After lunch we headed to the Moroccan Konooz, a neat little store in one of the neighborhoods across the river from the hotel. We spent nearly 2 hours here looking at the very unique items in the store. Several of us bought items – it is a nice place to pick up unusual gifts and other household furnishings (lamps, chests, stools, coffee tables, etc) Items that you would have a very hard time finding in the Midwest.
We hopped onto a taxi and headed for the great Khan el Khalili. The Khan has been at the crossroads of trade between the west and the east for hundreds of years. Our first stop was at a shop where we purchased a hand painted papyrus that we are going to have matted and framed. One of the staff did this last year and it really looked nice. Of course you had to bargain in order to get a “deal”. The shop owner started out at 400 LE and we stood firm at 75 LE, each few minutes he would drop to his “final price” and stress how it was hand painted upstairs by his grandfather. As we were walking out, he caught up to us 10 to 15 feet from the store and finally agreed to sell it for 75, stressing that if we came back to be sure and stop in as we were now friends. Interestingly enough as we were leaving the area two hours later, he spotted us and came out of his store to wave and say good by to us!
The key to shopping in the Kahn is ALWAYS haggle - NEVER pay the first price quoted to you - wait until no one is around, act disinterested, walk away. If you really don't want it, you'll get it very cheap. If they can tell you want it, they of course want more money. Acting skills are quite valuable, but remember- Egyptians are really good at reading sincerity. You will hear “Let me help you spend your money!!” and “I have just what you are looking for.” Most of the shopkeepers will back off if you tell them no – not today.
The next place we went to was a very nice glass shop with all kinds of glassware and ornaments. This has been a favorite for Schutz staff for several years and the owner is very kind and accommodating. He has his prices and will not bargain but instead will offer little extras if you purchase. He has sold some items in the US and any craft or department type store would do very will with his line of goods.
As we were leaving the Kahn, we had to walk out a different way because there was a large demonstration and march going on. This demonstration blocked traffic for several minutes, making it very difficult to get cabs to go back to the hotel. We are not sure why the demonstration was taking place but we felt it was wise to not be seen nearby.
After shopping we went out for supper at La Bodega Supper Club, one of the nicer restaurants in the Zmalek area of Cairo. We had a 4 course meal that lasted nearly 3 hours. The service was very good and the food was fantastic. Meals are very social events and unlike American eating places, the staff wait until you request the check before they bring it. As we left, the staff who served us along with the manager lined up to say goodbye and wish us a good evening.
Saturday morning we had a wonderful buffet breakfast at the top of the hotel overlooking the Nile. The view was breathtaking. After eating we decided to walk along the Nile and take a few photos. We stopped in front of one building that had some armed guards and tried to take picture of the building – but were told that it was not permissible. They are quite adamant that no photos be taken of certain locations in Cairo. After the walk, we went to the Egyptian National Museum and toured a portion of it. Again pictures are not allowed inside so we could only take a few of the exterior. It is quite extensive and we probably only saw one floor. It is so fascinating to see all of the artifacts that they have on display. The crowd at the exhibit was quite cosmopolitan as there were people from many different nations there.
As the time neared to catch the train back to Alex, Pat and I took the metro (alone this time) back to the railroad station to meet up with the others who had went shopping. There were a couple of people who helped us to make sure we got on the right subway car. Every where we went in the city, people were very helpful to us – this in a city of over 16 million. So many say hello and of course some are wanting to offer things to buy or rides in their taxis- but when they see you are a little confused or bewildered, someone is quick to offer you help.
The ride on the train back to Alex allowed us some time again to look out over the rural area. Harvests are taking place with some crops. All is hand labor and as we have mentioned before, it is like going back in time to watch them work. Most of those we saw probably rarely, if ever, ride the “fast train” and may not ride in too many motorized vehicles.
It was nice to get back home tonight to Alex where in spite of a population of 6 million seems much less hectic and calmer than the hustle and bustle of Cairo. Oh yes, we made it back in time to listen to the Hawks beat up on the Illini!
