We had a wonderful time today with one of our staff members who live here in Alex with her husband and two daughters. They have a beach cabin on the Mediterranean Sea in Muntazza (the former home of the last king of Egypt). They have owned the cabin since 1959. Her husband is a well-known surgeon and also a prominent member of the University Medical Administration in Alex. It is hard to describe the graciousness and hospitality that they show us. The conversations were so interesting – to learn about the culture and history of Egypt and Alex. The doctor is very well traveled, having been to most countries of the world (including the US) and offers great insight with world events.
We swam for a little while at a private beach at the club – the water was very warm and choppy again so it was not advised to go out very far. After swimming we went to the “Le Prince” sea food restaurant for what we thought was going to be a light lunch. Instead it turned out to be a banquet – breads, oysters, octopus, two other types of fish, potatoes, vegetables, lemonade and ice cream (to help us digest our meal). All the fish is freshly caught each day – and the service was impeccable.
After lunch we went back to the cabin and visited with the staff person and the daughter we have met previously in the week. The doctor had to leave to go to his clinic. We spent the next three hours learning more about the fascinating culture and history of Egypt. We are finding that there is a great tolerance for differences here – people respect others who may have differing opinions and beliefs and work with them. There is a real focus on what is similar with people and not what is different. You might say the emphasis is on what your strengths are and not your weaknesses. We had an interesting discussion about style of dress for women. It seems that younger women are becoming more traditional in the dress. The daughter who teaches at the University says she is often the only woman in the classroom who is not veiled.
The drive home was a little less hectic today, we must have hit a good time in the day. We did see an interesting sight as we came up a one-way street with cars parked on both sides, we met a man driving a donkey cart filled with watermelon going the wrong way!
Again we marvel at the graciousness of our hosts and hope that somehow we can repay them for their kindness.
