Life's a Gas on Cleopatra Street

 

The Time Traveller and I strolled down Cleopatra Street to visit with a friend who is opening her own mercantile venture -- which shows hope for the future of Egypt. Along the way I caught sight of another beautiful old door to add to my collection.

But there was much more excitement as the street rang with the sound of rolling butagas canisters. Kids had fun helping their mom.

 Women came in twos down the street trying to keep their canisters rolling in a straight line.

 Others hauled away their canisters on their shoulder, on bicycles, and on donkey carts.

Finally, we came to the alley leading to the butagas distribution center. A shipment must have just come in and it appeared from the crowd that it had been long awaited. I don't think I exaggerate to say that 99% of all Egyptian stoves run on gas and only some Cairene homes have natural gas connections so these butagas canisters feed millions daily.