#15729 Escaping the Singing Camels of Khan al-Khalili, Egypt

For over 500 years, Khan al-Khalili has been the beating heart of commerce in Islamic Cairo. Nowadays, the lifeblood of the capillary-like maze of alleyways is tourism, and the wily vendors all hold black-belts in haggling. If the menagerie of singing camels and alabaster ashtrays proves too much, head west along Muski street for a more authentic market experience. The cramped alleys pulse to the beat of the bargaining, stacks of colourful clothing spilling on to the street. This assault on your senses is merely a prelude, as the bazaar flows in to the shock and awe of Ataba: a seething ocean of humanity, engaged in an endless game of hide and seek with the goods on offer. If you can name it, you can buy it—the fun part is trying to find it!