Why being in a city of five million is relaxing...

Because Cairo still has 20 million people. I went to Alexandria this weekend, and it was so relaxing, even though it's still a big city by any standard. To get away from the pollution and crowding of Cairo was nice, even for a day and a half. Left for Alex Friday afternoon. Luli and Thea picked me up from the train station and took me to Montezza Gardens, basically a public park surrounding the former palace of the king of Egypt. It's nice, and the weather was gorgeous. Apparently it's the Egypt version of lover's lane, where all the couples go to make out and other less acceptable things in public. Steamy windows guaranteed. Anyway, went to Poo's place where we all gorged on "American" pancakes (I know she tried, but they weren't quite the same, although they were close). Hung around for a bit then we all wanted to go to a movie. A few people went to see Meet the Fockers, but as a few of us had already seen it, we decided to go off and have some seafood.
Which was some of the best fish I'd ever had. Rudy took us to this place near Old Alex, where you go a pick out the fresh fish/crab/calimari/whatever the hell you want, and then they cook it for you. It was soooo good. I was stuffed.
The next day we went to Algamy (no idea how to spell it), where Luli has a beach house. We just chilled, played cards, played Clue, ate some kofta and kebab, and had a great time. Look at Luli's blog for an account of our poker playing. I killed everyone at Texas Hold'Em.
Unfortunately I missed the express train back and ended up back at home a little before midnight. Exhausted.