The Red Sea

Cairo's summers are plagued by such extreme temperatures that most of the city's privileged class flee the heat and find deliverance on the sandy edges of the Red Sea. Kasey, Bosaina, and I endured the swelter of Cairo for a day and a half before Bosaina, our lovely Egyptian hostess, insisted we join the exodus.


Since departure times aren't exactly guaranteed in Egypt, Bosaina got us up very very early so that we wait around for a very very long time for our flight to Hurghada. When we finally boarded the plane, Kasey and I immediately pulled out our flight nap gear - standard procedure for us, but Bosaina thought it was hilarious.


Should we decide we'd like to drive back to Cairo...


A glimpse of the Red Sea from Bosaina's cousin's backyard.



Sunshine girls, Kasey and Bosaina, taking a break in the shade.


Me with Egypt's accessory de rigueur . . . even on the beach.


Ha! Evidence of globalization: a margarita, pizza, and a hookah pipe on a lounge chair.


Waiting for our turn on the "molecule," a off-balance inflated tube pulled by a speed boat. Supposedly kid stuff, but we were traumatized by the harrowing ride that finished when we were flung into the painfully salty water.



Arabian Nights.

Unearthing Egypt

I know my foray into Egypt was months back, but I promised I'd eventually share a few bits and pieces of the trip with you, and that day has arrived! Consider these memories from the barely bearable heat of the Giza pyramids as a way of adding some warmth to your day as we plunge into the frigid temperatures of deep fall.


Um, how do you say, "I'd like one ticket please" in Arabic? Thankfully! Bosaina knows!



Yoshi tangling with the temperamental camel Kasey has been assigned to ride.



Yep, just Kasey and me. In Egypt. In front of pyramids. On camels - named Moses and Michael Jackson (the temperamental one).



Young Mohammad: "I have to lead you two?"



Me waiting for my camel to go from kneeling to standing position - perhaps the roughest part of the ride!


Kasey "leaning back" per instruction, as we head downhill . . .



Bosaina opted for the chariot.



A younger, far-more-expert young camel rider in front of a Giza pyramid.

The Joy of a Press Pass: (Inspiring) Free Art


As seen on a handkerchief embroidered by Louise Bourgeois (pictured above):

"I've been to hell and back.
And let me tell you, it was wonderful."

Stage Fright


Trembling in the wings, waiting to go on, to perform, to do what you intend to do - unsure whether you're going to nail your line or vomit - it will be one of the two.

I'm waiting. Terrified. I haven't felt this way in a long long time.

I don't know anything. The understudy was never there. The potential for failure seems more real than ever . . . and I think we're at my cue.