Last week we celebrated Sham El Nessime. Basically, Sham El Nessime welcomes spring. Translated, it means "smelling the breeze." Egyptians spend the day out with family and friends, enjoying a salted fish, Ringa (seen on the right) and another type of fish called Faseekh, which has a heavy smell, like rotten fish. I myself, eat Ringa, which is what we in America call sardines or kippers. I pass on the faseekh. The day can be spent with family at our clubs here in Cairo, on a felluca cruising the nile, or at a cafe. It really doesn't matter as long as your enjoying the day outside. Emad and I went to Hurghada during this Eid, and I enjoyed my time there very much. I love upper Egypt more than the north coast. I wouldn't mind retiring in this area. Hurghada is a small city located on the Red Sea. One can live, work and enjoy the sea at the same time. I still have Ringa in my fridge, which I am sure we will be snacking on for the next 3 weeks.The thing about Sham El Nessime is that we never really have a spring here. We go from winter to summer here in Egypt, with some sand and dust storms thrown in the middle. One can always be assured to enjoy all the tastes and textures of Sham El Nessime in Egypt, rotten fish and all.

Until next time,

A Woman of Egypt