I hate these update posts
The fact that I'm only now writing about what happened two weekends ago says a great deal about last week.
...
The fact that I wrote that first sentence 5 days ago says a lot about this week too. So, before it becomes three weekends ago, on with the story!
Thursday night was one of those nights that spiraled out of control into something completely unexpected; Leaving work I got an invite to join Luke, Komal and Komal's friend Paula from Kenya at Chili's for dinner - being in Cairo I'm not really one for pursuing American dining experiences - not when delicious Egyptian dining experiences are a fuul stand away - but decided to join them for the company. After eating my weight in chips and burger we were joined by Kent and Purvi and headed over the river for a relaxing felucca ride before walking the girls back to Paula's hotel - the Nile Hilton. Things were said; things like "rooftop bar" and "expense account". A few hours and several mohitos later, Kent, Luke and I staggered back to the apartment to drink what booze we had and watch Dave Chappelle. Sadly all we had was a bottle of chili pepper vodka, with an actual chili in it. The name of the brand was Absolvent - you know, solvent, as in paint thinner - and it certainly lived up to its name.
Sadly, a couple of nights later a curtain was drawn on a renowned Egyptian experience as Kent made his way home to Canada after a champagne toast on the Nile. It's not often that you get to meet someone that's found such a great balance in experiencing a foreign culture; able to laugh off the downsides while integrating so much with the surroundings. I'm not sure how many other Westeners could come to somewhere like Cairo and run street barbecues, be mistaken for an Egyptian on the phone and generally be the main besha for so many people. But our loss is Azerbaijan's gain, as Kent lives the dream and moves on to the next adventure. As always, safe travels mate.

1 Comments:
Enta ya basha, wallahi.
I'm glad I could turn the "basha-ness" over to such willing participants.
Keep dominating the streets, man. I have no doubt you'll get into the basha-ship in no time.
Post a Comment
<< Home