Travel: Ancient meets modern in Cairo

Canada.com

Sprawling east and west from the Nile's banks, the city seems to be struggling with the challenge of integrating a 6,000-year-old culture with 21st century technology and lifestyle.

"The contrast between modern and ancient Egypt is on display everywhere in Cairo," says Britton. "The Great Pyramid is surrounded by fast-food eateries and a KFC franchise sits across from the Sphinx."

Both the Pyramids and Sphinx lie smack in the middle of this ancient city on the Giza Plateau and the Sakkar complex. In the next few years, King Tut's treasure trove will move here from the old Egyptian Museum on Tahir Street.

Flooded with immigrants from the countryside, Cairo's population has tripled in the past half century.

Today, it exceeds 16 million. Add to that tens of thousands of tourists, the constant noise and traffic, and for the average tourist it can all be a little too much.

"Just crossing the street is an unnerving exercise that requires chutzpa, perfect timing and a sense of humour," says Britton.

Perhaps only more daunting than crossing eight lanes of traffic, moving at record-breaking speeds, is bartering at the local bazaar.