We walk to see the Nile at sunset and then catch a taxi to Khan Al Kallili souk. A rabbit-warren of men and women hanging out and window-shopping. Most of the stuff (all junk) is for the women and so they at least must get a spending allowance. There are no tourists here, or very few, this is all for the locals. Everything is garish and cheap. So many suitcases on offer that we think they must be planning one mass exodus for the city. Masses and masses of flip-flops, shoes, women and children’s clothing, bedding materials, plastic beads. No one seems to buying anything, at least not compared to the inventory on offer. We wonder how long this cheap stuff is kept at home anyway before it makes its way to the landfill.
We get invited into one of the local mosques (5 E Pounds baksheesh), have to remove our shoes (One E Pound baksheesh to get them back from the shoe-minder) and I ask if I can use their toilet. I am told I have to go barefoot but then fail to understand that I am supposed to use one of several pairs of flip flops conveniently left around. At least there are water taps provided so you can wash your feet. Two E Pounds baksheesh.
At dinner I notice the “Viagra Salad” for 22 E Pounds. Christine won’t let me order it.
No comments:
Post a Comment