is it wrong to drink water from a wine glass?

Frankly, I think not. As is evident from the current water recepticle fixed on my desk at the moment...

I'm back on Home Territory and although I have yet to get to the overlying task of the day I am back to Post, as the mood has struck and I am looking for distraction from the Council of Europe report on counterfeit meds.

It is a drab day today, but I actually don't mind at all, as I am sitting here in my cozy space with my feet up on the radiator (mmmmtoasty) staring out at a very autumn day. Someone once said that there is something romantic in the sadness of autumn, and I would have to agree. It's one of those days (although not too terribly chilly, I am still in flip-flops after all) where it's kind of rainy and you can smell the fallen leaves as they swirl around in the wind. The best part of these days is arriving home to a warm place (preferably with a fireplace, which at one time was a central fixture in a living room in a flat of days gone by) with delicious scents wafting from the kitchen. A pie. Yes, on days like this you want to come home to a pie baking, and I don't even LIKE pie. And let's face it the odds of me arriving home to a pie are about as likely as me actually baking one (ie NIL. OR NEGEN.or both) but I kind of wish there was one there.

I do hope that I can provide to my arriving guests tonight the 'gezellig' atmostphere I suppose I am nostalgic for myself. No pie, but there will be something on the stove, candles will be lit, warm beverages will be available, and hopefully good times are to be had.

*sigh* okay, counterfeit meds are calling...

temporarily displaced

Well, as I have been momentarily removed from my office in order to remedy some computer ailments, I am taking the opportunity to Blog a bit in the nostalgic comfort of the IPSF Office down the hall; birthplace of so many laughs and ideas and hard work and good times. Ahh to be last year again...

However, one not need go down the path already travelled, as there is much to behold in the path yet to be discovered, especially after this week. There was a very significant development with regards to job security the other day, and I am most...content...to know that the furthest displacement I will experience from my beloved office is down the hall, as I have been asked to remain for some time. I suppose not entirely unexpected, but most entirely appreciated, as although I was prepared to make the move to another venue/locale/way of life, I am so enjoying the work here, and am happy to stay. VIVE LA VIE EN EUROPE!

And so begins the hunt for an apartment, lest I allow myself to become a permanent fixture in the IPSF flat. I am anxious for a space of my own (preferably walled this time) with my own things and furniture that hasn't come from the street; with the space and time to Tae-Bo at any hour I see fit without bothering anyone and some empty cupboards to fill with things I plan to cart over from The 'Peg. OOOOOH to see my martini shaker again! HOW I have missed it so! Building a nest is most fun...

And tonight once again we will propagate social well-being with our dinner party. I am UBER excited to have everyone over! Even was up at 5am in order to fit in the workout and get to work early in order to leave in good time to get everything ready. That being said I wasn't sleeping much anyway after retiring at 1 but awakening to what I thought was the alarm at 3am, but was instead a barrage of SMS's from BH90210 freshly home from a party and eager to chit chat. So with approximately 3 hours sleep I bounded out of bed, caffeinated to the max, and started the day.

And, it has thus far been productive, save for this little computer take-over by Mr. Computerplan. Hmmmm, wonder if he's done yet, those FIP News (BANE of my time existence) words are not going to write themselves this month any more than they did any previous month that I have been Blogging about it.

IKEA-d

(ProBlog: Have just noticed that from its vantage point on my office wall my coveted autographed birthday Keane poster is getting extremely faded in the sun...must find new spot for it at first opportunity)

Spent a more than lovely evening last night with delightful people wandering through the vast expanse of the Delft IKEA, dreaming of the day when home furnishings are not merely a fantasy and trying to check things off The List that were most immediate; namely the 20 or so votive holders on order from Bride-To-Be and fabulous friend Siyao in Winnipeg. Didn't so so badly but still am without frames for many photos, and the ones I did manage to find were too big for the photos I have. ZUT ALORS! BOB L'EPONGE! Many thanks to H for the delivery service to and fro in the uber-grand-off-road-capacity-curb-jumping-economy-car-crushing SUV (fit for Action Man I would even venture!) without whom I am sure I would still be lugging stuff back.

The night ended well enough with good conversation amongst good friends. Of course I feel quite dismayed that much of it was spent on me, well, viturally complaining, you could say, to those who really should be spared. But as usual the goodness and concern of those present were more that what was deserved by yours truly, but also as usual, most wholeheartedly appreciated. However sleep was elusive most of the night and thoughts were zipping through my head like free-basing bees, making the heart and stomach bottom out, on more than one issue.

