Cairo Vistas

The journey of discovery begins not with new vistas but with having new eyes with which to behold them.

Marcel Proust, French author (1871–1922)

My final day in Egypt had me running about the nation's capital. It was memorable for losing (and then finding) my cell phone; having a lovely conversation with Dr. Zahi surrounded by three rooms full of books; standing alongside the packed Al-Azhar street waiting for my taxi while the muezzin called the Shiite faithful to celebrate the birthday of Hussein, and watching live coverage of the Coptic faithful saying their final goodbyes to their father and guide, Pope Shenouda. I was surprised to see banners honouring the pope in the midst of the Khan el Khalili. Perhaps Coptic vendors are responsible, but people of both faiths are genuinely sad at his passing.

One of my favourite Cairo vistas is the view of a series of minarets near Mohamed Ali's Citadel. It is a city that throbs, overwhelms, and fascinates. Farewell, Umm el Dune-ya ("Mother of the World") until we meet again.