European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - January 28, 1993, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Rot spots locals enjoy a Day at Cleopatra Beach. By Craig Martin staff writer one of Egypt s lesser known cities lies about 160 Miles from Alexandria and is becoming a favorite off the beaten track spot for Winter vacations. Mersa Madruh is on a Mediterranean Lagoon protected by a Chain of rocks. Although beaches in Alexandria Over the years have become polluted with Oil and Are lined with debris this series of rocks forms a natural wave breaker to protect the 4 i mile stretch of Beach and make it a Safe swimming area for tourists. Antony dallied with Cleopatra at this City from her Palace it is said she dispatched her Fleet against Augustus. Following his Victory at Actium in 31 b.c., Augustus is said to have spent some time Here having heard of the Beauty of the town and the Healing properties of the climate. The town has a population of 60,000 and accommodates More than 100,000 summer tourists mostly egyptians. Its Mersa Madruh where Cleopatra dallied Rommel Laid plans and visitors bask nearby beaches Are considered to be some of the most Beautiful in the world. Located some two Miles West of town on the Seaward Side of a spit of land that forms another Lagoon is Cleopatra Beach. Here the coastline is a mass of Roc columns and promontories gnarled and eroded from centuries of pounding by the sea. One of these outcropping Cleopatra s Bath has been hollowed out forming a natural Basin of Crystal Dearwater. Two carved tunnels allow seawater to flow in and out. Legend has it that Egypt s last Queen herself bathed in this hot spot the Lee of this Headland can be reached either by car or by a Sailboat ferry near the Beau site hotel. Rommel s Cave is located on the Eastern Edge of town and can be found by following the main Street that runs East and West. The Cave Hen in Rock is where German Field marshal Erwin Rommel Drew up plans for his military operations in the african desert. The Cave has been turned into a museum that opened Irv 1977. In 1978, Rommel s son Manfred Rommel the lord mayor of Stuttgart Germany donated several of his father s maps and clothing for display. Beyond the Cave and around the Bend to the East is Rommel s Beach noted for its excellent snorkelling. Snork eting amps photos by Ken George equipment is available for rental at a nominal fee. You can get to Mersa Madruh by train bus or air. You can take a train ride from Cairo to Alexandria for about $9 for a first class seat then take a bus into Mersa Madruh. Taking the train to Mersa Madruh is not recommended since there Are no first class seats and the journey from Alexandria can take up to six hours because of All the stops. Vehicle travel takes about three hours from Alexandria and seven hours from Cairo. Express buses run from Cairo directly to Mersa Madruh leaving from Tahir Square. Buses also run from Alexandria cab and bus fare from Alexandria to Mersa Madruh Range from $45 to $70. Hotel prices Range from $33 to $43 daily for a double. Several hotels Are located on the Beach and Are not heavily booked during the Winter months. In recent months several attacks have been made on tourists. These attacks have primarily occurred in the Southern Region. Fishermen Battle the surf a and each other a As they attempt to catch the Day s dinner. 8 stripes Magazine january 28, 1993