The end of the week should prove to be schwack with good times, methinks. Received sms from BH 90210 Porto Wedding Date regarding possible dinner tomorrow night (although am feeling very worrisome about situation with B as said individual is extreme-o busy and I fear that I have become quite the pain in the a**, which isn't exactly the goal; quite the opposite...*sigh* this never gets any easier) and in the spirit of wanting to repay the hospitality so frequently shown to both of us, Tana and I are hosting a small dinner party, where we have promised to cook actual food on a stove and use REAL eating tools like PLATES! And FORKS! We have planned a simple yet hopefully lekker meal and I am anxious to have everyone over. I anticipate many laughs, and really, what is more important?

And then...time to start planning for the trip back West to the land of trees and rocks and rocks and trees and water...and maple syrup. I wonder how many breakfast/lunch/coffee/drinks/dinner dates I can manage to fit it this time...ahh it's tough... ; )

PS I have yet to devote a Post to the Sushi Jammies...mmmm and you thought the toaster was a fabulous potential purchase....

TER, HAVER, TU, VOCE, em/em/en/um/uns ARRGH Portuguese frustration ensues

I have discovered that it is a definite challenge to learn a language from a book. Although this could in part be due to some overzealousness on my part by trying to learn a week's worth of lessons in one afternoon. I can't imagine English is any easier for the untrained, but these masculine/feminine/singular/plural/formal/informal pronouns (and the associated pronounciation of verb conjugations) were driving me mad. As well as Tana I am sure who had to endure me trying to say said words for quite some time yesterday afternoon. Maybe if I play the cd while I'm sleeping I could subconsciously absorb it all...this is only to get more confusing once I start my Dutch lessons.

The weekend was punctuated by a very good Saturday. Tana and I were on Mission Wedding Dress: Seek and Try On and we found one for her that is virtually perfect; that is, it makes her look the absolute picture of "wedding" - radiant! So now it's decision time for her. The day did not end there my friends, oh no, it was then off to the perfect accoutrement to Saturday Shopping; the Saturday lunch! I have become quite familiar with this very hip Stella's-esque cafe called Crunch that has become a favourite, if only for their grilled toast. Mmmm....here we go with toast again.

Off to IKEA tomorrow with a BIG list of "must haves" including the special order from Siyao for her wedding. Somehow I have become an accomplice to all these weddings...yay for me as it could be a step in the right direction of that Event Planner career I've been hankering for...

Hmm must jet back to work...5000 FIP words by Friday needed...

I SMELL BURNT TOAST!

(ProBlog: Will this title be yet another far gone North American joke that will be lost on the masses? *sigh* Two weeks 'til I visit the Homeland where people understand where I'm coming from, or at least laugh politely even if they don't ; )

I don't know if it is because I have a tentatively planned trip to IKEA, the modern day pinnacle of affordable Swedish design, but thoughts today have turned to home furnishings. Every time I go to Paris I go to the same little boutique and stare at the same toaster. It is a lovely toaster, perhaps the funkiest toaster in the history of toaster manufacturing...and I love it so. I go in, stare, wonder how it would look in the kitchen...push imaginary toast down....spring imaginary toast up. And then history has dictated that I walk way, still wondering if the toast would taste any better coming from this marvelous little number. I mean I don't even EAT toast really, but it makes me want to eat toast. I have no idea why I have yet to buy it, I mean it's not going to break the bank, and Lord knows I'm not one to forego "luxury" goods should they increase the aesthetics of a room, and not to mention become a great conversation piece. And I mean it's not even a luxury, or an extra - I don't own a toaster. In the oven under the grill for MY toast. Judge for yourself:

www.pylones.com/produit.php?pid=118&num=5

I guess I just have the shopping bug today and am UBER stoked to have a shopping and dinner date with Tana tonight!! YAH! Girls night on the TOWN! OK it's in The Hague, but we take what we can get. I have wedding presents and a birthday prezzie to buy and I know exactly what they're going to be and I'm SO excited to give them! I LOVE giving presents I know people will love!! It is definitely just as good as getting presents. BETTER! I get all jittery and excited and I just want them to rip open the paper! PLUS I'd like to think I pick hot stuff, so then THEY get hot stuff and everyone is happy.

