Buses: 3 blocks west of the southern end of Alexandria St. All these companies and more offer frequent service to Marsa Matrouh from Alexandria’s Rami Sq. and the Ramses Hilton bus station in Cairo. Blue buses run to and from Alexandria (6 per day, 7am-8pm, 5hr, LE10, with A/C LEI 5) and to Siwa (daily 7:30am and 3pm, 5hr., LE6; with A/C, Mon., Wed, and Sat. 4pm, 5hr., LE8). West Delta Co. buses depart from opposite the tourist office. To Cairo (with A/C, 8:30am. 3:30pm, 4:30pm, and 5:30pm, LE25) and Alexandria (with A/C. 9am, 3pm, and 4pm, LEI 5). Superjet buses depart from the same place to Cairo (with A/C, 3pm, 4-5hr., LE32) and Alexandria (with A/C 2:30pm, 3hr., LE20).

Service taxis: Opposite the bus station. Periodic departures to Alexandria (LE10) and Cairo (LEI5). Service to Matrouh depart from Ahmed Hilmi or Kolali Sq. in Cairo (both near Ramses Station), and Misr Station in Alexandria. Cheap and fast, but hard on the hackles.

Pharmacy: Said Lee Tohami Pharmacy, on the west side of Alexandria St., 8 blocks from the comiche (tel. 93 08 88). Sells electricity- and pheromone-oper-ated mosquito Death Stars (LE9). Open daily 8am-midnight; winter 8am-9pm.

Hospital: Military hospital on Galah St. (tel. 93 33 55), 3 blocks west of Alexandria St. Facilities aren’t impeccable-if possible seek treatment in Cairo.