Country Afternoon

Kelly caught the farmers going about their daily chores in the countryside in this lovely shot.

Georgia O'Keefe Would Love These

While on a ride out in the desert, we cut back home through the area fondly known as the Boneyard...a place where the Antiquities Department at Sakkara dumps excavation debris. You never know what you'll find there. This time there was a row of four canine skulls neatly lined up on an old plank of wood in the sand. They could be dogs; they could be jackals. We had no way of knowing. Kelly got the shot.

Woman And Goat

This is simply one of the most lovely photos I've ever seen of our village women. Kelly went out for a walk along one of our riding trails one afternoon and in one cluster of homes, the children and women all asked for their photos to be taken. As soon as my knees are better I'm heading out to deliver copies of the pictures to the women and children as Kelly printed them before she left.

Sufi Dancing

Since I'm still somewhat housebound I'm taking advantage of some marvelous photos that a houseguest, Kelly Anderson of New Zealand, took while visiting for six weeks. This is one that she got one evening when she went to see the sufi dancing at El Taz palace in Hussein. This is a free performance every Wednesday evening in a restored Mameluke palace in the Khan el Khalili area.

Wekelat el Balah

Although the name refers to dates, the area is known for fabrics of every possible type. Do you need to reupholster your sofa? You can go to the upscale fabric shops in Maadi or Zamalek, or you can come here and probably find the same fabric for half the price. It's magic.

Jog Dogs

A while back a running addict friend of mine was staying with me and we went out into the desert so that she could run and I could take photos. It was NOT during the summer. Misu, the terrier who seems to be suspended in the air, was not like that because of hot feet.

Fabric Textures

My housekeeper in her tie dyed galabeya is hanging tablecloths in the back garden. The blue one is printed with traditional patterns from the tentmaker's trade. The green and yellow one behind is a local batik.

The Wet Look

You are driving along a country road and parked on the side of the road are the reddest peaches and the most golden apricots you've ever seen. They don't just speak to you...they shout. Unfortunately, the fruit may not be the only thing shouting at some point since you can't guarantee what they've been washed in. That's when a nice clorox rinse comes in handy.

The Pause That Refreshed.

These plain wooden bench sofas are common in gardens in the countryside. They are usually wide and long enough to double as a bed with a cotton mattress as well. The Coca Cola? Ubiquitous.

Motorcycle Built For Three

The boom in motorcycle sales has given rise to a huge increase of pretty amazing photos and also whispered prayers as we drive along.