Case in point. I have always said that the Portuguese make smoking look like an art form, especially the (gay) men. I mean move over Orlando, these fine specimens could grace the cover of Cigar Aficionado ANY day. So for one said example of the above I have chosen the most hip personal cigar ashtray. It fits in the palm of your hand so you can walk around at parties. FABULOUS! And will be a perfect accessory, to, well, him!

(Not that as a pharmacist I'm condoning tobacco use of any sort [they made me say that] but if you saw him, you'd agree)

An hour of Tae Bo combined with forgotten lunch does not bode well for concentration. There is a box of cookies in the office kitchen..NO...MUST...RE...SIST...MUST...GO...ON....Maybe I should try to make some toast hehehehe.

The BossMan Cometh

Just had an almost 2 hour meeting with The Boss. Nothing too Earth shattering, your basic Congress de-briefing and hash out of the 6 page Congress Report I submitted. All good, all good. Some small talk about future plans...must say I was very pleased with the way it all went, and mostly with myself for being as cooool as cucumber. All bodes well, methinks. Walk softly and carry good English grammar, is all I can say.

Now, however, motivation has dipped and I am very much looking forward to blowing this popstand and heading back to the ranch for a good old fashioned TV Night. Wedesday...hmmm. No promises of anything of quality (is there ever?) amidst the dodgy Dutchness of the TV here but frankly to stare blankly at a lit electronic device seems rather relaxing. Except if it's The Weakest Link. That woman on there grinds on everyone. OH like SHE would know all the answers if she didn't have them sitting right in front of her. Just like Alex Trebek on Jeapardy (I'll take SWORDS for 500 Alex. Hehehehe this ones for you Meghan). But who am I kidding. I will be multi-tasking the night away with Portuguese lessons and TV and the latest issue of In Style that I can't seem to put down.

Mmm interesting Post today, n'est pas?

Kind of a little...discouraged. Was hoping to receive correspondence from someone who could be the link to many future developments...but did not. Frankly I was hoping to hear back from numerous people today about almost every manner of work and play, yet the quintessential "bling" of email arrivals has been quite silent. Oh save for that one from some bank in India that claims they want to give ME a share of the 30 million euros left unclaimed by the death of some Arabian oil Sheik. WOW REALLY?? ME?? Yes please.

I can legetimately leave in 10 minutes, but considering I have occupied 10 minutes writing this Post that would technically mean I would be leaving 10 minutes early. *sigh* why don't I just bog down for another half and hour and cover all bases...definitely enough to keep me occupied...

shortcomings

(ProBlog: This title was actually used for an episode of Sex and the City which featured Valerie Harper as the mother of one of Carrie's boyfriends. It, erm, had much different connotations than I will employ it for here...)

I was on the bus this morning (which my very good Canadian friend Lesley describes as the Loser Cruiser, but nonetheless a necessity for those without personal automated transport) and there was a women beside me who was SO TALL her waist literally came up to the bottom of my shoulder. I was AMAZED and found my self staring at her with wonder, myself considered to be quite vertically challenged by most. Then I think she got creeped out so I diverted my attention to Scapa Sport Guy, a welcome regular on the LC who is always decked out in Scapa. Usually has great shoes too.

I also had to laugh today, well, personal chuckle to my Canadian self, as the mornings have become a little chilly but generally lead to a pleasant enough afternoon. It was about 14 degrees this AM and there I was still sporting the cute strappy sandals and people around me were wearing DOWN filled ski jackets! *gasp* I was mocking them on the inside. Mwaa ha ha Evil Myr emerges. But really, I mean a ski jacket at 14 degrees? That's a downright balmy autumn day where I come from, and worth temporarily chilly toes to keep wearing the summer footwear (with 6 months of below zero, snowy weather in Winnipeg you take all the chances you can get).

I have just downloaded some recent pics of my trip to Paris with Sylvia. I have tried to place a silly favourite here but the photo uplaod Blog feature seems continually WHACKED. We had so much fun taking these shots...and they're all back from Porto tonight so it's dinner at Helga's, ALWAYS fun!

Well time to launch into some real work (read: go get breakfast and sift through yesterday's unanswered emails). Going to be a good day I think.

ALONE IN THE OFFICE!!

