The first day of my summer vacation of 1999 was spent road-tripping to Egypt’s once glistening summer gem, Al-Maamoura. In Al-Maamoura, summer mornings meant soaking in the broad sun-stoned beaches, and nights meant gazing at the summer moonlight—all soft and fair. It is a place of nostalgia, now overshadowed by lack of upkeep. Al-Maamoura meant the days of simple pleasures—a place that is never forgotten. To many Egyptians, it was famous for its corniche walks, bicycle rentals, grilled corn—which had a poignant smell— Al-Maamoura amusement park, and its once-iconic open beach cinema. The place is dotted with memories, but unfortunately, Al-Maamoura is far less frequented than before. “We used to vacation at Al-Maamoura as a family when I was young, some of my oldest memories include renting bikes at the corniche, it was a must,” explains senior social media specialist Eman Selim. “One of the most unforgettable aspects about Al-Maamoura was the friendships we made there, which lasted all summer long.” In its heyday, Al-Maamoura was frequented by those who chose to escape from bustling Cairo and its sweltering heat. It hosted a wide range of people—from celebrities to political…
