Farewells

The first big farewell. Mahmoud. First a student and now a friend. Two years ago he couldn't understand me, let alone carry out a conversation in English, now we can chatter away for hours.

He's been a good, kind, helpful and loyal friend and will be missed. We enjoyed dinner at the Nile Ritz Carlton after a less than impressive afternoon tea recently. Well looked after and I think Mahmoud will buddy up with our waiter to help him with his English.

My wish for Mahmoud is that he achieves his dream to get a much better paying job, preferably somewhere else. He epitomises the best of the Egyptian men; respectful and fun. And his polite request for a farewell hug was happily granted.

So many tell me I'm Egyptian now and I'll return. He's one, of no doubt many reasons to do so.