COMPELTELY! Not one single other person here - ZUT ALORS I just heard the door. BOB L'EPONGE is it IMPOSSBILE to get some Myr-time in ANY of the places I need to live and work??!!?!?! AARRGGH. Will keep door closed today in a subtle attempt to appear anti-social...so not like me, but felt necessary at the moment.

I was shocked to see that it is in fact Septmeber 19th. How? Where did all this time go? Oh right...different country every two weeks since April. I am very content with the fact, however, that I still have sandals on my feet and will continue to do so until the weather renders it temperaturely uncomfortable to continue in such a manner. I imagine by the time I leave for Canada the Sandal Days of 2005 will be long gone. Sad, but leaves the door WIDE open for Boot Shopping Autumn 2005. Mwaa ha ha ha, LOVE it!

I had to chuckle - when asking Gonzo what the weather will be like in Barcelona when I visit he said "cold, winter". Upon personal investigation I find that the average temp at the time is 16 DEGREES!! THAT'S SUMMER where I come from!! Bring back the SANDALS! I'm so excited to go there. I know..said it before. Will most likely say it again.

OK time to get to work...someone needs a photo of the Big JP ASAP....

mission not so much accomplished

Hmm, well, it's Sunday morning now. Awoke at 07h30, couldn't get back to sleep so got up and did some yoga (needed a break from Tae Bo, three days in a row and my body was staging a measurable protest). I suppose that's better than yesterday when I woke up at 05h45 and tossed and turned until deciding to just get up and get on with the day. Maybe I am incapable of sleeping longer than 6 hours at a time. Maybe I need to medicate more, hehehehe.
The weekend was filled with pleasant enough thoughts - spoke to The Girls back home and we have officially booked a Spa Day one day prior to the wedding! Mani, pedi, facial, assorted waxing (not so pleasant) and culminating with something called The Water Journey, which promises to exfoliate away all forms of full body skin impurity with various scrubs, showers, massages and aromatic oils. Ahhhhh I am relishing in its magnificence already. Not only will this make me all shiny and buff for the Winnipeg wedding but will be most appropriate preparations for the following weekend, when I jet to Portugal for yet another wedding with a recruited date resembling a Beverly Hills 90210 cast member (in age AND beauty) and where the weekend has the promise of many, many good times, as Rodrigo will be on retainer for all forms of Porto entertainment.
After learning that I will not be relieved from work until December 23, and after several extremely frustrating conversations involving unsuccessfully trying to convince the parental units to make the trip overseas for the Holidays, I have almost wholeheartedly made the decision not to return to Canada for Christmas. AND, I am excited about it! For 27 years it has been the same thing over and over, and now with the prospect of spending this (supposed to be) exciting time in a new place with different people I am remembering how one is supposed to feel at that time - all warm and gooey inside! And not just because of the Christmas sweets. I have a few options available, we wll see what materialises, but perhaps I will go back to Porto. It will be another great chance to see Gonzo and Rodrigo again as well, and Pedro and Rita for their first married Christmas, and perhaps meet Teresa's family. Although the fear of imposing is great and I will have to see how feasible this is for all invovled.

I have quite a lot of shopping to do, but cannot for certain say I will overcome the inertia that has rooted me on the couch with a soft blankie. Grumble grumble..if these stores were open later during the week save for just one night it would make shopping much more convenient. Nothing of urgency, except for a b-day present that must be sent to Barcelona by 1 Oct., so I suppose I can fall victim to the couch for today.

trying to get lost in work

As of Wednesday, I have returned to work, and must say am very...comfortable to have done so. So many things I wanted to make note of and document; tasks that have been left by the wayside all summer to tackle; extra hours to put in to stock up on time off for upcoming travel (because I simply don't do that enough!).

Other than that, am trying also to occupy the mind with work tasks so as to not have it wander into fields of thought that are at the moment the propogator of all forms of worry, doubt, tension, angst, skepticism...etc etc, not to mention a little sadness, mostly of missing people. It has been a long time since the ache of missing people has been present, meaning I suppose that it has been a long time since I have been around those that are meaningful enough to me to cause a palpable sadness with their absence. Which, I suppose, is a good thing - the addition of good people to the life list of connections can only be positive.

And it seems as though Autumn has descended - it's chillier, the leaves are falling, and darkness has taken over my waking hours, making it more and more difficult to get up for Tae Bo at the right time. But I have much to look forward to over the coming months - back to Canada, back to Porto, and, of which I have become most excited about, BACK to Barcelona!! This just a recent development of yesterday, after deciding I needed to celebrate my Half Birthday with a most cherished friend. Will be wonderful to see the city again too.

