Making The Promise

Last night one of my grooms got engaged. His fiancee has been to university apparently. The engagement party was held in the neighbouring village of Abu Sir and involved a gift of jewelry worth several thousand Egyptian pounds to the prospective bride followed by dancing and general celebration.

Old Symbols For New Beauty

Egypt means antiquities, pyramids, camels and sand to many people. But it is a very modern nation and Cairo has some amazing artists here. Azza Fahmy designs jewelry, while her sister Randa designs some exquisite brass work. I have two of Randa's lamps in my home. You can see more of Azza Fahmy's work online at her website.

A Thing Of Beauty

One of the things associated with Egypt is the discovery of pharoanic gold. Some of it, like the mask or the coffin of King Tut are stunning both in the workmanship and in the sheer quantity. Others like this necklace are simply beautiful.