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....