I think I really need to seriously catch up on some sleep. Perhaps this weekend I can at least manage to be semi-conscious for enough time to rejuvenate some enthusiasm.

beacoup des cafe cremes, mais encore tres fatiguee

En route back to Den Haag after 2 exhausting but fun days in Paris. Sylvia and I walked for 10 hours yesterday and 5 today, basically shopped the city on foot. Save for a few new additions to the jewelry collection, mon amie was much more successful with the purchase and acquisition of goods. Guess I will wait until back in the 'Peg to stock up the fall wardrobe.
Tiredness breeds sentimentality, I have found, and after receiving some very funny and heartfelt emails today, I am missing my Cairo "people" most dearly...

from Giza to Eiffel in 24 hours

Sitting on the train to Paris with Sylvia, so very happy we are able to take this little break and tick off the wish to visit Paris together. No rushing, no appointments, no pressure, just enjoyment. Mostly in the form of crepes, brie, and the evening view of La Tour.
I have gained much from the past two weeks: time in a new country-a new continent in fact, exprience in the trenches of an FIP Congress, the magic of celebrating with the best of friends, old and new, in the shadow of the pyramids...unforgettable really. Makes me think of how fortunate I have been in the places and people that I have crossed paths with. To me, I could not be more successful.

checking out of cairo

*sigh* stuck in a frustratingly inefficient line at 0200 at the Cairo airport. The overwhelming sadness of leaving good friends behind is once again present... I have decided that watching people close to you wave goodbye from the taxi window is one of the hardest things you can do. Cairo was...lifely significant, if you will, and how my life will change because if it will be the discovery of the next little while. Full story to follow...

reflexions

ProBlog: After thid Congress, this word, spelled just like that, will always have a very interesting connotation; one that requires entirely too much energy to explain at the moment...
Well, the Congress is over, culminating in an event last night at the pyramids, which I can only describe as absolutely awe inspring. They really are a wonder.
But the week was challenging and fulfilling all at once.That's not to say a fantastically cathartic cry wasn't well satisfying last night..more to follow...

the out of Bubble experience...cont'd

okay so where was I? Oh yes...the tasty treats...

I do realize that I have had a very secluded time here in Egypt, but from what I have seen, I am thoroughly enjoying it. Will report again after the trip to the centre of the city (which has, including all suburbs, 25 MILLION people) on Friday.

There are several funny stories to relate. Although the service here has been excellent in the Bubble it would seem as though cultural standards have prevented much of this effort to be transferred over to Beverage Services. The running joke is that you can order whichever drink you would like, but you never know what you're going to get, unless it's beer. For example, the first night I ordered an Ameretto Sour (which was even on the menu, not some crazy cocktail demnd on my part!) and got first grapefruit juice, sent that back to get a gin and tonic, and sent that back to get I don't even know what. When the server asked me how it was I said ok but still not what I had really ordered...then he says they don't have Ameretto. Then, there is a most amazing poolside bar here and we generally go every night. They make the best Daquiries if you can manage to overcome the language barrier and make it known what you want. So my Canadian partner in crime Lesley and I ordered fresh fruit daquiries (from a new waiter on the team, seemingly) to be met with looks of pure incomprehension....fresh fruit daquiries, we say, with fruit and rum and point to the menu. He asked, what kind? We say, fresh fruit. The man, half an hour later, comes over with...(wait for it...) cups of FRUIT SALAD!!! I almost had fell out of my chair laughing, the whole table just erupted quietly so as not to offend the guy who was really doing his best.

My press room is buzzing...must go investigate again...

i have left the Bubble, and i have loved it!!

Ahhh after yesterday, which can only be described as a sheer, utter, no holds barred GONG SHOW (GONNNGGG!!! although all well ending and extremely successful....despite a new flaring ulcer on my side), and after 3 consecutive receptions for various FIP (FIPly Important People, ha ha) personalities, I had the chance to leave the Bubble and to to the Congress Welcome Reception, and I am SO thankful I did!

