|
When Fram &
Cubs go to Khan el-Khalili Souk
 As
it was our last night of freedom before the madness of the
coming days, my ‘personal assistant’, AKA Tamer – see my
from one World to the Next – took Cubs and myself to the Khan
el-Khalili Souk, one of Cairo's main attractions for tourists
and Egyptians alike.
This souk is placed in the heart of the Islamic District of
Cairo, in a zone delimitated by Al-Azhar and Al-Hakim
Mosques, the two doors Bab Al-Futuh (Conquest Door) and
Bab An-Nasr (Victory Door), dating I’m told from the time
where Cairo was still Al-Qahira (end of the 11th century).
It’s a superb and endless labyrinth of narrow lanes and little
squares, full of shops, cafés, mini-restaurants, life, music and
happy crowd – I was delighted to see so many ladies in there,
traditional and more modernised looking happily mixing.
One kind of shops attracted my attention as it was the first
time I ever saw them, that's my story and I'll stick to it. It’s
a kind of “sexy shop” if you pardon my expression, made for
Belly Dancers, and some more “home sweet home” use, as Tamer
described them.
“Ah, for married ladies” I say, trying to be as subtle as I can.
“Not always” he smiles…
Tamer bless his guide/organiser’s heart, then took us to one of
the most famous cafés in Egypt, called El-Fishawy,
dating from 1773! I found a great article about it’s history,
have a read, it’s rather interesting.
 We
had a Tea with Mint, which is one of my favourite drinks
when I relax, without realising that’s
actually their specialty! It was a bit on the strong side though,
next time I’ll ask for some hot water...
We stayed there a little while, enjoying the music and very
specific atmosphere, with market sellers coming one after the
other to propose to you different items. What makes it even
better is that they do not insist. They propose, you say thank
you no, and they go. I like.
Off we went after that, having a nice meal outside in one of the
coffee in front of one of the Mosque – don’t ask me which one,
not a clue, what do you think I am, the Tourism Board – and it
was one of those simple meals, served with kindness, and smile,
and I enjoyed every minute of it. The weather was a bit chilly,
it’s winter here too, but so nice.
Time to go back, calm before the storm that was. World Champs,
here we come…
 |
 |
