for a Tinder date at the tap East bar, where I’ve been before with my collegue but that was the Tap west ( in the opposite side of Cairo ).

We had a dinner together and we drinks few cocktail finally and I slept in the place of this person, super resintential area of Cairo.

DAY 23 Wednesday 20.03.2019

” Ibn Tulun Mosque, Cairo “

Woke up a bit in hangover, I took Uber to my Hostel I did a shower and then i called Uber again to the Ramses central station of Cairo to buy the way back train ticket froma Aswan to Cairo for Sunday, 14 hours of train in the first class around 6€definately cheap.

Then I went to the Ibn tulun Mosque the last Mosque that I wanted visit in Cairo, later home, do all the lugagge, then I went to the LULU Hypermarket I had a dinner at McDonald and I bought few staff for the night in the bus. At 11 pm departure to’ Luxor from the bus station as usual, with the same group as Dahab trip.

DAY 24 Thursday 21.03.2019

” Me at Hatshepsut temple, Luxor “

Wake in the morning in Luxor do the check in in the Nile cruise Valley of the kings, and then we wnet at the Hatshepsut temple where we visit three tombs and then at 2 pm lunch and chill on the deck of the cruise and take the bath in the swimming pool, for the rest of the day and have dinner there all together.

DAY 25 Friday 22.03.2019

” At the Karnak temple, Luxor “

Woke up at 7 am, 7:30 breakfast on the cruise then visit the Karnak temple and then walk around Luxor city and at 1:30 lunch and leave the boat to Edfo, so spend again the afternoon on the boat chilling on the deck, and dinner all together.

DAY 26 Saturday 23.03.2019

” At the Kom Ombo temple, Aswan “

Morning breakfast at 8 am, we didn’t woke for visit the Efo temple so we just get up to the deck and take the sun, lunch all together and then at 4 pm visit the Kom Ombo temple, and in the evening spend the night together on the deck drinking wine as it was my last night.

DAY 27 Sunday 24.03.2019

” Ramses train station, Cairo “

Woke up at 6 am with our guide that from the port of Aswan called a taxi for me to the train station. I took the train at 7:30 am and I arrived in Cairo at 9 pm more less and the from the train I took the Uber to my Hostel and I went immediately to sleep.

DAY 28 Monday 25. 03.2019

Woke up at 5 am prepare everythings call Uber to the airport my flight was at 9:05 am flight to Milan Malpensa with AirItaly, the same company as I arrived.