Lunching at the Mena House

Got to eat at a swanky restaurant last week inside the luxurious hotel of the Mena House Oberoi. Formerly the king of Egypt's hunting lodge, it was bought by Sir Hugh F. Locke-King, who was also responsible for solely financing, Brooklands, the first permanent race car track in the world built in Surrey, England. Sir Lock-King turned the sprawling hunting lodge into a 5-star hotel in 1869. Since its opening, the Mena House has played hosts to royalties, dignitaries, and celebrities. This was also the place that Agathy Christie penned her Hercule Poirot novel, "Death on the Nile"; by far Agathy Christie's greatest work! Who could resist Hercule Poirot, "the little man with the funny-looking moustache?"

The east side of the hotel, and the balcony view of the restaurant, faced manicured lawns and the Giza Pyramids.



A private luncheon was being set up outside, as we made our way into the hotel. Sure would have loved an invitation!







Inside, the hotel was opulently decorated with tasteful exotic antiques and original artwork that oozed "old Cairo" charm.



This magnificent chandelier graced the center ceiling and grand stairwell of the hotel as we walked up to the Mena House Restaurant.





Through darkened portals unfolded a naturally lit room of Arabesque furnishings, and floor to ceiling windows facing the Pyramids.

The outdoor terrace was full, but a cosy table for two was found in the corner as I put away my camera. Imperious stares from the restaurant's more "established" clients, reminded me none too gently of my poor dining room manners. LoL.

Exiting through the gated archway of the Mena House Oberoi, I knew this was one swanky eatz that would see my return!

Coptic Cairo

I explored Coptic Cairo today, since I had the day off and found myself in a section of Cairo that was one of the oldest in the city. Coptic is a Greek word that signifies Egypt, and is a Christian religion similar to the Greek Orthodox Church. The neighborhood was comprised of Coptic churches, the Babylon Fortress, and the Coptic cemetery that was behind limestone perimeter walls and a gated entry way. Coptic Cairo dates back to 600 B.C. and is an anomaly in Egypt, where 90% of the population are Muslims. The area was littered with churches and crosses; a deviation from the norm that typically has mosques, minarets, and crescent moons dominating the landscape.

The most important discovery of the day was this church, which was built on the site where the Holy Family (Mary, Joseph, and Jesus) came through after they fled from Herod, ruler of Galilee and the King of the Jews, who wanted the infant Jesus killed for fear that he would grow up and usurp him.



In the basement of the church was a watering hole that was used by the Holy Family. Over time the watering hole was made into a well, and the Coptic church was built around it in deference to its sanctity.



Many visitors drew water from the well to drink its holy contents.





Near the entry gate was the remains of the Babylon Fortress that was built in 600 B.C. by Persians that had settled in the region, and had named the fort after their beloved homeland. The Romans eventually took over the fort when they conquered Egypt, and Roman architectural traits could be found in the remains.

Through the arched entry of the Coptic Cemetery were 20th century tombstones, mausoleums, and more churches.

I loved the statue below that was a marker over a grave site.





This wrought iron figure of St. George slaying the dragon was especially captivating against the magnificent sky. It was wonderful walking amid Christian churches and holy crosses again, and felt very humbled that the Holy Family had stood on the very same grounds that I had been exploring.

Missing Me Some Cutie Patooties!

I sorely need a nieces n' nephews fix!

I have 2 months to go until I'm home for the holidays.

In the mean time, I have these wonderful pics of my cutie pattootie family below.

To Yasmine, Rex, Zeb, Skylar, and (1 trimester to go) Piper:

I love and miss you to infinity, and can't wait to play with you at Christmas!

Hugs n' Kisses,

Auntie Ging-Ging

Oh If I Could Walk Amongst The Leaves

Oh if I could walk amongst the leaves,

as autumn calls out to the breeze,

and whispers softly to the trees,

oh how it chatters where it please!

Oh if I could walk amongst the leaves,

now silent orange, red, and gold debris,

swirling on the ground with ease,

a hushed carpet of autumn leaves.

~gina

New Wearable Art?

Ever hear of Australian artist and body illustrator Emma Hack? She is simply A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Emma takes wearable art to the next level! Earning multiple awards for her provocative images, her artistry uses the human canvas to blend in with her inspired backgrounds. Check out some of her designs below. Très chic!