Richard J. Hilton

Cairo Diary: Farewell

Sunday 9th January 2011

Today was my last day in Egypt. Many attempts were made at packing and re-packing. My large suitcase was not sufficient and was complemented by one of two hand-luggage-sized suitcases of Seif’s which, fortuitously, required return to England. But then another shopping trip happened. Ahmad collected me after lunch and took me around the Khan el-Khalili markets, which had already been visited on previous occasions (yesterday, and previously with Adam). This was a more fruitful shopping expedition, resulting in the procurement of a fine fabric quilt depicting the “Throne” verse from the Qu’ran (which the vendor was reluctant to sell me as it was essentially his portfolio piece – his attempts to sell me a cheaper, less fine piece were fruitless), two galabiyas (ankle-length robes worn my many Egyptian men), and a fish-leather-bound notebook (a graduation gift for my housemate back in Durham).­­­­

On return there were several more rounds of re-packing before coming to the conclusion that the second of the two hand-luggage cases would be required if my personal effects were to be successfully returned home.

Unfortunately the planned Felucca ride on the Nile never quite materialised, so a small group (Ahmad, Yasmine, Jennifer, Christian and myself) celebrated my impending departure at a seedy and decidedly average restaurant called the Greek Club. We headed back to the house at a sociable hour in order that I could bid Nevine goodbye before her retiring to bed. In just a few hours I would be bidding Egypt a fond farewell.

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Cairo Diary: Khan el Khalili
Saturday 8th January 2011

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Cairo Diary: Homeward Bound (and a stark realisation)
Monday 10th January 2011