Here is Cairo , and in Cairo , there are no words , no poetry , and no prose and there is none of the expression arts can express my feelings . In the presence of the mother , there must be politeness and obedience . In the presence of the queen , all people crowd to see her and offer flowers . In the presence of the beloved , there will be shyness and stuttering . In the presence of Cairo I need another language to accommodate my feelings , I need a new means of expression more expressive than singing to enable me to describe the new free Egypt .

Today is the celebration of Cairo's fortieth thousands anniversary . Despite the passage of ten centuries , Cairo is still very beautiful city and still attracts visitors from all over the world . Since my boyhood , Cairo for me was the magic world that attracted me in every single minute , in my dreams and also my daydreams .

It's the huge city of magic and games that appeals to your childhood with its beautiful clothes , games and candy . It's the big journey and a great discovery for the innocent child who travels for his first time .

When I was young starting my first steps in my career , I used to travel from my country in Delta to Cairo every day . I used to travel by train at 6 and twenty am to reach Cairo as early as I can . Every morning I used to have my breakfast at a small restaurant , then visit the daily national journals ; Al - Ahram , Al – Akhbar and Al – Gomhoria , and present my works . In the end of the day I used to go back in the same weary way of traveling back by train . Some times when I was So tired that I couldn't travel back to my country , I used to sleep in a three stars hotel in Al – fagala street , take a room with a small bed and a classic big window from which the noise of the big city prevents me from sleeping .

After years , the enchanted kid was finely enabled to catch a star , finely I was enabled to buy an apartment in Cairo . In that day I almost fly from joy , not joy for having an apartment , but the joy was for having an apartment in Cairo . Although the apartment wasn't finished yet at this time , I rested on the floor and slept like a king , I slept as I did never sleep before .

I always remember a poem I had studied when I was so young , this poem praises the great city of Cairo .

Cairo has a special magic known for only its lovers . The Egyptian great capital city is full of buildings , cars , people , and a great history every where . Some people can't see the beauty of Cairo , they only consider it as a crowded city . I see that Cairo gathers all different civilizations and cultures , it is the source of freedom , and it’s our home that always has a place for every one .

In Cairo , there are great buildings that were built on the French style . When you see these buildings you will feel as if you are in pairs . And also there are very long buildings that make you feel as if you are standing before skyscrapers in Manhattan or New Jersey . And also there are simple buildings , old ones , and narrow streets that full of kind people .

Beauty , crowd , and some time mess give Cairo unique and special features that give you a different impression only felt there in Cairo . The noise of cars , people , singers , peddlers all combine to give you a popular tone that will never make you feel homesick any more .

 There are a lot of beautiful cities , but when visiting them , soon you feel bored and lonely . Cairo is characterized by being the most interesting city , you can never find it boring . In every single street you feel a different experience and have a different impression .

Every single street in Cairo has a special effect on you . It gives you a different impression . Every street has for example cafes and its features , the newspaper vendor who sells hundreds of news papers and magazines , stores and shops ; etc . Every single street has a special taste that you only feel in Cairo .

Cairo , the wonderful capital , always receives its visitors and welcomes them even if it was suffering great pain because of deep problems lasted for hundreds of years .

Cairo , the free city , gives and gives and never feels despair . It faces despair with hope and kindness . Cairo is the concrete principles that don’t change unlike seasons . Years pass after another and Cairo is still beautiful , calm , crowd , welcoming and some times cruel and hard . It's the same with its buildings , neighborhoods , and simple houses .

If you take your camera and wonder in Cairo streets you will find thousands of shots that deserve to be taken . There are so many beautiful cities around the world but they are like a plastic rose ; cold and lifeless . On the other hand , there are simple cities but bubbles with life and beauty .

Cairo is not the capital of oil or gas , it is not the capital of money or the stock markets . But it is a rich city ; rich of history , geography and cultural heritage that extends for more than thousand years .

Every thing in Cairo is rich even if you see one feature of poverty or neediness . It was always the city of poets , writers , musicians , artists , creators , and researchers for the real wealth and freedom .

Despite these long years that turned the young boy into an adult man who has experiences in life , this young boy still lives inside me looking forward Cairo the city of stars and magic .