First of all, big mood.

Our day started with a healthy dose of walking, from our apartment to a restaurant where we were meeting some family for breakfast. The streets are a lot more rundown and chaotic than in Beirut, but were interesting to see.

We eventually got to the restaurant, but it turned out there are two in the area, and we were at the wrong one. Once we sorted that out, we strapped in for some food. Another turn of events later, we found out the restaurant only serves Fūl. Luckily, it was actually really good. They had a lot of different types too, but the classic was the best. We also saw a two year old smoking a cigarette… That put a damper on things.

After eating, our relative showed us around the area, walking around the various markets and shops nearby, including a place which make their own soaps, located in a nice little courtyard area.

We eventually made our way back to our family’s house for a catch-up and a drink. Soon after, we headed back out to return to our apartment for a few hours, but hit a bit of a snag… Everyone wanted to stop at a jewellery shop, and a quick look turned into a browse, turned into a shop, turned into about forty-five minutes, during which the sane few of us uninterested, had to stand outside and wait like obedient dogs.

At some point during the monotonous wait, I started sneezing. It’s now four hours later and I’m still sneezing. Let this be a cautionary tale for all future shoppers.

I’m home resting with the youngens this evening while the others go to their uncle’s house for dinner. Tomorrow we do some sort of tour I believe. Hopefully I’m better by then. If not, I know who to blame: