Farewell, Cairo

Once again, our stay has coincided with a significant political event, the referendum on amending the constitution that will embed Sisi as president until, at least, 2030, as well as conferring a save-the-state-at-all-costs role on the army, plus giving the president full control over the judiciary who, as we all know, are meant to, independently, hold his executive branch to account.

Our farewell to the place included a round of embraces and, in some cases, delight-creation. Everyone in yesterday's blip was ecstatic when I delivered a printed copy to each of them today . . . the manager even gave us complementary coffees! The hotel chappie who mans the x-ray machine, which protects the entrance to the café, kissed me on both cheeks when I pressed a note into his hand. The bowabs/doormen of our building were equally pleased with our 'thank you' for all services rendered in the last seven weeks. I missed Ayman, our driver, but left a bag of goodies for him and his family in Cilantro Café including sufficient to ensure lamb on the table at the start and end of Ramadan.

I'm aware of the saying that 'the Egyptian can see into your pockets' but am prepared to suspend disbelief, for a multitude of reasons. We take the risk of being seen as soft-touches but we do it with our eyes open and cling to the hope that what we perceive as genuine relationships are just that. Time will tell!

Until then, farewell, Cairo and all who live in you!

PS
The photo is taken in Talaat Harb Square, Downtown, Cairo today.