Shoppers Paradise

In the "Islamic Area" of Cairo, there is more than beautiful Mosques, a cemetery where enough people now live to call it the 'city of the dead' and incredible views over the whole of cairo (if the smog lifts!!).....there is also a major opportunity to spend up BIG time! I began my spending spree in a place where, I am so exceptionally sad to say, we were the only tourists...the Tentmakers street. This is where men sit creating the most stunning cushion covers & quilts using the appliqué technique. Nirvana for textile oriented people! In every little stall I could have bought numerous items, it was so hard to restrain myself!! As it was I bought more cushion covers than I needed & managed to drag J1 into see one mans exhibition of work, from which we had a...gulp...more serious spend! These artisans are an endangered species & have recently been promoted by Australian Quilt artist, Jenny Bowker, who organized an exhibition of their best work in the UK. These men were so proud to have been involved in this exercise, & took every chance to show us newspaper clippings about their work. It was extremely agonizing to have so much CHOICE & & I know I will spend a few sleepless nights wondering whether I made the right decision!!! After a reviving drink & meze in a coffee shop in the nearby Khan il Khalili, I proceeded to check out the alabaster, brass & jewelry stores! It was a financially depleting day, but...oh my...so much FUN!!!!!