Don't Blink

In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.

Deepak Chopra, Indian doctor and author (1946- )

Yes, I'm back in the concrete and metal jungle of Cairo; the jungle that doesn't echo with bird calls (except those from cell phones) but throbs with the cacophony of a million horns, sirens and people shouting. Whew. The air is heavy as overhead clouds cast a pale grey haze over everything and hold down the bad air making it hard to breath. Perhaps it is the weather, but the friends that I have re-connected with also seem to have a grey cast to them. They look older and weary. But don't blink in the midst of this chaos because you'll miss moments of beauty and calm as a roadside vendor smiles down at his sons, surrounded by a display of gorgeous artichokes.

And as five lanes of cars jockey in a four-lane roadway, don't blink or you'll miss a flash of refreshing oranges and sweet bananas. Ah Cairo: a city of a million facets, all unique. This evening a wise friend advised me that in the face of all that surrounds us it's imperative to maintain inner peace. I recall the Time Traveller also advising that the calmest place is to set oneself at the very centre of chaos. So here I am.