Love Letter to Cairo
Once upon a time, I shared a home with three incredible girls, I was senior editor of Enigma Magazine, Egypt's leading fashion/lifestyle publication and, to top it all off, I got to walk out on to a balcony every single morning to the view of one of the wonders of the ancient world.
No matter where I get to visit or where I’ve gotten to live, Cairo is still the only place on earth that feels as much like home as Montreal does.
🇪🇬❤️🇨🇦
It’s the land of chaos and kindness, where history meets your footsteps and your sight at every turn, and where the people you meet will leave the deepest of imprints in your memories. Egyptians truly are some of the most hospitable and generous people you will ever know. For all of you putting Cairo and Egypt on your destination list, know that it will truly be the trip of a lifetime.
I spent almost four years living in Cairo. I moved there for work and though it was my first time away from home, I never felt homesick. In fact, I am homesick for Egypt more than any place I have ever been to.
I may have started off terrified to cross Gameat el Dewal (even with a group!) or gotten lost multiple times in the Khan … but complete strangers helped me eventually master crossing it alone and not only did I get to my know way around the Khan’s maze of magical alleys but found many of its hidden gems. Over the years, I got to know some of the merchants who not only insisted on tea, but often just wanted to chat even if they knew I wasn’t buying from them that day. To this day, I wonder how some of them are doing and if their sons and daughters are running their stores now.
Egypt has truly blessed me with amazing memories and I’m so grateful I got to see beyond the Pyramids, the Nile, Luxor, and Aswan. I had the chance to work for two magazines and lived in Zamalek, Maadi, Manial, and Mohandiseen. I loved every moment of it and had the most incredible colleagues who warmly welcomed me into their homes. I miss being able to escape to Alex with them, get away to Gouna, Agami and North Coast, have a desert trip or spend holidays along the shores of Bawaki, Sharm and Dahab.
As for the food, the molokhia is terribly missed – no one makes it like an Egyptian mom or grandmother. Though I do have to say, I may be better off without immediate access to Om Ali. (Too many trips were made to El Malky for it to be acceptable!) I’m jealous of those who can get koushari whenever they want or can pick up and go to Deals or Abou El Sid on a whim.
I speak of all the places I got to experience, but the most magical part of Egypt is its people. I am a journalist who has traveled extensively and lived in many countries, but I have never felt more at home in a foreign land. I have never been invited into more homes, nor met with such warmth and hospitality. Many people I encountered are, to this day, some of my most cherished friends.
Today, Egyptian music is still constantly on my playlist and I speak of Egypt to whoever will give me a moment. To anyone worried about safety and security, I explain how, even as a woman, I have never felt safer in a country where I was a foreigner.
Egypt, its people, and their kindness are imprinted on my soul. A big part of my heart belongs to Egypt and the friends who made it home for me.
I am forever grateful that I got to call home a place that so many people dream of visiting, where the Pyramids were the backdrop to my life and Egyptians were my extended family.
