Maadi

Yay, up to date with blips again and so all my back blips are on.

Bb had been invited to attend a coaching event tonight by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) in the area of Maadi, Cairo, so we headed off there at lunchtime to make it a bit of a day out. It's only about 30 mins by car from Dokki and Zamelek, but it has a very different feel to it - quieter, greener, less chaotic and caters for the expats and middle class Egyptians with lots of street cafes and restaurants with outside areas and little shops. There are international schools there too, which is another attraction for families. I wanted to go to the CSA (Community Services Association) just out of curiosity as I'd heard the arts and crafts were interesting. I was very tempted by an old Egyptian tiger stone ring, but resisted. I really don't need another ring! We did buy some Egyptian cotton sheets and pillowcases though - lovely cotton and very good value compared to Europe. Also, a handpainted bottle/vase, which of course we definitely needed and then some blingy Ramadan flashing lights....when in Rome and all that. Oh, and a few colourful Ramadan knick-knacks as little gifts. Nice lunch in the same place as we ate on our last two visits here (Mermaid) and before we knew it it was time for Bb to get to the hotel for the evening coaching event. I was quite happy to hang around the hotel by that stage too. Back home now. Neither of us are hungry enough for dinner and I need a good night's sleep to be ready for our assessor's visit tomorrow.