Our walks to and from the Nile these last two days have brought us through many blocks of this city, past countless stores and shops which occupy the first floors of most buildings. We must have been near the fashion district, for we passed a surprising number of clothing stores in our forays, mostly dedicated to the female persuasion but intermixed with those for men and children as well. We found these former stores puzzling, for their wares belie the conservative public attire of all women here, most of whom wear a head covering be it the more commonplace scarf (Hijab) which leaves the face visible or the rarer and more encompassing Niqab, through which only the eyes can peer. Many men wear western attire but we have seen a good number in full length robes.
Our interactions with locals encountered during our wanderings have followed a similar pattern, which we hope to not repeat now that we have identified the symptoms. First they ask where we are from, followed by some explanation of how they also have a tie to America. This introduction frequently comes after some sort of assistance offered, such as directing us when to cross a busy street. If they figure out what we are looking for (such as the Nile, or food) they suggest a route, and accompany us to make sure we go the right way. This path inevitably leads past a shop of theirs of some sort, which we are encouraged to enter just to look around. Not being completely naive, we have not yet fallen so far into the trap as to actually enter one of these innocuous looking lairs.
The guy we met yesterday on our way to dinner from the Museum was particularly devious, and I did not see the trap until it was nearly sprung. He asked us whether we would like his business card (for his art gallery), which seemed pretty harmless. Of course he did not have any cards on him, but we were conveniently close to his gallery (walking that direction to find food at his suggestion) so that he could fetch some as we passed. By the time it was evident that we were to follow him inside, we knew what was going on and continued on our journey.
A cat with her kitten living in the lobby of our Cairo Airbnb apartment building. We have seen many fine Egyptian cats and several dogs here so far.
If you guys don't come back with a set of full length robes to parade around Charleston in, I will be very disappointed. I think those would be a hit, especially at Stella Maris. Additionally, I think a good way to deal with those people trying to sell you things would be to come up with some scheme to sell to them. That would surely do the trick.
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