Al-Azhar Park

Back blip

Bb had a plan for his shot today that was to take us up to Al-Azhar park in the late afternoon. Our regular taxi driver, Jemmil, had other plans and kept saying there was a better view higher up, past the park, where you could see the Pyramids. So off we went, past the park. It took longer than 'just up there' though and we were beginning to wonder if he knew where he was going as we drove through the city's huge cemetery and litter-strewn street and kids in bare feet dodging the cars. We were getting nervous as the sun was setting quickly. We drove through a little area called 'Uptown Cairo', with the ubiquitous McDonalds and 24 hour Metro supermarket dominating the main square. Our destination was a sandy ledge with a very hazy (polluted) city view and with the Pyramids just in sight if you had the imagination of our driver. Not wanting to hurt Jemmil's feelings though, we dutifully got out the car and Bb took a few shots. The driver lit up his cigarette, inhaled deeply and stood back ready to enjoy his smoke and his city view. Two puffs later we were back in the car and heading downwards to the park, chasing the sun. 'Not like the view?' he asked. 'Yes, very good view, but better in the morning', replied Bb. Jemmil smiled, happy with this answer. 'Tomorrow morning, 6 o'clock?', he asked. 'Maybe tomorrow', came Bb's stock answer.

It didn't take us nearly so long to get back to the park. Bb set up his new Cairo-bought tripod at his chosen spot and he spent a lively few minutes nipping in and out of the shots, getting his blip. We could then relax a bit and wandered around the park, taking in all the families sitting out on sheets having picnics and more barefoot kids, but a different type to those we'd seen just an hour before. We noticed that despite all the greenery, the predominant colour was black, with the ladies black abayas standing out against the grass.

I'd been to the park myself before, but Bb was adamant that this was his first visit. This was definitely the first time we'd walked round the park, but I remember us taking a taxi to the restaurant at the highest point and having a drink on the terrace overlooking the park. Now, Bb has an excellent memory and I have vivid, detailed dreams so the jury's still out!

My blip's of the main walkway in the park, taken as we were leaving (I borrowed Bb's camera). There were still lots of people around and more arriving for an open air concert by a popular Egyptian singer.

The park, by the way, was a gift from Aga Khan and the building started in 1992 on the city's 500 year old rubbish dump.

In other news, my email account's still blocked and so we spent some time trying to make progress there this morning. We now have another reference number from Yahoo and are waiting for them to get in touch....

We returned to the fish restaurant Seagull for dinner. We're pleased we've found this place - very fresh fish from Alexandria, view of the Nile, no tourists, and a good price!