It was a most beautiful night, and we arrived at a park that had an amazing view of the Citadel. I so wished my camera took better night photos (and in the case of last night had working batteries, or just worked in general...problems on that front) because I was mesmerized by the views of the city and the lights that were shining from the various mosques and monuments around Cairo, and all of the dance performances that were going on all night. It made for an incredible view to have the citadel as a back drop for the stage performances. Not to mention the deliciously warm - but not too warm - weather, the fresh air and of course fun people....good times!!

Now, from the beginning of this trip my friends and colleagues have been giving me the gears about the "Mobile Pharmacy" and my dedication to taking prophylactic stomach meds, but they're not laughing so much NOW as I am pretty much the ONLY one that has not been severely gastroinestinally compromised in one way or another. There is a waiting list for my bottles of Pepto-Bismol. That being said it seems to be the food at this 5-star palace that is the culprit, as at the reception last night we were in the middle of a park eating the MOST delicious food from vendors, and all is well.

On that note the food last night was SO INCREDIBLE! Traditional Egyptian dishes, of which I of course forget the name, but we went from stall to stall and ate ourselves silly. I have not been so full yet on this trip. Lots of flavour oils with vegetables and pasta type dishes, flatbreads and falafel of course, and a whole shwack load of other things that made our mouths water. A favourite was freshly squished guava puree...MMM TASTY!

I have several very very funny stories to relate as well, but the Press Room is calling and I must jet for the time being....

the real cairo is calling

ProBlog - Cairo pics already online at www.myrz-pics.smugmug.com!

Ahhh after days of trying to manage "internetically" from the BlackBerry I am finally back online and able to Blog properly (with less typos, hopefully!), coming to you live from my SUPER HOT Press Room at the FIP Congress Cairo.

It has been a busy busy hectic couple of days here with some now alleviated disasters that took place yesterday, and a few less "might as well just pack it in and go home now" ones today. I really, abslutely LOVE my Press Room!! Okay, it's not exactly the epitome of sleek modern minimilstic design but its plush and comfy and SWANK! And it's also quite exciting to be running the Press Room with all of the journalists coming in and out and the activity and hustle and bustle. The good kind, not the kind behind the counter in the dispensary ; )

I have not unfortunately left the bubble of the hotel and mall yet but I am very much looking forward to, which I will have the opp to to tomorrow night on our Nile Cruise! I can't wait to see the "real" Cario, away from the 5-Stars of the Bubble (DON'T get me wrong, I am SO LOVING THE BUBBLE!!) and into what the city is all about. Why bother coming otherwise? And everyone who has visited the pyramids and the Bazaar are raving about it. Pure Egypt, and I imagine in stark contrast to my current surroundings.

The students and staff have been incredible and have far surpassed all of our expectations; everyone bending over backwards to fulfill every need and wish. It's actually a little but much sometimes! The only thing that has been two thumbs down has been the food - have had 2 staff dinners which were very meat and butter filled which of course are totally not my bag, baby. The most interesting dish was this wobbely solidified milk dessert with a maraschino cherry on top that was deservedly likened to a silicon breast implant.

But all is well and I am enjoying a few moments of serenity before we really launch into things tomorrow. I even had a call from Australia which was EVER so delightful...good times with the TWINS! Hehehehe. And, of course, I am relishing and wholeheartedly enjoying catching up with Gonzo and Rodri and everyone else from New Orleans, and my IPSF crew, which is needless to say!

Alrighty, back to work for me. It is odd to be sitting here in the Press Room completely alone (sent my "staff" for lunch...heeheehee I have STAFF!!) when I know what is about to unfold...

egyptian oasis - part deux

Seems as though the BB only allows a certain amount of lines per post...
Anyhoo, I am so looking forward to seeing more of this country, as + have learned to judge my initial instincts of the places I visit.
The trip here was fraught with delay and engine dysfunction (EEP!)but we finally made it here at 05:30, 13 hours after we set out. Weariness abounds, but the excitement of Congress grew today and I am eager to perform well.
And let me just say my Press Room ROCKS!!! AARGH the BB is cutting me off...

egyptian oasis

As I have 20 minutes of repose in the midst of this already hectic time, I thought I would send thru a little note from me and my mobile technology (which has finally lost the plastic screen shield, for those taking a vested interest. ; ) from the beautiful poolside view of the hotel, which is one of the most beautiful I have ever had the utmost pleasure of staying in. Haven't seen anything else of Cairo yet, but despite the many things I have been told I like the prelinary vibe here, palpable instantly.