Cairo's Spice Market (12/30/08 1:40pm)

Wondering around, looking for thread/yarn (it’s very inexpensive in this region, and seems to be one of the few ‘legitimate’ made goods we can easily purchase).

A propositioning guy shows up, leads us to where we can shop for thread, then spices, then artwork, and decorative boxes. He gets a commission from the pieces, but also led us to spots we probably would not of visited.

I had my doubts about the guy in the ‘factory’ making the boxes. Bo thinks it’s legit, but I think it’s a ruse. The guy leading us around was on his cell phone, and I can see how they have this ‘factory’ shop setup to move merchandise from China and claim it’s made here locally. Perhaps it is, I’m not sure. The boxes are of very good quality though, and I’ll get some good use from my eye glass case.

We also picked up some Saffron for $0.36/gram, and some other spices. Bo and Brad (I rang him) say it is really expensive in the states.

It was a fun day of things, and at the end, we got taken at a restraint by our guide. The three of us ate, and it was 120 Egyptian pounds…or $22. Ouch. I’m sure he’ll get a kick back on that one. We tipped him anyway, and now we are off to rest and then celebrate NYE2009!

My and Sarid, the papyrus painter (as mentioned in Lonely Planet)

The shop where the boxes are crafted.

Sarid's gallery.